Categories > Dining
The 5 Best Tiong Bahru Cafes in Singapore
How We Picked
Ambiance:
Tiong Bahru is a melting pot of cultures and traditions.We reviewed each establishment’s unique layout and overall atmosphere to ensure customers are well immersed in the neighborhood’s reputation.
Cost:
Customers visiting Tiong Bahru have varying budgets depending on their needs. We saved you the trouble, checked the food price at each cafe, and compared it to other entries on this list.
Service Time:
People visit establishments in Tiong Bahru for snacks and quick get-togethers, therefore we looked at how fast food is served in each restaurant.
Menu:
People who visit Tiong Bahru come from all walks of life. For that reason, we checked how diverse the food choices are in each cafe to meet each customer’s needs.
1. BAKALAKI
Menu: Hummus, baklava, moussakas, kebab, and more
Website: https://bakalaki.com/
Address: 38A Martin Rd, Singapore
Contact Details: +65 6836 3688
Operating Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 11:30 am – 12 am
Google Reviews Score | 4.5/5 |
Facebook Reviews Score | 4/5 |
Total Reviews | 5/5 |
Score Consistency | 4.5/5 |
Ambiance | 4.5/5 |
Cost(A higher score means better value) | 3.5/5 |
Service Time | 4/5 |
Menu | 4.8/5 |
Pros
- 7-minute walk from the Opp St. Thomas Walk bus stop
- Open every day
- Closes late
- Ingredients imported from Greece
- Diverse Mediterranean menu
- Serves the freshest seafood
- Good customer service
Cons
- Food arrives a bit late
- Expensive menu
BAKALAKI is situated along Martin Road, which is only a 7-minute stroll from the Opp St. Thomas Walk bus stop. It is open every day, with long and straightforward operating hours.
Since the establishment closes much later in the evening, it can accommodate customers in Tiong Bahru.
Bakalaki brings the genuine flavors of Greece to your plate and is prepared using only the freshest ingredients from its home country.
Each meal is prepared by the well-renowned Executive Chef Spiros Palaiologos, who brings all his years of experience to the table. If you are looking for the best Mediterranean cuisine in Tiong Bahru, this should be at the top of your list.
Some of its best-selling dishes are the Smokey Eggplant with Red Bell Peppers, Chickpea Spread with Hummus, and the Grilled Jumbo Prawns.
Because seafood is an essential component of Mediterranean cuisine, Bakalaki has made a specialty of serving fresh seafood dishes.
You can make a meal that will stay with you long after it is over by serving it with a glass of the most exquisite Greek wines or beers.
When we interviewed customers, they liked the customer service even though the food arrived much later than expected.
They also mentioned that the restaurant’s menu is expensive, but it is expected since most Mediterranean dishes are made with ingredients imported from Greece.
2. Tiong Bahru Bakery
Menu: Croissants, bread, cakes, pork buns, and more
Website: https://www.tiongbahrubakery.com/
Address: 70 River Valley Rd, #01-05, Singapore
Contact Details: +65 6877 4865
Operating Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 7:30 am – 7 pm
Google Reviews Score | 4.3/5 |
Facebook Reviews Score | 4.9/5 |
Total Reviews | 4.5/5 |
Score Consistency | 4.5/5 |
Ambiance | 4/5 |
Cost(A higher score means better value) | 5/5 |
Service Time | 5/5 |
Menu | 3.7/5 |
Pros
- Just beside the Fort Canning Station Exit B bus stop
- Available daily
- Opens very early
- Well-renowned pastry cafe in Tiong Bahru
- Uses only the freshest ingredients
- Diverse beverage and pastry menu
- Affordable prices
- Quick food service
Cons
- Closes relatively early
- Average customer service
- Menu doesn’t offer much beyond bread and drinks
Tiong Bahru Bakery is located in River Valley Road. It is conveniently next to the Fort Canning Station Exit B bus stop.
The cafe is open from Monday to Sunday, however, it closes relatively earlier than its competitors. Having said that, the establishment opens very early, making it an ideal option for those early birds who need breakfast in the morning.
Tiong Bahru Bakery is one of the most well-known cafes in the area. It offers a variety of flavors, including croissants in timeless flavors like Green Tea, Almond Chocolate, and Pain Au Chocolat.
The bakery was founded by renowned Gontran Cherrier, a well-known French baker specializing in pastries and croissants. Many patrons of the establishment claim that chef Gontran makes the best croissants in Singapore.
We like that Tiong Bahru Bakery does not use any frozen components and instead freshly prepares its dishes using the finest ingredients.
The service is a bit so-so, however, the food does not take long before it arrives at your table, which is always a plus, especially for those who are on the go.
Other than serving fresh pastries, Tiong Bahru Bakery also has a wide range of beverages from Mocha Lattes to Ginger Tea. It also has heartier offerings like the Pulled Pork Bun.
We did notice that the menu is relatively thin on entrées. While this cafe is a great option for snacks and perhaps afternoon teas, it may not satisfy customers who are looking for a complete meal.
Having said that, this establishment is quite affordable, making it an ideal option for those looking for a cafe to regularly visit in Tiong Bahru.
3. Bincho
Menu: Coffee, yakitori, cocktails, salad, and more
Website: http://www.bincho.com.sg/
Address: 78 Moh Guan Terrace, #01-19, Singapore
Contact Details: +65 6438 4567
Operating Hours:
Wednesday: 6 pm – 12 am
Thursday – Sunday: 12 pm – 4 pm, 6 pm – 12 am
Google Reviews Score | 4/5 |
Total Reviews | 4/5 |
Score Consistency | 4/5 |
Ambiance | 5/5 |
Cost(A higher score means better value) | 4.5/5 |
Service Time | 3.9/5 |
Menu | 4.7/5 |
Pros
- 3-minute walk from the Block 126 CP bus stop
- Extended operating hours
- Unique combination of traditional cafe and yakitori bar
- Wide selection of dishes and beverages
- Unique ambiance
- Affordable prices
Cons
- Closed every Monday and Tuesday
- Its yakitori bar may be hard to locate since its hidden
Bincho is found along Hua Bee, which is only a 3-minute walk from the Block 126 CP bus stop. It is open from Wednesday to Sunday with extended operating hours.
Sadly, the cafe is closed every Monday and Tuesday. If you are looking for a freely available establishment during weekdays, we suggest checking our other entries on this list.
You can enjoy a traditional Mee Pok stall in a Kopitiam setting when you visit Bincho during the day. You’ll have the impression that you’re dining at a small but fabulous cafe thanks to their delectable kopi— a traditional coffee mixed with sugar and butter.
On the other hand, the magic happens at night. When you enter using the secret entrance at the back, you will be met with copper hues and see an open-concept yakitori bar.
We do think that having a hidden concept is unique but it could be a frustrating endeavor for some diners who wish to have a straightforward time when choosing a local cafe.
The combination of a traditional bistro and a modern yakitori bar makes visiting Bincho an unforgettable experience.
Customers can enjoy yakitori sets while sipping on Japanese sake and whiskeys. The chef strongly urges customers to try their yakitori bowl, which features a variety of meat slices and fresh seasonal vegetables.
Service time is just above average since most of its dishes are made to order. However, the menu is relatively more affordable that its competitors.
4. Bigmama Korean Restaurant
Menu: Fried chicken, kimbap, spicy dak galbi, pancakes, and more
Website: https://takeaway.bigmama.sg/
Address: 2 Kim Tian Rd, Singapore
Contact Details: +65 6270 7704
Operating Hours:
Tuesday – Sunday: 11:30 am – 3 pm, 5:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Google Reviews Score | 4/5 |
Facebook Reviews Score | 3.7/5 |
Total Reviews | 4.5/5 |
Score Consistency | 4/5 |
Ambiance | 4.4/5 |
Cost(A higher score means better value) | 4.8/5 |
Service Time | 3.7/5 |
Menu | 5/5 |
Pros
- Just beside the Central Green Condo bus stop
- MSG-free recipes
- Plenty of complementary side-dishes
- Wide menu on authentic Korean food
- Authentic cooking methods
- Relatively affordable food
Cons
- Closed every Monday
- On a break from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm
- Relatively long service time
Bigmama Korean Restaurant is situated along Kim Tian Road, which is just beside the Central Green Condo bus stop. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday with regular operating hours.
Unfortunately, the cafe is on break from 3 pm to 5:30 pm. We believe it’s a missed opportunity since people usually look for a good place to have a snack on hours it is unavailable.
If you are craving something a bit sweet and spicy, then we highly recommend Bigmama Korean Restaurant in Tiong Bahru.
This establishment serves delicious, healthy, and genuine Korean food catered to everyone’s palate. The dishes are completely MSG-free and made with authentic cooking techniques.
Having said that, the service time is relatively longer than its competitors. However, the customers we talked to mentioned that it is worth the wait.
The patrons also mentioned the restaurant’s steamed pork belly and pan-fried spicy Dakgalbi as must-tries. The dishes come with numerous complementary side dishes like cucumber kimchi and pickled onions, to name a few.
In terms of value, Bigmama is the most filling option on this list. The prices are also fairly affordable, which makes it an excellent choice for hungry diners in Tiong Bahru.
Overall, Bigmama serves unique Korean meals that are MSG-free and therefore relatively healthier. Service time is below average, but the food is worth waiting for.
5. Plain Vanilla Tiong Bahru
Menu: Cupcakes, coffee, pies, tarts, and more
Website: https://plainvanilla.com.sg/
Address: 1D Yong Siak St, Singapore
Contact Details: +65 8363 7614
Operating Hours:
Monday – Friday: 7:30 am – 5 pm
Saturday – Sunday: 7:30 am – 7 pm
Google Reviews Score | 4.2/5 |
Total Reviews | 4.9/5 |
Score Consistency | 4.5/5 |
Ambiance | 3.5/5 |
Cost(A higher score means better value) | 5/5 |
Service Time | 5/5 |
Menu | 4.5/5 |
Pros
- 3-minute walk from the Block 126 CP bus stop
- Open from Monday to Sunday
- Freshly baked goods daily
- Excellent and authentic flavors and textures
- Has a strict quality control regiment
- Food is served fast
- Does not use preservatives
- Fairly priced goods
Cons
- Closes early on weekdays
- Relatively poor customer service
Plain Vanilla Tiong Bahru is located on Yong Siak Street. It is only a 3-minute stroll from the Block 126 CP bus stop.
This place is open daily with a standard operating schedule. However, on weekdays, the establishment closes at 5 pm, which is relatively earlier than other cafes.
Plain Vanilla Bakery originally just wanted to provide and serve fresh and delectable cakes, but it is now one of the most popular cafes in Tiong Bahru.
Since the establishment bakes its products daily, the smell that emits from the shop is very mouth-watering and can be noticed from afar.
When we interviewed past customers, they mentioned how the cafe’s pastries taste and feel very similar to traditionally prepared bread made by seasoned Singaporean bakers.
Plain Vanilla values consistency and perfection. Having said that, every deli and baked goods the establishment sells are always made in small batches with the finest ingredients and no preservatives.
Food is served fairly quickly here and is fairly priced too, which is why many patrons love visiting this cafe. The only downside is that the establishment has below-average customer service.
For instance, many customers stand around the seating area because of the bad queuing system. The servers are also not very eager to help concerned individuals, which leads to plenty of frustration for everyone.