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| 13 Cafes In Orchard For An Afternoon Pick-Me-Up |
Orchard Road is not just Singapore's premier shopping belt, it is also home to some of the best cafes in town. Whether you are looking for a quick coffee fix between shopping, a sweet treat to satisfy your sugar craving, or a cosy spot to unwind with good coffee, food and free Wi-Fi, Orchard has a cafe for you.
From independent specialty coffee joints and artisanal bakeries to familiar international chains, these 13 cafes in Orchard deliver great ambiance, delicious food and drinks you just can't miss. So next time you need an afternoon pick-me-up, head to Orchard Road and check out these popular cafes.
Ami Patisserie
Known for its elegant French pastries and tarts, Ami Patisserie at Shaw Centre is a sweet escape right in the heart of Orchard. Their beautiful creations like the salted caramel eclair, rose lychee cake and seasonal fruit tarts are perfect for afternoon tea. Enjoy the pastries with their signature cold brew coffee or hot chocolate. With its stylish black and gold interiors, Ami Patisserie is also one of the most Instagram-worthy cafes in Orchard.
Equate Coffee
For specialty coffee and all-day breakfast, head to Equate Coffee at OUE Downtown Gallery. Their signature piccolo lattes, cold brews and single origin pour-overs use premium beans from local roaster Nylon Coffee. Pair your coffee with their Turkey ham croissant, truffle fries or eggs benedict. The minimalist cafe with its clean marble bar and dangling Edison bulbs has a laidback vibe perfect for meetings or simply unwinding over a good cup of joe.
Baristart Coffee
Tucked in a corner of Orchard Gateway is Baristart Coffee, a hidden gem for specialty coffee and wholesome comfort food. Their baristas whip up stellar coffees like matcha lattes, mochas and piccolo lattes to perk you up. To accompany your coffee, try their hearty sandwiches, mac and cheese, salads and desserts like the Oreo cheesecake. With its rustic industrial decor and cosy nook seating, Baristart Coffee is great for getting work done.
Hvala
Stylish cafe Hvala takes its name from the Swedish word for ‘thanks’, paying homage to its Swedish roots and coffee culture. Located in charming shophouse nooks of Cheong Chin Nam Road and Neil Road, it’s a little slice of Scandinavian charm amidst the Orchard buzz. Known for its minimalist interiors and specialty coffees, Hvala serves up fine brews like piccolo, Chemex and cold drip, alongside their unique Swedish-inspired bakes like the kardemumma bun and princess cake.
Cafe Q Classified
For a casual neighbourhood vibe amid Orchard, swing by Cafe Q Classified in Far East Plaza. This laidback cafe rustles up hearty all-day breakfasts and lunches at affordable prices. Their signature Q Benedicts come with a choice of smoked salmon or ham, poached eggs and hollandaise on a muffin or waffle. Pair it with their iced matcha latte or flat white and you have the ultimate brunch combo. The cafe's quirky airline theme with aeroplane seats gives it a fun retro atmosphere.
Paul
The iconic French bakery Paul needs no introduction. With multiple outlets strewn around Orchard Road, it’s the perfect spot to stop for a quick coffee and pastry fix. Their bestselling treats like the almond croissant, fruit tarte and macarons pair deliciously with their coffee or hot chocolate. For a leisurely afternoon tea, try their signature millefeuille, eclairs, creme brulee or fruit tarts served with tea or juice. With its charming French bistro decor, Paul evokes a Parisian cafe vibe amidst the Orchard buzz.
The Dark Gallery
Chocoholics, this one's for you. At The Dark Gallery in Plaza Singapura, indulge your sweet tooth with their artisanal bean-to-bar chocolates and chocolate drinks. Using single origin cacao beans, they craft premium chocolate bars and bonbons with unique flavours like earl grey, pistachio and sea salt caramel. Their indulgent thick hot and iced chocolate drinks are heavenly, especially paired with their chocolate cakes and tarts. The cafe exudes a classy, ultra chic vibe with its plush velvet seats - perfect for a sweet luxury treat.
Found
Buzzing cafe Found at 313@Somerset whips up an eclectic global menu alongside craft coffee by local boys 2AM. Their specialty single origin pour-overs and seasonal cold brews are a must-try, paired with all-day breakfast, pastas, pizzas and sharable plates. The crispy honey truffle fries, poke bowl and Found burger are popular picks. With its laidback warehouse chic decor and alfresco seating, Found is a hip spot to hang out for brunch or while away the afternoon with great coffee and food.
Mr. Holmes Bakehouse
Famed for its delectable cruffins, Mr. Holmes Bakehouse at ION Orchard is the place for mouthwatering baked treats and cakes. Their signature cruffins - a croissant-muffin hybrid - come in flavours like salted caramel and matcha, with fluffy layers encasing creamy fillings. Their freshly baked cookies, tarts, eclairs and custom cakes are just as scrumptious. Enjoy the pastries with their artisanal coffees or tea, in a charming English tearoom setting.
Coffeesmith
With multiple outlets around town, homegrown chain Coffeesmith is a convenient spot for fuss-free coffee, pastries and comfort food along Orchard Road. Their extensive menu has something for everyone - all-day breakfasts, pastas, rice bowls, sandwiches and salads. Sip on their smooth flat whites, mochas or iced chocolate as you tuck into classic dishes like their truffle fries, chicken chop and waffles. With comfortable sitting, power points and free Wi-Fi, Coffeesmith cafes make great work-friendly spaces.
Alchemist @ The Heeren
Coffee and cocktail bar Alchemist brings a refreshing twist to Orchard Road. By day, it serves specialty coffee by local roasters like Common Man Coffee - perfect for an afternoon perk-me-up. Come sunset, Alchemist transforms into a trendy watering hole dishing up artisanal cocktails. The chic black and copper decor exudes an enigmatic, modern alchemist's lab vibe. With its central location at The Heeren, Alchemist is great for kicking back after a long day of shopping.
The Community Coffee
The Community Coffee aims to build community over coffee - and their cosy cafe along Orchard Road does just that. The brainchild of two national athletes, this social enterprise trains and employs youths and people with disabilities to run the cafe. Sip on their smooth espressos, flat whites and affogatos as you dig into their hearty sandwiches, pastas and desserts. With its laidback ambience and alfresco seating, The Community Coffee provides the perfect respite amidst the Orchard buzz.
% Arabica
No cafe crawl along Orchard Road is complete without a stop at % Arabica. The acclaimed Japanese specialty coffee chain has multiple locations here including ION Orchard, Plaza Singapura and Tanglin Mall. Known for their high quality beans and barista brews, % Arabica serves up refined coffees like aeropress, cold brew, Chemex and espresso. Their minimalist outlets let the coffee take centrestage - the perfect pitstop for that midday caffeine fix. For a little something sweet, try their cream puffs and gelato too.
So if you're craving good coffee or a sweet treat around Orchard, swing by one of these 13 popular cafes for an invigorating afternoon pick-me-up. With the amazing variety of cafe concepts here, you'll be spoilt for choice. Their cosy spaces, specialty drinks, artisanal treats and often wallet-friendly prices make them the perfect spot to take a break from shopping and recharge.
What Makes These Cafes Stand Out
Beyond serving up invigorating coffees, teas and treats, the cafes in Orchard also win you over with their unique concepts and ambiance. Many establishments feature one-of-a-kind decor and designs that make them iconic hangout spots.
Unique Ambiance
Cafes like Ami Patisserie, Hvala and The Dark Gallery feature elegant, stylish interiors that are aligned with their brand ethos. Ami Patisserie channels French refinement with its black and gold decor, while Scandinavian minimalism shines through at Hvala. The Dark Gallery’s plush, mysterious interior complements its premium bean-to-bar experience.
Other novel concepts create visual impact and memorable experiences. Cafe Q Classified’s retro airline theme complete with aeroplane seats makes you feel like you are dining amidst the clouds. Baristart Coffee’s rustic industrial chic vibe and alfresco seating invites you to get cosy with your laptop for a productive work session.
Specialty Coffees & Drinks
The cafes here also focus on serving top-notch coffees, perfected by skilled baristas. Equate Coffee, Baristart Coffee, Hvala and % Arabica are just some spots offering speciality cups like piccolo, Chemex and cold brew using premium beans.
For non-coffee options, places like Paul and Coffeesmith dish up sumptuous hot chocolate, milkshakes, fresh juices and more. You can also find unique drinks like The Dark Gallery’s artisanal bean-to-bar chocolate range.
Pastries & Desserts
Of course, the array of sweet treats at these cafes will excite anyone with a sugar craving. For French pastries done right, head to Ami Patisserie and Paul. Their elegant cakes, tarts and petite gateaus are miniature works of art.
Mr Holmes Bakehouse takes things up a notch with their signature cruffins - croissant-muffin hybrids with irresistible fillings encased within flaky layers. Their custom cakes are divine too. For chocolate indulgence, The Dark Gallery's bonbons, tarts and thick hot chocolate are simply unbeatable.
Fusion Cuisine
Several cafes like Found, Coffeesmith and Cafe Q Classified dish up hearty fusion dishes alongside their drinks. Think Singaporean and Western flavours combined in creative breakfasts, sandwiches, pastas and rice bowls. Found's innovative poke bowl burrito and truffle honey fries are must-tries.
Instagram-worthy Spots
Looking for that perfect Instagram-able snap for the feed? Most cafes here like Ami Patisserie, Hvala and The Dark Gallery feature photogenic interiors. Their drinks and desserts are also creatively plated and served in ways that make them pop on camera.
Work-Friendly Spaces
If you need a cosy workspace with coffee refills, head to Baristart Coffee, Coffeesmith or The Community Coffee. Their comfortable seats, power points and free Wi-Fi create work-conducive environments amidst Orchard Road's retail therapy.
So beyond the food and drinks, these novel cafe concepts offer unique experiences through their decor, vibe and vision. They are more than just a place to refuel - they let you immerse in their brand story over coffee and treats.
Cafe Locations Across Orchard
Orchard Road stretches over 2.2 kilometres, so you’ll find these popular cafes scattered all across this shopping belt. Depending on where you are, bookmark these cafes located strategically in various malls for a quick break.
Scotts Road
Along Scotts Road, Shaw Centre houses elegant French patisserie Ami Patisserie. Further down at ION Orchard mall, dip into Mr Holmes Bakehouse for gorgeous cakes, cruffins and coffee.
Orchard Central
At Orchard Central, start your day right with breakfast and coffee at laidback Equate Coffee. Don't miss their specialty piccolo lattes and all-day brekkie options.
Wisma Atria
Wisma Atria is home to local bakery chain Tiong Bahru Bakery, serving artisanal croissants, cakes and breads. For fine French teas and pastries, visit TWG Tea Salon & Boutique at nearby Ngee Ann City.
Takashimaya Shopping Centre
East meets West flavors at Coffee Break in Takashimaya basement, known for kaya toast, laksa pasta and local coffee/tea. Paul bakery is also located here.
Ngee Ann City
Sweet tooths delight - Godiva Chocolatier in Takashimaya serves fine chocolates, cakes and drinks for indulgent treats. Da Luca at Ngee Ann City basement levels offers artisanal gelato.
Orchardgateway
At Orchard Gateway, cool-kid cafe Baristart Coffee beckons with its laidback warehouse chic vibe. Across the road is % Arabica for fuss-free specialty coffee.
The Heeren
The Heeren houses Insta-worthy patisserie Bake by Kurt, known for their designer cakes and tarts. Also here is eclectic coffee and cocktail bar Alchemist.
Far East Plaza
Hip airplane-themed cafe Cafe Q Classified serves up hearty breakfasts and lunches in Far East Plaza.
313@Somerset
Found cafe offers specialty coffee and global fusion cuisine at 313@Somerset.
So wherever you are along Orchard Road, there's bound to be a great cafe close by offering invigorating coffees, teas and treats. These spots make perfect pitstops while shopping to simply take a breather and refuel.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cafes in Orchard
Why visit cafes in Orchard?
Orchard Road offers an amazing variety of chic cafes and coffee joints to visit. Beyond just grabbing a coffee, these cafes offer unique experiences through their decor, food and drinks menu. It’s a great way to take a relaxing break while shopping and exploring Orchard.
How to find the best cafes in Orchard?
Look out for cafes located within malls for convenience. Check out reviews and photos to shortlist interesting concepts. Try lesser-known cafes in shophouses for a more hip, indie experience.
Where are the top cafes located in Orchard?
Most are conveniently located within the malls, such as ION Orchard, Plaza Singapura, Wisma Atria, and 313@Somerset. Wheelock Place, Tanglin Mall, and Shaw Centre also house some cafes.
When are the best times to visit Orchard cafes?
Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded. Late mornings to early afternoons (11am to 3pm) are popular with the lunch crowd. Late afternoons after 4pm see fewer crowds during non-peak days.
What is the ambiance like at Orchard cafes?
The vibe varies across cafes. Some like Ami Patisserie and TWG Tea Salon have an elegant, upscale ambiance. Others like Baristart Coffee and Found have a laidback, hipster warehouse feel. Most cafes play soft music and have comfortable, cosy seating.
What pastries and desserts do Orchard cafes offer?
Many cafes like Ami Patisserie, Paul and Mr Holmes Bakehouse offer French and European-style pastries - think cakes, tarts, eclairs and petit gateaus. Other desserts include cruffins, chocolates, gelato and artisanal cookies.
Do the cafes serve main dishes and fusion cuisine?
Yes, some cafes like Found, Coffeesmith and Cafe Q Classified have extensive savoury menus serving Asian and Western fusion dishes like rice bowls, pastas, sandwiches and salads. Great for a hearty lunch or dinner.
Which cafes in Orchard are most Instagram-worthy?
Cafes with unique interiors like Ami Patisserie, Hvala and The Dark Gallery make great Instagram spots. Their stylish plating and presentation of desserts and drinks also pop on the 'gram.
Are there work-friendly cafes in Orchard?
Yes, cafes like Baristart Coffee, Coffeesmith and The Community Coffee have comfortable seats, free Wi-Fi and power sockets. Order a coffee and snack and easily get work done in these relaxing environments.
So head to Orchard Road to explore these diverse cafes on your next break. With the variety of concepts, menus and locations, you'll be spoilt for choice on where to enjoy a coffee or tea break amidst your retail therapy!
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