Three more fantastic spots for coffee that I have found recently – Free the Robot, Punch and Thrive. There are so many fantastic cafes in Singapore now that it’s hard to keep up! Anyone care to help me? I hope to design a printable map with my faves mapped out by location. Sign up for our newsletter to receive this when it’s done or like us on Facebook to be kept updated. Also, check out more of our Top Threes – cafe’s and restaurants.
Free the Robot
I almost missed this on busy Telok Ayer, with Sarnies just down the road and a plethora of coffee options around. It was The Vegetarian that first took me here.
Definately drop in to this funky cafe painted with their mascot red robot. I love that he appears on just about everything! Free the Robot is a sweet café quietly going about its business serving fantastic coffee. That’s all I’ve had here and have never been disappointed. I have heard that it turns into a awesome “secret” bar at night with a totally different name. Unfortunately, I’m always here during the day so I miss out on the night life. Food options look decent but I haven’t tried them. Will be back though. 🙂
I love how you duck into the doorway, out of the hot mess of the street and first there is this crowded front room with concrete walls. Then the back area opens into a space with light filtering through from above, hanging plants and shelves behind crowded with bottles. It’s a great escape!
118 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068587
Tel: +65 6438 1836
Opening hours:
Tues to Sat – 8.30am to 4.30pm
Punch
The cafés I go to are, many times, found on Instagram. Punch was one of those. I was scrolling through the feed of @imehly and came across her stunning shot of the humble grilled cheese. How I met and fell in love with her work (and her gorgeous person) is yet another story to be told one day.
Off I went to Punch and I was not disappointed. Modern, sleek but completely approachable, this café on North Canal Road has proper coffee and a brew bar at the back. I loved my batch brew (could have drunk a whole pitcher). My fellow coffee partner had a long black (well, a couple of them, actually). Punch also does amazing teas by A.muse Projects. I highly recommend their Prana Chai latte.
Their food options look fantastic – the pancakes, gorgeous and delicious. I have yet to try their savouries. They also do a killer brownie cookie with super salty caramel sandwiched in between. Heaven!
There is also a beautiful courtyard in the back if you want to hide out for a bit. I, for one, am always looking for a good place to escape.
32 North Canal Road, Singapore 059288
Facebook: PUNCH.32NCR
Instagram: punch.gram
Opening hours:
Monday CLOSED
Tue, Fri and Weekends – 8am to 6pm
Wed and Thur – 10am to 10pm (L.O 9.15pm)
Friday 8am – 6pm
Thrive
The gorgeous ladies at Thrive are health freaks and love what they do. They started Thrive so that everyone could have a place to go to enjoy good food, great coffee and not be ridiculed if they so desired options that were gluten free, dairy free or even simply, a healthier option of their favourite foods. I had a chat with Jocelyn and Patricia earlier this year and I promise to bring you that interview soon.
In the meantime, drop by for the best coffee I’ve found located that far west. Their “magic” coffee is indeed magical. Don’t be scared by the empty stalls all around them. The mall at NeWest is super new and hopefully more retail will open up there soon. Thrive also has a killer gluten-free coconut cake that is soft, light, fluffy and absolutely fantastic. I’ve tried a few of their other dishes, all of which were healthier versions of themselves. I have to say I was suitably impressed.
1 West Coast Drive #01-73, Singapore 128020
Mall below NeWest Condo
Tel: 6255 9030
Opening hours:
Mon to Thu – 10.30am to 9pm
Fri – 10.30 am – 10pm
Sat – 10am – 10pm
Sun – 10am – 9pm
Facebook: thrivekitchensg
Instagram: thrivekitchensg