Home / Lifestyle / Places / Lesser-known Cafes in the East

We all have that one friend who is a proud Eastie. While not everyone may agree that ‘east side’s the best side’, it’s not difficult to see why the East is so well-loved. With no shortage of hidden food gems, we uncover the lesser-known cafes nestled within the Eastern neighbourhoods.

1. Routesixtysix

Photo Credit: Routesixtysix

Named after U.S. Route 66, this American-inspired café features a combination of Marvel and DC décor that is sure to thrill any comic book fan. While it offers a range of delectable offerings, the superhero of the café has to be its desserts. Featuring homemade waffles topped off with homemade ice cream, the sweet treat is fit to feed you and your belly.

Photo Credit: @that_dex via @route_sixty_six

Vegan-friendly and halal-certified, the waffles feature a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy interior that provide a wonderful contrast of textures.

To top it off, the café is only a 10-minute walk away from Bedok Interchange, making it the perfect after-dinner hangout spot.

Address: 412 Bedok North Ave 2, #01-122, Singapore 460412

Photo Credit: @refuelcafesg

Located along Bedok Reservoir Road, this café mainly serves hearty brunch items, together with a wide selection of coffee and desserts. The floor-to-ceiling windows let in streams of natural light and make it a great breakfast spot. The café also offers free Wi-Fi and a quiet environment for those looking to get some work done.

Address: Blk 744 Bedok Reservoir Road, #01-3029, Singapore 470744

3. Make Your Own

Photo Credit: @makeyourown.sg

Crafty café goers rejoice! Tucked away in a corner of Aljunied is a cosy spot that serves up sips, sweets, alongside a range of workshops. You can pick up a project kit, or enrol in various handicraft workshops including terrariums, copper works and calligraphy.

Dabble in handcrafts such as copper works!

Photo Credit: @makeyourown.sg

In addition to an array of drinks such as refreshing floral teas and coffees served with soy milk, the café is also family-friendly, offering beverages such as babyccinos for the younger ones.

Address: Blk 4 Upper Aljunied Lane, #01-06, Singapore 360004

4. Builders at Sims

Photo Credit: @aoteeth

Founded by Joey Lim, former head chef at Tiong Bahru Bakery and a graduate from world-renowned culinary institute Le Cordon Bleu, Builders at Sims is a café that offers French-inspired food.

Photo Credit: @buildersatsims

Why not round off a meal with French Toast—their version is served with berry coulis and a scoop of French Vanilla ice-cream.

Builders at Sims is located directly opposite Sims Vista Market & Food Centre, a 10-minute stroll from Aljunied MRT.

Address: 53 Sims Place, #01-160, Singapore 380053

5. Alfero Artisan Gelato

Photo Credit: @alferogelato

Craving for an ice-cold treat? Make a trip down to Alfero Artisan Gelato in MacPherson for some authentic Italian gelato. Served in a traditional pozzetto cabinet, the gelato is made fresh with ingredients imported from Italy and other parts of Europe.

Owner Marco Alfero

Photo Credit: Daniel Food Diary

Owner Marco Alfero is an Italian gelato chef trained and certified by the Gelato University of Carpigiani in Italy – so you know you’re getting the full gelato experience!

Address: 81 MacPherson Lane, #01-37, Singapore 360081

6. Jacob’s Café

Nestled in Changi Village is Jacob’s Café. Featuring British-inspired décor, the draw of this family-owned café is their home-style cooking and the café’s cosy interiors. Its signature dish is the German Pork Knuckles! Reservations, especially on Fridays and weekends, are recommended as the café can get pretty packed.