With Upper Thomson MRT station’s recent opening as part of the new Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL), it is easier for supper-lovers to head down to the string of cafes lining Upper Thomson’s roads for a quick bite, even in the early hours of the morning.
From Japanese-inspired cafes to late-night bistros to specialised bakeries, we’ll be focusing on Upper Thomson’s hipster cafe scene, and bring you only the best in this cafe guide.
Hello Arigato
Even though this quaint Japanese-inspired cafe is still in its soft-launch stage, it has garnered attention for serving up delectable sandos (Japanese sandwiches) that leave customers coming back for more. Pair any of its sandos with its specialty coffee, and treat yourself to a hearty brunch.
We recommend trying the Katsu Sando ($16), which is filled with freshly breaded pork loin, or Gyu Sando ($26), a must-try for beef lovers.
Address: 227 Upper Thomson Rd, Singapore 574359
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday from 11am–4pm and 6pm–9pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10am–4pm and 6pm–9pm; Closed on Mondays
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Woodlands Sourdough
Hidden in The Longhaus is this Muslim-owned bakery, specialising in sourdough treats, breads, and bakes. This mini bakery opened in Upper Thomson back in 2019, after closing its original location at Bukit Timah. If you happen to be in search of a quick breakfast bite in this neighbourhood, Woodlands Sourdough is the perfect joint for you to hit up. After all, its iconic sourdough bread is not to be missed!
Address: 183 Upper Thomson Rd, #01-03, Singapore 574332
Opening hours: Thursday to Sunday from 8:30am–3pm; Closed Mondays to Wednesdays
One Man Coffee
Sharing its space with a gourmet pizza bar, One Man Coffee is the ideal cozy spot to have a perfect weekend brunch. As its name suggests, this quaint concept specialises and focuses on the art of the espresso, so you know its coffee has just the right amount of acidity, sweetness, and bitterness. Order any of its breakfast sets and pair it with a good cuppa Joe for the best experience, which is also a good wake-up call to start off the day.
Address: 215R Upper Thomson Rd, Singapore 574349
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 9am–4pm; Closed on Tuesdays
Contact: 9658 1685
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Thrive by An Acai Affair
Happen to be in the area and need your acai fix? Look no further than Thrive, a concept by the well-loved An Acai Affair, Singapore’s largest acai specialty chain, and Boxgreen, a healthy snack firm. Thrive is known for its guilt-free acai bowls, smoothie bowls, smoothies, and toast. Its organic acai bowls have low calories and sugars in each serving, yet these desserts are some of the most delectable treats around.
Address: 215B Upper Thomson Rd, Singapore 574349
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday from 11am–10pm, and Friday and Saturday from 11am–11pm
Contact: 9688 9211
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Knockhouse Cafe
Located at the heart of Upper Thomson is Knockhouse Cafe, a hipster cafe that was once known as “Pacamara”. Established by the folks behind Oz Specialty Coffee, this Western-Japanese fusion cafe serves up mouth-watering specialty coffee, tea, breakfast sets, and desserts. Whether you’re dining at this minimalist cafe for a celebration, business lunch, or simply a lazy Sunday brunch, Knockhouse cafe will be right up your alley if you enjoy good food and drink.
Address: 185 Upper Thomson Rd, Singapore 574333
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 9am–6pm; Closed on Tuesdays
Contact: 8121 8904
Belo Cafe
The brainchild of the passionate foodies and business owners behind Les Patisseries, Belo Cafe is a hip cafe by day, a pizza bar by night, AND an all-day dessert shop all-in-one! There is something for everyone on the menu — think pastries, mains, pizzas, appetizers, alcohol, and non-alcoholic beverages. If you ask us, any of its pizzas are a must-try, especially the Truffle & Mushroom Pizza ($19), made with mushroom, mascarpone cheese, and black truffle.
Address: 222 Upper Thomson Rd, #01-00, Singapore 574354
Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday to Friday from 11am–10pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 9am–10pm; Closed on Tuesdays
Contact: 9278 1310
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Columbus Coffee Co.
Columbus Coffee Co. is situated at a corner along Upper Thomson road, serving up specialty brunch that keeps its customers returning again and again. Owned by the same people behind Lunar Coffee Brewers and Atlas Coffeehouse, Columbus Coffee Co. tends to be crowded during the weekends, so be sure to pay a visit during non-peak hours to enjoy its all-day brunch and to-die-for buttermilk waffles.
Address: 220 Upper Thomson Rd, Thomson Garden Estate, Singapore 574352
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 9am–10pm and Sunday from 9am–7pm; Closed on Mondays
Contact: 6253 6024
