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Brew on a Budget! The 11 Best Affordable Cafes in Singapore
I’m a proud cafe-hopper on a budget, so I know Singapore’s cafe scene isn’t just for big spenders. There’s great coffee and hearty eats for the budget-conscious to be had if you just know where to look.
Affordable local cafes are alive and brewing, be they cosy spots or hidden gems. Let’s visit the Lion City’s best wallet-friendly caffeine fixes, shall we?
Kaffe & Toast
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Address: 10 Eunos Rd 8, #B1-157 SingPost Centre
Contact: +6593660322
Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday, 8 AM–9 PM
- Friday to Saturday, 8 AM–9.30 PM
Price: $
When I’m craving a solid local breakfast but don’t have a lot of money, I always find myself heading over to Kaffe & Toast. Its kopi-o, kaya toast, and soft-boiled eggs hit the spot every time.
The vibe here is super casual, making it ideal for a quick pit stop before work or errands. If you want a no-frills, classic Singaporean breakfast, this place delivers in steaming cups.
Pro-tip: A kaya butter toast set costs just S$5.20 here!
Refuel Cafe
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Address: 744 Bedok Reservoir Rd, #01-3029 Reservoir Village
Contact: +6564480015
Hours: Daily, 9 AM–9 PM
Price: $$
Sometimes, I need to have a hearty brunch but don’t always have the budget for it. Thank goodness for Refuel Cafe, where I can get breakfast sets and sandwiches that are generous, filling, and tasty.
The relaxed, suburban vibe makes it a great weekend hideout. It’s a place I recommend to anyone looking for comfort food and strong lattes with a laid-back ambience.
Pro-tip: There’s free WiFi at Refuel Cafe across all locations, with speeds suitable for work or study sessions.
Apollo Coffee Bar
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Address: 65 Serangoon Garden Way
Contact: +6562463875
Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday, 9 AM–10 PM
- Saturday, 9 AM–10 PM
- Sunday, 9 AM–7 PM
Price: $$
Apollo Coffee Bar nails that sweet spot between trendy and affordable, with espresso blends and sourdough sandwiches that are quite yummy. The matcha latte here is a must-try if you want something a little different but comforting.
The cafe’s warm, buzzy vibe makes it a good place to catch up with friends or have a solo coffee-drinking session. This is a sure bet for those seeking quality coffee without the high price tag.
Pro-tip: Dishes like the breakfast burger come in portions generous enough to be shared by two diners.
Bread Yard
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Address: 1 Fusionopolis Pl, #01 – 23 / 24 Galaxis
Contact: +6597735318
Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday, 8 AM–5.30 PM
- Thursday to Friday, 8 AM–8.30 PM
- Saturday, 8 AM–3 PM
Price: $
For those days I’m craving proper artisanal bread and good, strong coffee without spending a fortune, I head off to Bread Yard. I especially adore its sourdough toast and flat white combo for breakfast.
It’s a peaceful oasis for those wanting to escape the city’s hustle and bustle for a bit. It’s quiet, cosy, and ideal for getting work done or just zoning out with a book.
Pro-tip: Famished? Try the smoked salmon grain bowl with its tasty and nutritious mix of protein, fresh greens, and luscious avocado for under S$15.
The Glasshouse
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Address: 30 Victoria St, #01-03 CHIJMES
Contact: [email protected]
Hours: Daily, 8 AM–9 PM
Price: $$
I stumbled upon The Glasshouse one afternoon when I was looking for a quiet spot, and ended up finding one of my favourite brews in town. Its hand-brewed coffee is smooth, its cold brew packs a punch, and the avocado toast is an ideal lazy lunch munch.
The bright, minimalist vibe makes it easy to lose track of time while working on my laptop. So if you love strong coffee and calming spaces as much as I do, this place will feel like a secure sanctuary.
Pro-tip: The hand-brewed coffee is S$7.50 and boasts single-origin beans.
Nanyang Old Coffee
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Address: 90 Bras Basah Rd, B1-25 Esplanade Xchange
Contact: +6593980406
Hours:
- Monday to Friday, 7.30 AM–6 PM
- Saturday to Sunday, 9 AM–7 PM
Price: $
I finally gave in after walking past Nanyang Old Coffee a few times. The smell was just too tempting on an empty stomach.
When I tried the coffee, I found it rich and aromatic, but not too sweet. I paired it with some bouncy chee cheong fun (rice noodle rolls) with its special sauce and discovered a great brunch pairing I never thought I’d try in a cafe!
Pro-tip: If you want to try the special chicken rendang but are afraid of heat, the spice is just right and makes the dish flavourful rather than unbearable.
Ah Khoo Kopi Toast
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Address: 2 Sengkang Square, #01-05 Sengkang Community Centre
Contact: +6590122327
Hours:
- Monday to Friday, 7.30 AM–7 PM
- Saturday to Sunday, 8 AM–6 PM
Price: $
I find Ah Khoo Kopi Toast way better than the usual mall chains, and actually like the chewiness of its toast. I think it’s the perfect consistency for dipping into fresh soft-boiled eggs without things getting too soggy or crumbly.
One time, I was there for lunch, and I ordered soy chicken noodle out of curiosity. It’s surprisingly comforting and flavourful, with the tender chicken and well-balanced noodles a delight on the palate.
Pro-tip: Brunch options are affordable here with a price range of S$4.20 to S$6.50.
Bettr Coffee
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Address: 11 Prinsep Link, The Foundry
Contact: +65 6274 8193
Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday, 9 AM–9 PM
- Saturday to Monday, 9 AM–5 PM
Price: $
After a full day of learning how to roast coffee at the Bettr Academy, I finally dropped by this hidden gem run by a proud, homegrown B Corp. I skipped the coffee for a refreshing mocktail, but its food, service, and coffee are easily some of the best in the city.
It’s cosy, welcoming, and even starts serving cocktails from noon if you’re in the mood! It’s a cafe that lives up to its name, with its heart and soul (and affordable good brews).
Pro-tip: It’s a pet-friendly cafe, so go ahead and bring your furbaby with you.
The Living Room Cafe
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Address: Zion Bishan, 4 Bishan St. 13
Contact: +6567157899
Hours: Tuesday to Thursday, 11 AM–5 PM
Price: $$
Tucked in a quiet corner of Bishan, The Living Room Cafe offers comforting meals and good coffee. It’s set inside Zion Bishan Church and serves hearty Western dishes like big breakfasts and grain bowls, and local favourites such as Nyonya curry rice.
Everything is made in its own kitchen, and the friendly, laid-back vibe makes it feel like a true neighbourhood gem. I love dropping by this hidden cafe for a hot cup and a warm, satisfying meal at affordable prices.
Pro-tip: There’s no service charge at this cafe!
Good Bites
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Address: Floor 3 Bishan ActiveSG Sports Hall, 5 Bishan St 14, #03-01
Contact: +6569700233
Hours:
- Monday to Friday, 11 AM–5 AM
- Saturday to Sunday, 9 AM–5 AM
Price: $$
Good Bites is my family’s favourite chill spot inside Bishan Sports Centre because it’s ideal for both group gatherings and intimate dates. The vibe is easygoing, and the fusion Western dishes are both delicious and affordable.
Just a heads-up: the tempting menu has a staggering number of scrumptious items that you’ll feel spoiled for choice!
Honestly, I still dream about the last time I tried the shiok burger, with its crispy chicken patty and seriously addictive chilli crab sauce.
Pro-tip: Try the strawberry iced coffee latte here (S$9), which combines the rich flavours of coffee with a refreshing strawberry twist!
Kohi Roastery & Coffee Bar
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Address: V on Shenton, 5 Shenton Way, #01-01 UIC Building
Contact: +6580279991
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 AM–5.30 PM
Price: $
Kohi Roastery and Coffee Bar has a quirky wartime cafe vibe, which intrigued me enough to go inside and grab a cup of brew. The S$7.50 Brazilian filter brew was a steal for its quality, so I was glad I was reeled in with aesthetics.
One time, I dropped by at around 5 PM and felt like getting something other than coffee. I ordered a hot chocolate drink, which I enjoyed (along with the fact that there’s practically no queue at that time!).
Pro-tip: For a quick pick-me-up, try the cafe’s espresso tonic.
