Gone are the days when cafés are just cafés. Whether you’re looking for things to do in Singapore or a new brunch place to chill out on the weekends, these multi-concept cafés will give you more than good food to while your hours away. We’ve got something for everyone - pet lovers, book aficionados and board game enthusiasts included - so make sure you read till the end!
Old Habits Boutique & Cafe: Vintage finds and modern fusion
Part vintage boutique, part cafe, one look at Old Habits will get the retro-loving souls jumping with nostalgia. While its decor is decked with all sorts of vintage finds like old typewriters and ring-dial telephones, the food here is interestingly fresh and innovative. In fact, you may find yourself surprisingly delighted with their spread of Western and Japanese-inspired cuisine as you bask in groovy tunes of the 70s.
You won’t have much trouble locating the café with its flashy signage. Photo credit: Old Habits
Situated at the idyllic Telok Blangah area, Old Habits offers an extensive menu from light bites like drumlets (S$7.90) and fries (S$4.90) to hearty meals like their signature sea salt caramel roast chicken (S$16.90) and wagyu beef rice bowl (S$18.90). If you’re one for exotic tastes, don’t hesitate to try their artisanal beverages like the popcorn matcha latte (S$5.90) too! Not too bitter, not too sweet, with just the right hint of buttery popcorn goodness.
The best part? Ask the friendly owners and they’ll be more than glad to let you get up close and personal with some of their collectibles while you dine, and play with some games of yesteryears that may bring back good ol’ memories for some of you 70s kids. Some of the items you see can even be bought for a reasonable price!
Address: #01-04 SAFRA Mount Faber, 2 Telok Blangah Way, Singapore 098803
Operating Hours:
Tuesday – Sunday: 10:30am to 8:00pm
Closed on Mondays
Website: http://oldhabits.com.sg/
The Cat Cafe: Feline furballs and freshly-baked pastries
Nothing puts a smile on your face and a warmth in your soul (and lap) quite like having dozens of purring cats around as you sip peacefully on an aromatic cup of coffee. The Cat Cafe is not just for cat lovers, it’s for anyone who could use a little feline companion while taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
All the cats you see are rescued and adopted by the owners of the café! Photo credit: The Cat Cafe
Let the cats join you for your meal, they’re completely harmless. Photo credit: @sgcatcafe
For S$16, step into kitty paradise and enjoy a complimentary soft drink — which you can upgrade to a cuppa for a mid-day pick-me-up. You can also get yourself a slice of their freshly-baked cakes from only S$6 or linger a little longer for a heartier meal of lasagne (S$8.90) or chicken wrap (S$6). Be careful though! Some kitties may nibble on your food if left unattended.
A friendly reminder: Don’t force your way when a cat ignores you or hides in a corner. This is their home, so let them rest and play on their own terms. If you really want to get their attention though, you can purchase treats for only S$3 — it’ll likely draw some of the greedier ones to you for a head scratch or two!
Address: Level 3, 241B Victoria Street, Singapore 188030
Operating Hours:
Monday: 3:00pm to 10:00pm
Tuesday – Sunday & Public Holiday: 10:00am to 10:00pm
Website: Make an online reservation at thecatcafe.sg
Arteastiq: Painting dreams and sipping tea
As its name suggests, art meets tea in the most fantas-tiq way. From the outside, the cafe exudes a classy Parisian vibe that invites you to lay back and relax. When you’re inside, the ambience doesn’t disappoint — candy-coloured armchairs, over-the-top chandeliers and an art studio to boot. The cafe also overlooks the streets of Orchard Road!
True to its name, even the presentation of their tea is charmingly artistic. Photo credit: Arteastiq
If you’re looking for something new to try with your partner or friends, painting at Arteastiq is one for the list. Photo credit: Arteastiq
While Arteastiq is no stranger to a sumptuous brunch affair, their high tea sets and wide selection of artisanal tea blends are the true highlights. Need a light refreshing mix? Choose something from their Fruit or Floral Tea section (from S$11). Want something a little exotic? Try their Dessert Tea (S$12). These come with a scoop of gelato — yes, including durian-flavoured gelato for fans of the thorny fruit.
What’s exceptionally charming about this place is that you can do of all that while mixing colours on a blank canvas. Don’t worry if you’re not an artistic person, they have instructors to guide you and make sure your painting turns out picture-perfect (definitely one for the ‘gram). Tip: If you sign up for an Art Jamming session, you’ll also be entitled to a complimentary beverage (alcoholic drinks included) at S$48!
Address: #04-14 Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Road, Singapore 238897
Note: They also have outlets at Plaza Singapura and Jewel Changi Airport (but only Mandarin Gallery and Plaza Singapura have art studios for art-jamming)
Operating Hours:
Opens daily: 11:00am to 10:00pm
Time slots for Art Jam: 11:00am to 2:00pm, 2:30pm to 5:30pm, and 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Website: arteastiq.com/singapore
The Moon: Food for the mind and tummy
Get your eat-pray-love trip going with a visit to The Moon. While book cafes aren’t an innovative concept, The Moon encapsulates the ambience of sipping on coffee over a good read impeccably with its half-indie, half-homely interior.
As you browse through the collection of books available, you’ll find many of the authors to be not just women, but women of colour. Photo credit: The Moon Cafe
Founded by an illustrator, every corner of the cafe is also one for the ‘gram. Photo credit: The Moon Cafe
Here, you’re sure to find a drink to your taste. Their thoughtfully curated menu caters to all types of diet — gluten-free, vegan, caffeine-free or diet-free. And if you’re not sure where to start, the cafe even has recommended book-and-tea pairings that you can choose from! A concoction of rosehip shells and cocoa husks for a spooky read or a pot of earl grey black tea to go with a classic piece of literature. If you get peckish halfway, you can grab a light bite from their selection of toasts and cakes too.
Once you’ve found something, grab a chair on the first floor or head upstairs to get real comfy. With its second and third floors decked with bean bags, cushions and side tables for your drinks, you’ll find The Moon to be a haven for letting your mind wander with imagination. Whether you’re with friends or alone, the cafe will make you feel right at home.
Address: 37 Mosque Street, Singapore 059515
Operating Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 11:00am to 6:00pm
Friday – Sunday: 9:30am to 8:30pm
Website: themoon.com.sg
The Mind Cafe: Good ol’ board games and comfort food
If you’re looking for some indoor activities to play with friends, The Mind Cafe is one to consider visiting. Why? Because for just an additional S$5/hr (on top of your food and drinks), you get unlimited access to all the board and card games on display! Or you could take one of their packages (from S$10.80) for free-flow drinks and snacks.
This is not your typical board game cafe; The Mind Cafe offers mains that are actually pretty good, and very affordable too. Their Curry Chicken with Buttered Raisin Rice and Golden Crispy Chicken Thigh, are only S$11.90 — prepared by professional kitchen staff!
Speaking from experience: Be prepared for the sudden shrieks and random shouts of excitement when you’re there. It happens when people get engrossed in a game, and we bet you’ll find yourself one of them when you visit. From old-school Monopoly, Cluedo and Scrabble to the newer card games, just let the friendly game facilitators know what kind of game you’re looking for and how long you have to spend there. Then let the games begin!
Address: 60A Prinsep Street, Singapore 188664
Operating Hours:
Monday – Thursday, Sunday & Public Holiday: 11:00am to 2:00am
Friday, Saturday & Eve of Public Holiday: 11:00am to 6:00am
Website: themindcafe.com.sg
PAZZION Café: Something for the soul and sole
For the majority of us, the thought of shopping tends to send tingles down our spine. Which probably also explains why it is one of our favourite past times, in addition to food hunting. Introducing PAZZION Café, PAZZION’s first multi-concept lifestyle destination located in Jewel Changi Airport. The unique store features a combination of shopping (for shoes!) and a café experience so that shoppers can enjoy the best of both worlds.
Not just a footwear brand anymore – PAZZION Café brings to its customers a perfect harmony of fashion and café culture. Photo credit: PAZZION website
Known for their high-calibre craftsmanship, the homegrown footwear brand features a colourful array of shoes and eclectic mix of vintage-looking props, alongside chic Scandinavian-style furnishings. Beside it, you will find PAZZION Café - a modern and elegantly designed café that boasts a delectable menu of western fare that looks as good as it tastes!
Like their shoes, the menu features wide mix of healthy superfood (think cous cous and homemade granola bowls), indulgent desserts like waffles and creme caramel, brunch and flavourful mains.
Fancy something different? Do try the popular Cold Truffle Pasta. Photo credit: PAZZION Cafe website
An all time crowd's favourite is the Salmon Avocado Toast. Be sure to try this during brunch! Photo credit: PAZZION Cafe Website
Fuel up for your day of shopping with their hearty all-day brunch menu. Savour brunch favourites such as the Salmon Avocado Toast (S$18) and the Big Fabulous Breakfast (S$24). Or, if you are looking for something different, go for the Grilled Salmon, Avocado, and Poached Egg Super Quinoa Bowl (S$18) or the Cold Truffle Angel Hair Pasta (S$18). Tip: Do also try to get a seat located right next to Jewel’s Rain Vortex for the amazing view as you savour your meal!
Once that’s done, kickstart your shopping by heading to the store section of the café which features a slightly different industrial chic style and browse through the brand’s latest collection.
Address: Jewel Changi Airport, 78 Airport Boulevard #B1-243, Singapore 819666
Operating Hours:
Sunday - Thursday: 11:00am to 10:00pm
Friday, Saturday & Eve of Public Holiday: 10:00am to 10:00pm
Website: pazzion.com/cafe
Even if you’re not normally a cafe-hopper, these unique multi-concept cafes will provide you with something more to look forward to. It’s also a plus that most of them are located very conveniently in the downtown area. So you can do a little shopping and visit one of these cafes for a break! If you ask us, that sure sounds like a great weekend plan.
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