New Cafés in Singapore You Should Actually Visit This March
March in Singapore means it's humid, it will rain at 3pm, and there are approximately seven new cafés that opened this week alone. Most will close within eighteen months. These are the ones that probably won't — and that are worth making a trip for.
1. Lunar Grounds (Tanjong Pagar)
Korean-influenced specialty coffee inside a beautifully refurbished shophouse. The dalgona latte is better than you'd expect from something so Instagram-friendly, and the drip filter menu is taken seriously. The corn cake side is the real surprise — sweet, savoury, and oddly addictive. Lunar Grounds is a standout because it's not just another coffee shop; it's a space that merges cultural influences seamlessly, offering a unique taste of Korea's coffee culture in the heart of Singapore.
Open from 8am on weekdays, Lunar Grounds is designed to cater to those seeking a morning ritual or a midday break. The café is part of a growing trend in Singapore that sees a blend of international culinary and coffee influences, reflecting the city's diverse population and cultural landscape.
2. Wildcraft Bakehouse (Bukit Timah)
A bakery first, café second. The sourdough is made with a 10-year-old starter that the owner clearly believes in. Pastries rotate weekly; the laminated croissants sell out by 10am on weekends. Seating is limited and they're not apologetic about it — order, find a corner, leave your phone in your bag for twenty minutes. Wildcraft Bakehouse is a testament to the craftsmanship and dedication that goes into baking in Singapore, where the art of bread-making is seen as a serious and respected profession.
The café's commitment to quality is reflected in its limited seating and policy of encouraging customers to focus on their food rather than their phones. This approach sets it apart from the more casual café scene and aligns it with the high-end bakery culture that is increasingly popular among locals and food enthusiasts.
3. Patio Coffee Co. (Dempsey Hill area)
Semi-outdoor seating in a landed property conversion. The coffee is Australian-style — strong, flat white-forward, no fuss. The breakfast menu is short and good: avocado toast that is actually good, eggs that are properly cooked, and a granola bowl that isn't just yoghurt with three blueberries. Ideal for the "I want a weekend morning without queuing" crowd. Patio Coffee Co. offers a serene retreat for coffee connoisseurs and those seeking a tranquil environment.
The café's Australian influence is evident in its strong, robust coffee offerings and straightforward menu, which caters to those who appreciate quality over quantity. Its semi-outdoor setting is a breath of fresh air in the bustling city, providing a perfect spot for a peaceful weekend brunch or a quiet weekday coffee break.
4. Archive Espresso (Chinatown Complex)
A micro-roaster operating out of what used to be a hardware shop adjacent to Chinatown Complex hawker centre. The concept is simple: three espresso-based drinks, two filter options, no food. The contrast with the hawker centre downstairs — where kopi costs S$1.20 — is not lost on anyone. The coffee is worth the S$7. Archive Espresso is a unique addition to Singapore's diverse coffee scene, bringing a high-end coffee experience to a neighbourhood known for its affordable hawker fare.
With its minimalist approach and focus on coffee quality, Archive Espresso stands out in a district where food variety is the main attraction. The café's location and concept highlight the city's growing appreciation for specialty coffee, offering patrons a taste of the artisanal coffee culture that is rapidly gaining traction in Singapore.
5. Mähl (Keong Saik Road)
Scandinavian-inspired café that leans heavily into open-faced sandwiches and natural ferments. The rye bread is exceptional. The whipped butter comes with flaky salt. The filter coffee is Nordic-roast (lighter than you're used to, fruitier than you expect — give it a chance). Evening hours on Thursdays–Saturdays include a small wine list. Mähl is a refreshing change from the typical Southeast Asian café fare, offering a taste of the minimalist and health-conscious Nordic lifestyle.
The café's Scandinavian influence is evident in its menu and aesthetic, appealing to a growing demographic of Singaporeans who are increasingly interested in global culinary trends and healthier eating habits. Mähl's focus on natural ferments and high-quality ingredients reflects this trend, positioning it as a leader in the city's evolving café culture.
6. Bao House (Telok Ayer)
Not strictly a café — the drinks menu is an afterthought and they know it — but the steamed bao selection at Bao House is so good it earns inclusion. The char siu bao is the best version in the CBD right now. The mantis shrimp bao (yes, really) is experimental and mostly works. The lunch queue moves efficiently. Get the pandan coconut pudding dessert. Bao House stands out in the crowded food scene of Singapore's central business district with its innovative and high-quality bao offerings.
The café's creativity in both traditional and experimental dishes sets it apart from the competition. Its ability to attract a steady flow of customers despite limited seating is a testament to the quality and appeal of its offerings. Bao House's success also speaks to the city's vibrant food scene, where new and exciting culinary concepts are always in demand.
7. Greenhouse Studio (Holland Village)
Plant-filled, airy, and self-consciously aesthetic — but the coffee is not a gimmick. The owners previously ran a smaller operation in Farrer Road that developed a loyal following for its ethical sourcing focus. Greenhouse scales that up with more seating, a proper food menu (the French toast with seasonal jam is the right call), and weekend workshops on brewing technique that are free to attend. Greenhouse Studio is a prime example of a sustainable and socially responsible café concept that resonates with a growing segment of the population.
With its focus on ethical sourcing and community engagement, Greenhouse Studio not only offers a pleasant café experience but also contributes to a broader discussion on sustainability and social responsibility in the food and beverage industry. Its workshops and events further enhance the community aspect, making it a hub for coffee enthusiasts and like-minded individuals.
March picks. Some of these will have two-hour queues by April. Visit now, before they become Famous. As the café scene in Singapore continues to evolve, these new additions stand out for their unique offerings, quality, and commitment to their craft. Whether you're a coffee connoisseur, a bakery enthusiast, or simply someone looking for a new place to enjoy a meal or a drink, these cafés are worth a visit.
