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The Best Breakfast And Brunch Spots In Tiong Bahru, Singapore

T396X7 High Tea brunch spread with pastries, muffins, scones and sandwiches on a table with hot tea in Singapore.
T396X7 High Tea brunch spread with pastries, muffins, scones and sandwiches on a table with hot tea in Singapore. | T396X7_© Jennifer Lobo _ Alamy Stock Photo

Welcome to Tiong Bahru, which has gone from sleepy housing estate to one of Singapore’s most vibrant and youthful districts. A popular haunt for local hipsters, there’s no shortage of excellent cafés that serve brunch food, desserts, and coffee in the area. Here we explore the best morning options in Tiong Bahru.

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Tiong Bahru Bakery

If it’s bread and pastry you’re after then look no further than Tiong Bahru Bakery. Opened by Normandy-born artisan baker Gontran Cherrier, this establishment has become a local favourite in Tiong Bahru. Their classic croissant and decadent cream cakes are among the most popular items.

Flock Café

While it serves your standard variety of brunch and café food, this family-run joint has an undertone of sincerity and authenticity which is usually lacking in the more commercialized restaurants. With its modern industrial-inspired decor, warm service, and simple but fresh food, Flock Café has a cosy feel that will make you feel right at home. With an all day breakfast on the menu, this is one of the best brunch places for late risers.

Tiong Bahru Food Centre

If you want to experience a Singaporean brunch instead of those offered at Western cafes, go to the Tiong Bahru Food Centre. You can’t go wrong with the classically Singaporean Kaya Toast, which spreads a sweet coconut jam over crispy toast, with soft boiled eggs mixed with pepper. Or try the Chee Cheong Fun, a type of glutinous rice roll with assorted sauces. Of course, food centre favourites such as Roti Prata, Carrot Cake, and various types of buns and noodles are also available.

Drips Bakery

Though at first glance it may seem more of a dessert café than a brunch spot, Drips Bakery has a surprising variety of bread, pastries, and tarts perfect for a late breakfast. The shop, which has a cosy and genuine atmosphere, prides itself on the use of completely natural ingredients and flavourings. For brunch, try their local fusion buns which have exotic fillings such as tuna and lime or sambal prawn, along with coffee or tea.

The Butcher’s Wife

One of the signature restaurants in Tiong Bahru, The Butcher’s Wife has a New York vibe. With its chic urban decor with vintage streaks, it is the perfect place for socialising and catching up with friends. While the food is made with fresh and flavourful ingredients, Open Door Policy owes its success to the hip, lively ambience brought by the cool diners who hang out there.

The Dispensary

Situated inside a former traditional Chinese medical clinic, The Dispensary has retained much of the furniture and décor of its predecessor. This gives the shop an oriental vintage look that lends itself to a nostalgic ambience. Juxtaposing the antique, Asian setting is Western food; while The Dispensary is known for its desserts and cupcakes, it also serves typical café and brunch foods such as bagels and sandwiches. With its décor of Singapore’s eastern history, and western food and coffee, The Dispensary perfectly represents Tiong Bahru – and Singapore’s – multi-cultural heritage.

About the author

Elizabeth Lee was born in California and grew up in Hong Kong, the city where she has lived her whole life (so far!). She is currently studying at the University of Hong Kong, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in English Studies and Linguistics. Rather than look for a place to call home, Elizabeth is a wanderer who wants to experience life on this earth to the fullest. Driven by her curiosity for the world and in particular other cultures, Elizabeth has travelled to various places in Asia, Britain, Australia and North America. Elizabeth is an aspiring writer who is inspired by literature, history, and foreign cultures, and her work features themes of freedom and feminism. She hopes to publish her fictional writing someday.

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