Coffee culture has seen a massive evolution over the past centuries. What was once known as a medicinal beverage is now a global social phenomenon.
Currently, the coffee industry is in its Third Wave, a global movement which emerged in the early 2000s and treats coffee not as a mere commodity but as an artisanal craft, emphasising quality, transparency and sustainability. The Third Wave has also shifted consumer preferences, putting artisanal and speciality coffee in the spotlight. Today, the Third Wave continues to celebrate speciality single-origin beans with distinct flavour profiles that reflect the unique characteristics of their growing region.
Like the rest of the world, the Third Wave movement is flourishing in Singapore—and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. Walk through neighbourhoods and you’ll find specialty coffee shops that invite you to slow down and savour each brew thoughtfully.
Some, like Nylon Coffee emphasise direct trade relationships and meticulous single-origin sourcing. Others like Bettr Coffee blends ethical sourcing with bold experimentation, offering both classic and innovative creations. Notably, Apartment Coffee has been crowned sixth best coffee shop in the World’s 100 Best Coffee Shop list for 2025 and is currently the only Singaporean establishment on the list.
So, if you’re looking for a new favourite coffee shop or a slower morning with an aromatic brew in hand, here are some of the best speciality coffee shops to visit in Singapore for your daily dose of caffeine.
(Hero image credit: Five Oars Coffee Roasters / Facebook)
Best speciality coffee shops in Singapore for fresh brews
1 /7
Currently in sixth place on the World’s 100 Best Coffee Shop 2025 list, Apartment Coffee is loved for its pour-over coffees made from freshly roasted single-origin beans. The cafe is sleek and minimal, inviting you to slow down and take in the atmosphere as the team prepares your brew. Take your pick from beans from Ethiopia, Brazil, Costa Rica and more. Can’t decide what to get? Ask the friendly staff who will share more information about available beans and its flavour profiles.
Along with its cafe along Selegie Road, the cafe has also opened its new roastery in Jalan Riang. Like the Selegie outpost, the weekend-only cafe boasts sleek minimalist interiors and hand-brewed filter coffees.
Tip: As the coffee shop garners long queues, head down during off-peak hours to avoid long waits.
Opening hours: Daily, 10am – 6pm
(Image credit: Apartment / Facebook)
This speciality coffee shop has a history that dates back to the 1960s. Founded by Tan Tiong Hoe, the business started as a coffee roasting company. Today, the brand is helmed by Tan’s son, Jacob, who took over in 2014, evolving the business into what it is today.
Find 10 outlets around the island, each offering classic and innovative espresso-based drinks including Yuzu Coffee Soda (S$6.80), Milky White (S$6.50) and Pollen White (S$7.80). A selection of Single Origin Filter (S$7.60) is available—while it changes regularly, anticipate blends like the medium-bodied La Linda and the fruity Alo Coffee.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8am – 5pm
Saturday to Sunday, 8:30am – 4:30pm
(Image credit: Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee / Facebook)
Find ethically sourced coffee at Bettr Coffee’s latest space at The Foundry. Its espresso-based drinks are made with Eureka, a house blend featuring Brazilian and Ethiopian beans. The result is a well-rounded cup with notes of mandarin, almond chocolate and red cherry.
Single-origin brews are available too, like the Los Milagros, a filtered brew that has been roasted to achieve a rich and buttery texture with notes of golden pear, papaya and pecan. The result is a well-rounded cup with notes of mandarin, almond chocolate and red cherry. Along with speciality pours, find hearty plates like Chilli Crisp Eggs (S$12), Grain Bowl (S$14) and Brekky Sandwich (S$12).
Beyond offering ethically sourced coffee and hearty plates, Bettr is a socal enterprise that also focuses on providing vocational training and employment opportunities to disadvantaged groups and marginalised communities.
Opening hours: Saturday to Monday, 9am – 5pm
Tuesday to Friday, 9am – 10pm
(Image credits: Bettr Coffee / Facebook)
4 /7
Head to this Japanese Kissaten along Duxton for brews and tunes. Here, find expertly crafted pour-overs and refreshing cold brews. Beans rotate on a regular basis, keeping things fresh and exciting. Anticipate fruit-forward brews like Typica, a crisp and juicy cup with fruity notes of pear and rose apple.
Pair your brews with a sweet treat, such as the light and delicate Caramel Pudding (S$8) or the rich and creamy Cheesecake (S$11). Vinyl tunes complete the experience, enticing you to linger just a little longer.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday, 11am – 5pm
Saturday to Sunday, 10am – 3pm
Closed on Mondays
(Image credit: @corner___corner / Instagram)
5 /7
Formerly known as Papa Palheta, this speciality coffee boutique has been at the forefront of Singapore’s third wave coffee scene since 2009. A range of espresso-based drinks are available. Try a pour-over (S$8.50) and pick for a selection of seasonal single-origin beans. Or, try one of its signatures like the Kyoho Grape Cold Brew (S$14.50), a refreshing cup featuring Ethiopia Suke Quto coffee, soda water and Kyoho grape syrup.
Beyond brewing coffee, the brand emphasises the importance of having direct relationships with coffee producers. The brand also continues to educate the community through workshops, brew bars and curated experiences.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 9:30pm
Saturday to Sunday, 10am – 9:30pm
(Image credits: PPP Coffee / Facebook)
6 /7
Find quality seasonal blends at Nylon Coffee. Opt for the White (S$5++) for a smooth and balanced brew, or go for a filter coffee and take your pick from its selection of beans, which rotates regularly depending on seasonal availability.
Tried something you like? Purchase your favourite beans on Nylon’s official website. along with beans, the website also sells coffee accessories, including paper filters and drippers.
Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday to Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm
Saturday to Sunday, 9am – 4:30pm
Closed on Tuesdays
(Image credits: Nylon Coffee / Facebook)
7 /7
Visit this Melbourne-style cafe for hearty brunch fare and speciality coffee. On the menu, find plates like Chorizo & Scramble (S$22), Wagyu Cheeseburger (S$26) and Wagyu Bolognese (S$24). Pair these delectable dishes with its espresso-based drinks. Two different beans are available to choose from—those who prefer a fruity cup can go for the Ipanema, while the Mahogany offers earthy notes of chocolate and roasted almond.
Opening hours: Daily, 8am – 10pm
(Image credit: Five Oars Coffee Roasters / Facebook)
