We all know Singapore is home to a plethora of international cuisine – think Italian trattorias, Spanish tapas bars, French bistros and American burger joints. What you should add to the list: Australian cafes, which have been popping up all over. From the more European-influenced Melbourne styles to the beachy laid-back spaces that wouldn’t look out of place along Sydney’s Bondi Beach, Lucy Rees shares her top picks.
Why: Beginning as a hole-in-the-wall at Bondi, Luxe made its first international venture in Singapore on hip Keong Saik Road last year. With an airy, minimalist and typically Aussie vibe, we found the menu pretty limited when it first opened in July, but upon returning the options seem to have tripled. We love it for an after-work cocktail at the bar too.
Go for: The pork sausage roll followed by pandan madeleines with coconut curd. #01-04 Keong Saik Road
Image: @luxelovessg Instagram
Why: A partnership between Harry Grover of 40 Hands in Tiong Bahru, Five Senses Coffee (a wholesale coffee roaster based in Australia) and the Spa Esprit Group, Comman Man Coffee Roasters aims to make good coffee “accessible to all”. The roasted coffee is sold wholesale at various cafes around Singapore and its Martin Road space features a dedicated coffee bar, making it one of the few cafes that serves equally good caffeine and grub. Nothing common about that.
Go For: The Turkish Breakfast, a hearty dish served with a side of hummus and pita bread. #01-00 22 Martin Road
Image: @commonmancoffee Instagram
Why: The Melburnian-style cafe may have super plain decor and an even plainer menu – it just consists of eggs on toasts, ciabattas and a few cakes. But what they do, they do very well. The poached eggs on toast are done to perfection, and they make one of the best coffees around. Make sure you stop by the quirky Tong Mern Sern Antiques Arts & Crafts store next door.
Go for: Dean’s Breakfast – poached eggs on toast with cheese and Vegemite. Trust us. 50 Craig Road
Image: The Plain Cafe Tumblr
Why: Around since 2011, Toby’s Estate is named after the founder and coffee expert who now has five cafes worldwide. The industrial black space along Robertson Walk is a mecca for both coffee snobs and breakfast lovers.
Go for: Eggs Benedict (you can choose eggs done three different ways) and a Gilbatrar latte (the bestselling type of coffee Toby’s Estate is known for). #01-03/04 8 Rodyk Street
Image: Toby’s Estate Blog
Why: While the flagship food emporium in Sydney actually closed down a few years ago, Jones the Grocer – a deli, wine bar, cheese room, coffee shop all at once – appears to be thriving in Singapore. The one at Dempsey is much larger and perfect for a lazy Sunday morning brunch.
Go for: Jones Wagyu Burger or the Salumi plate. #01-12 9 Dempsey Road / #04-21/22/23 Mandarin Gallery
Image: @jonesthegrocer Facebook
Main image: Luxe Singapore
Like this? Check out 10 stylish Bangkok cafes you must visit.