Whether you find yourself in Tanjong Pagar for lunch, brunch or a midday pick-me-up, the district is home to a myriad of restaurants, cafes and more.
Over the years, the Tanjong Pagar district has worn many hats. Once a working-class enclave with roots tracing back to Singapore’s maritime history, it has steadily evolved into a vibrant neighbourhood, home to intimate cafes and homegrown boutiques. The name Tanjong Pagar itself, meaning ‘cape of stakes’ in Malay, points to its origins as a fishing village. Over the decades, it became a hub for dockworkers, then later a community shaped by the ebb and flow of commerce and migration.
Today, the neighbourhood has its own distinct areas, each with its own unique character. Along Tanjong Pagar Road and Duxton Hill, rows of conserved shophouses have been reimagined as cafes, bars and retail shops. Alongside these heritage shophouses are contemporary skyscrapers, such as Guoco Tower. Currently the tallest building in Singapore, Guoco Tower anchors the Tanjong Pagar business district and is home to offices, residences, a hotel, and a mall.
Explore the area and you’ll find plenty to see, do, and of course, eat. While the area continues to be vibrant after dusk — thanks to its wide offerings of restaurants, bars and clubs — there’s still much to look forward to while the sun is still up.
When it comes to cafes and specialty coffee shops, you’ll be in for a treat. Grab a seat at Butter Tgt for homemade bakes or head to Tomo Cafe for hearty fusion plates. Those who appreciate specialty brews can visit Cloud Cafe for its espresso-based cups.
(Hero and featured image credit: Five Oars Coffee Roasters / Facebook and @butter_tgt/Instagram)
7 best Tanjong Pagar cafes to visit today
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This cosy cafe puts the spotlight on Japanese-inspired dishes. Start with its Caraage (S$18), featuring shiokoji chicken thigh fried until crispy and golden brown. Then, savour its donburis and sandos — standouts include the Miso Gindara (S$28) comprising flaky miso black cod on a bed of cauliflower rice; and Wagyu Sando (S$58) featuring layers of A5 Wagyu and caramelised onions between fluffy white bread.
Come for the food but stay for the coffee. You’ll want to try its signature Aurora beans that offer unique tasting notes of grape and rum. Enjoy it in a Long Black (S$6) to savour the beans’ full flavour profile.
Opening hours: Wednesday to Monday, 11am – 10:30pm
Closed on Tuesdays
(Image credit: @Caracara / Instagram)
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Visit this cloud-themed cafe in Duxton Hill for your dose of caffeine. There’s plenty of espresso-based drinks to choose from. If you’re feeling something rich and indulgent, go for the Cloud White (S$9). Inspired by the Korean einspanner, this creation is topped with the cafe’s signature Cloud Cream. Daily bakes are available too and change regularly. Anticipate creations like the miso caramel brownie, berry toast and strawberry matcha cookie.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am – 6pm
Closed on Mondays
(Image credit: @cloud._.co / Instagram)
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Tucked away on the second floor of a shophouse along Duxton Hill, Butter Tgt serves up homemade bakes and aromatic brews. Savour its Grilled Cheese Toast (S$14) that’s made with fluffy homemade sourdough or dig into sweet treats like its signature Madelienes (S$7.50 for 3) and Lemon Pound Cake (S$6.50). Pair these treats with its nutty Iced Matcha (S$9) or a classic White (S$6).
Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday to Friday, 9:30am – 6pm
Saturday to Sunday, 9am – 6pm
Closed on Tuesdays
(Image credit: @butter_tgt / Instagram)
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Tomo Cafe is loved for its Chuffles, which pairs churros with waffles. You’ll want to try the Fried Chicken Chuffle (S$19), the cafe’s twist to the classic chicken and waffles dish. This version sees crispy fried chicken thighs sitting atop its fluffy chuffles. It’s finished with a generous drizzle of spicy honey sriracha. The Crab Linguine (S$22) is another standout — opt for the miso butter sauce for a rich and creamy plate. It’s accompanied by a generous serving of shredded crab claw meat and ebiko.
Opening hours: Daily, 11am – 9pm
(Image credit: Tomo Cafe / Facebook)
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Tucked along Tras Street, Baristart Coffee serves up hearty Japanese-inspired dishes that puts the spotlight on Hokkaido ingredients. Savour dishes like the Obihiro Butaton (S$19.80), a decadent bowl of Hokkaido Nanatsuboshi rice topped with tender pork belly that has been grilled to achieve a smoky char. It’s complete with a homemade teriyaki sweet sauce and togarashi.
You’ll want to save room for its sweets and indulge in the iconic Hokkaido Cream Puff (S$7) and the Shiro Kuma (S$11.80). The latter is a Hokkaido shaved ice dessert that’s adorably shaped in a bear.
Opening hours: Daily, 9am – 10pm
(Image credit: @baristartcoffee_sg / Instagram)
Visit this Melbourne-inspired cafe for brunch and sink your teeth into mouthwatering dishes like the Smoked Salmon Rosti (S$25) that’s crowned with perfectly poached eggs, crème fraiche and hollandaise sauce. If you prefer something sweet for brunch, its Yuzu Pancake (S$19) is a popular choice with fluffy pancakes accompanied by a sweet and tangy yuzu curd, housemate honeycomb, mascarpone and mixed berries.
Opening hours: Daily, 8am – 10pm
(Image credit: Five Oars Coffee Roasters / Facebook)
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This autumn-themed cafe is decked in vibrant autumn leaves. Both set and ala carte menus are available. Visit on a weekday for its Weekday Lunch Set, allowing you to pick one main and one beverage. Plates range from Ribeye Beef Steak (S$18.50) to Duck Confit (S$19.50). Finish the meal with a slice of its fruity Shine Muscat Shortcake (S$13.80) or rich Pistachio Matcha-misu (S$13.80).
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 9am – 11pm
Sunday, 11am – 10pm
(Image credit: Cafe Kreams / Facebook)