Nothing can quite run on empty — not cars, planes, devices, and most certainly not you! Before you head off for your weekend hike or spin class, don’t forget to fill up that tummy with some delicious grub.

Starting all the way from the edge of Singapore where Changi Airport is, we look at some of the best breakfast and brunch places in the east!

1. Hub and Spoke

Haven’t been to the airport lately? Here’s a reason why you should: Hub and Spoke cafe.

Located in a quaint little glasshouse just outside Terminal 2 is a casual dining spot helmed by the folks behind Roast & Toast. Their extensive menu is a West meets Singaporean affair, like pairing a Prime Ribeye Steak (S$19.90) with a cup of Kopi O (S$1.40). It might sound a little odd, but don’t knock it till you try it. Or if you’d like something more breakfast-y, their Salmon Benedict (S$11.90) will fill you right up.

In true Changi fashion, photo spots are aplenty. Apart from the already-Instagrammable colonial style cafe interior, head outside to find a lush garden with over 2,700 plants. With its picturesque garden theme, large interior and scrumptious food line-up, Hub and Spoke is also a popular venue for small-scale weddings, solemnisation, and event functions.

You’d also be pleased to know that there’s a full suite of amenities for cyclists. After cycling along the Changi Airport Connector, you can park your bicycle, wash it, pump some air back into the tires and even take a shower before popping in for brunch. You could even rent a bicycle locker space to store your ride while taking a stroll around Changi Airport itself!

Address: 60 Airport Boulevard #01-T2S-02 (closest to Terminal 2)
Opening hours: Open daily from 7:30am to 9:45pm

2. Privé

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Perched on the fifth level of Jewel Changi Airport, Prive holds one of the best views of the entire Shiseido Forest Valley and, of course, the HSBC Rain Vortex itself.

Their food menu includes a wide selection of plant-based dishes perfect for vegetarians and vegans. Should any non-vegan item catch your eye though, the staff are more than happy to help adjust the dish to fit your dietary requirements. With their great food and service, some may argue that this is reputedly the best cafe restaurant in Jewel.

The Middle Eastern Avocado Toast (S$18) is a hot favourite among regulars. Served with either chickpeas or poached eggs, this avo toast rocks an aromatic kick from the pomegranate, pumpkin seed dukkah, and chipotle-cumin hummus. Pair that with a creamy bowl of Forest Mushroom Soup (S$14) which might seem pricey at first, but a single sip is all it takes to know it’s worth the price.

Once refreshed and charged up, a day of shopping around Jewel awaits you.

Address: Jewel Changi Airport, #05-204

Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday — 11:00am to 10:00pm, Friday to Saturday — 10:00am to 10:30pm

3. The Coastal Settlement

Where is the best place for weekend brunch in Singapore? Ask any Eastie which brunch spot they’d recommend and they’d most likely include The Coastal Settlement on the list. The food is great, the ambience has character, and the decor makes you feel as though you’ve stepped into a time capsule.

Brunch is available from 11:00am to 4:00pm on weekends. When you think of an indulgent brunch, you’d think of a full English breakfast. Here at The Coastal Settlement, The Settlement Big Breakfast (S$24) comes with a serving of scrambled eggs, creamed mushrooms, maple glazed bacon, chicken cheese sausage, crispy potato, mesclun salad and artisanal toast.

Address: 200 Netheravon Road, Singapore 508529
Opening hours: Monday to Friday — 10:30am to 11:00pm, Saturday to Sunday — 8:30am to 11:00pm

4. East Coast Commune

Sourdough waffles for brunch? Sign us up, please!

It’s sourdough galore here. There are sourdough sandwiches for your big breakfast and sourdough waffles for desserts. And you’d definitely have to give their Four Cheese Waffle (S$15) a try. The waffle itself is infused with rosemary and caramelised shallots, then topped with a creamy blend of mozzarella, parmesan, cheddar and gorgonzola.

Parents don’t have to hand their kids a smartphone or a tablet either at this popular brunch place in Singapore. Not only does East Coast Commune have a separate menu specially curated for kids, they’ve also got a play area for kids to entertain themselves. If that’s not enough, surely the huge playground just opposite the cafe or the beach itself will wear the young ones out.

Address: 1000 East Coast Parkway, #01-03, Singapore 449876, Carpark C2
Opening hours: Open daily from 9:00am to 6:00pm

5. Cafe de Nicole’s Flower

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True to its name, this cafe in the east is pretty much overflowing with flowers from its decor to its platings.

They say you eat with your eyes first; so each dish is intricately plated to look like a piece of art before it’s brought to your table. But of course, taste is everything to Singaporeans. Their souffle pancakes are delightfully light and fluffy with a strong eggy flavour.

For something more filling, Nicole’s Favours (S$21.90) from the brunch menu would definitely leave you stuffed. Their avocado salmon sourdough toast comes served with juicy grilled pork sausage, a sunny side up, hashbrown strips and a generous helping of salad.

Don’t forget to grab a photo of the cafe’s ‘boss’ — a fat blue-grey cat that roams around the premises and judges everywhere equally.

Address: 224 Telok Kurau Rd, #01-01, Singapore 423836
Opening hours: Open daily from 9:00am to 10:00pm

6. Common Man Coffee Roasters

We had sourdough waffles above, now we’ve got sourdough pancakes! This coffeehouse is the third amalgamation of Common Man Common Roasters with the same diehard dedication to a good cup of filtered coffee.

The star of their breakfast menu is without a doubt their sourdough pancake exclusives. Have it savoury (S$24) served with crispy bacon, eggs and maple syrup, or have it sweet (S$24) with chocolate almond ganache, vanilla bean ice cream, almond praline, and citrus marmalade.

They don’t take reservations here, and since their sourdough pancakes are in limited quantities, be prepared to elbow your way into the queue.

Address: 185 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427456
Opening hours: Open daily from 7:30am to 5:00pm

7. The Whole Kitchen

Gluten-free, low sugar, paleo, keto, Halal, and vegan — everyone can dine here at The Whole Kitchen.

The motto “Healthy doesn’t have to be tasteless, tasty doesn’t have to be unhealthy” rings true here. Alongside an all-day menu of granola bowls and toasties, their display cabinets are always stocked with cakes, scones, and other tasty treats. Think of this as a health upgrade of your snacks at home.

You can’t go wrong with the classic avocado on toast, but if you come after 11:00am, we’d recommend going for their Truffle Brie Toasties (S$16) that’s an absolute mouthgasm.

So for those who prefer a healthy cafe in Singapore to have your brunch, consider dropping by The Whole Kitchen!  

Address: 11 East Coast Road, #01-16 Odeon Building, Singapore 428722

Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday — 7:30am to 5:00pm, Thursday to Sunday — 9:00am to 5:00pm

8. Five Oars Coffee Roasters

The old Tanjong Pagar stronghold is gone, but now they’re back — bigger and grander than ever in their new swanky shophouse in the east of Singapore.

Like any good roastery cafe, their beans are roasted in-house to ensure taste and freshness - much better than the generic coffee you make at home. Here you get a choice between their Mahogany (a more chocolatey, hazelnut-like blend) and Ethiopia (floral with a hint of fruits).

Their Melbourne-inspired menu hasn’t changed much from their previous branch. Hot favourites such as their Mentaiko Mac & Cheese (S$16) and their Crab Scramble (S$23) are still available, but if you’re having brunch at this place, we’d recommend their Bacon & Hash (S$21) instead. Once you’ve had thick-cut bacon, you can’t go back.

Address: 6 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455200

Opening hours: Open daily from 8:00am to 10:00pm

9. Forty Hands

The brand’s first outlet in Tiong Bahru is a pretty big thing among local coffee snobs and connoisseurs, so you can expect nothing but the best brew from its second outlet at Joo Chiat. The secret to their brews? Freshly-roasted coffee beans from Common Man Coffee Roasters.

Just like its decor — a little old school, a little Peranakan — suggests, you can get the best of both Asian and Western worlds for your brunch here. Their Big Boy Breakfast (S$27) doesn’t disappoint. It’s served with either beef or pork sausage, grilled tomatoes, crispy streaky bacon, beef bolognese, grilled portobello mushroom, sauteed spinach, flatbread and eggs.

Your trip to Forty Hands wouldn’t be complete without their famous tau sar pau (steamed buns with red bean paste filling), which the cafe claims is the best steamed buns in Singapore. We leave the verdict to you.

Address: 226 E Coast Road, Singapore 428923

Opening hours: Open daily from 7:30am to 6:00pm

10. Alto

Sure, Alto might be weirdly located (inside Bayshore Park Condominium, to be exact) but hey, where wouldn’t we go for the sake of good food?

This cosy 17-seater is like a little holiday home tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Not to mention: East Coast Park and the beach is just a short 5-minute walk away!

Their Grande Breakfast (S$16) is a hearty affair, served with snail-shaped chicken sausage, scrambled eggs, button mushrooms, tomatoes, sourdough toast, butter and salad greens. What really jumps out from the menu though, has to be their Sweet ‘N’ Savoury Waffles (S$16). We’ve heard of fried chicken and waffles, but to have scrambled eggs, creamy dill sauce, almonds, pea sprouts and a protein on top of a Belgian waffle? Unreal.

So go on ahead and add Alto to your list of best cafes in the east!

Address: 54 Bayshore Road, 01-01, Singapore 469979

Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday — 9:00am to 6:00pm, Thursday to Friday — 9:00am to 9:00pm, Saturday — 8:00am to 9:00pm, Sunday — 8:00am to 6:00pm

11. The Brewing Ground

Located on the site of the old Telok Kurau Primary School is a pet-friendly glasshouse cafe that sees a huge crowd every weekend.

Brunch only starts at 11:00am here, but early birds visiting this cafe can feast on their breakfast offerings which feature dishes like Homemade Granola (S$12) and Burrata & Tomatoes Tartine (S$18) while they wait. The Crab & Signature Scrambled Eggs on Toast (S$25) is easily the most popular and the most sinful brunch item on the menu — an airy slice of sourdough topped with luscious silky egg, a generous helping of sauteed crab meat and ikura.

Complete the meal with a cup of joe, or if you’d like, a cold brew martini (S$18) or The Brewing Ground mimosa (S$18). It’s the weekend, after all.

Address: 406 Joo Chiat Pl, #01-24 The Yards, Singapore 428084

Opening hours: Open daily from 7:30am to 5:00pm

12. Seng Coffee Bar

Just a stone’s throw away from Kembangan MRT you’ll find a rustic little coffee bar run by a father-daughter duo.

Here you can expect your usual brunch fare with a modern Southeast Asian twist. Fried chicken, but marinated with fermented beancurd sauce (S$12). Risotto, but with torched pork belly (S$20). Creme brulee, but with cempedak (S$8)!

Even with all the competition among all the cafes in the east, Seng Coffee Bar has carved out its own niche and continues to draw in throngs of regulars every weekend. Looking for cheap and good food in Singapore? Seng Coffee Bar checks all the boxes.

Address: 389 Changi Road, Singapore 419838
Opening hours: Open daily from 11:00am to 10:30pm

13. Kings Cart Coffee Factory

From its humble days as a mobile coffee cart, Kings Cart Coffee Factory has since established its own brick and mortar shop in the heart of Joo Chiat, serving up the same cuppa joe to coffee connoisseurs in the area.

Apart from the obvious cup of coffee, many of their dishes also centre around the aromatic beans. They’ve got Coconut Cold Brew (S$9); espresso in fresh coconut juice with coconut flesh, Tiramisu Souffle Pancakes (S$21.50); a stack of custardy pancakes with mocha ice cream and kahlua liquor, and of course their signature Coconut Affogato (S$7); bitter espresso poured over a scoop of coconut ice cream and toasted coconut flakes.

Furkids are also welcomed at Kings Cart Coffee Factory. In fact, they even get their own bowls of water with labels that say “Good Bois” on them! Do keep in mind that they aren’t open on Monday though, just in case you were hoping to start your week with a brunch feast in the east.

Location: 328 Joo Chiat Road, #01-05, Singapore 427585

Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 9:00am to 6:00pm

Get your stomach ready for all these best brunch places in the east

On the weekends, brunch is served from 11:00am onwards. So what better way to start the day right with a grand, decadent brunch? Whether you’re up for some shopping or going for a cycle through the East Coast Park connectors, these are some of the best places to have brunch in the east!

 

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