12 best cafes for work freelance & study in Singapore – Central, East & North
We scoured the island for the ultimate laptop-friendly spots to keep your productivity soaring. From cosy Central hideouts to breezy East gems and serene North-East nooks, our 12 handpicked cafes deliver fast Wi-Fi, comfy seats, killer coffee and good food. Whether you're a freelancer, student or digital nomad, grab your laptop and let's get things done!
Tucked in the sleek Holiday Inn Little India, Soul Brew offers a modern, hotel-lobby vibe perfect for professionals craving a polished workspace. Its minimalist design, accented by warm lighting, creates a serene escape from the bustle of Farrer Park. Known for its range of healthy choices, this work cafe serves nutrient-packed juices and hearty brunch dishes that fuel long work sessions.
With fast Wi-Fi and ample sockets, it's a haven for entrepreneurs and freelancers. The Cold-Pressed Juices (S$6.50) and Smoked Chicken Wrap (S$11.25) are very popular, while the Flat White (S$4.50/S$5/S$6.50) is a crowd-pleaser. They even have Fresh Whole Fruit (S$2).
Wi-Fi & Sockets: Free, reliable Wi-Fi; power sockets at most seats. Why It's Great: Sleek hotel setting, healthy menu and fast Wi-Fi make it ideal for professional work sessions.
10 Farrer Park Station Rd, Lobby Level, Holiday Inn Singapore, Singapore 217564 +65 6824 8888 Daily: 8am–9pm |
Hidden within a Bukit Timah condo, The Ritual Cafe is a serene sanctuary for remote workers seeking peace away from Singapore's chaos. Its wood-accented, minimalist interior exudes warmth, with plush seats fostering comfort for long sessions. The Ritual Cafe is known for wholesome fresh bakes, acai bowls and coffee as well as vegan and gluten-free menu.
The gluten-free Spicy Chicken (S$18) with spicy homemade tomato sauce, boneless chicken leg, penne and cheese is mouthwatering! Hungry workaholics can go for the The Ritual Big Breakfast (S$25) of sourdough, eggs-of-your-choice, housemade bacon, lamb or pork sausage and tomato relish. It's available in a vegetarian version, too. Their (S$9), available in Pineapple & Peach and Passionfruit flavours, goes well on its own or paired.
Wi-Fi & Sockets: Free, reliable Wi-Fi; ample power sockets. Why It's Great: Quiet, cosy and health-focused, it's perfect for uninterrupted work.
383 Bukit Timah Road, #01-09B, Singapore 259727 +65 6208 7496 Daily: 8am – 6.30pm | |
Fame Coffee in Outram Park makes our list of the best cafes for work and study by blending retro charm with modern work needs, its diner-style interior creating a vibrant yet cosy workspace. Known for bold coffee blends and indulgent treats, it's a freelancer's delight.
The Iced Mocha (S$6.50) pairs perfectly with Salted Caramel Waffle (S$12) or Smoked Salmon Bagel (S$15). Fast Wi-Fi and ample sockets keep you plugged in.
Wi-Fi & Sockets: Free, reliable Wi-Fi; power sockets at most tables. Why It's Great: Retro vibe and bold flavours make it a fun, productive spot.
108 Middle Road, Bernhard Schulte House, #01-01, Singapore 188967 +65 6222 9988 Sun to Thu: 8am – 7pm Fri & Sat: 8am – 8pm |
Genius Central in Far East Square is a productivity powerhouse, designed for remote workers with single tables and long desks. Its airy, plant-filled space and nutrient-packed menu cater to health-conscious freelancers. Natural light and a quiet vibe enhance focus.
The menu is delightfully diverse, featuring Mexican, Thai, Indian, Asian and Western favourites. Standouts include the Holy (S$15), which we love for the house-made guacamole and wonderful crisp and just-salty-enough nachos. Their Longevity Bowls (from S$18) include the Glazed Pumpkin Bowl, Bowl and Mexican Bowl of Glory. They serve an abundance of Allium-Free, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Vegan and Vegetarian options and variants.
Wi-Fi & Sockets: Free, reliable Wi-Fi; power sockets at nearly every seat. Why It's Great: Health-focused menu and productivity-driven design ensure focused work.
7-13 Amoy Street, #01-01, Far East Square, Singapore 049949 +65 8940 1200 | |
5. SYIP (Luzerne)
SYIP's Luzerne outlet in Bendemeer easily makes it into the top 5 of our best cafes for work and study. It is a minimalist masterpiece, with raw concrete and serene lighting crafting a calm workspace. Known for photogenic brunch and unique drinks, it's a hotspot for chic remote workers.
Black Sesame Latte (S$6.50) Iced White (S$6) and Grilled Truffle Cheese Toastie (S$22) are the stand outs. The Toastie comes with black truffle accompanied by cheddar and mozzarella cheese, with tomato soup on the side. Savoury heaven and very filling.
Their signature dish of Iberico Jowl Rice Bowl (S$20) of spiced lime Iberico Pork Jowl with ikura and Japanese rice is enhanced by the tangy sides of purple shibazuke and pickled cucumber. A 63°C egg completes the experience.
Wi-Fi & Sockets: Free, reliable Wi-Fi; ample power sockets. Why It's Great: Sleek design and unique menu enhance work focus.
72 Bendemeer Road, #01-05, Singapore 339941 +65 8770 9079 Daily: 9am–6pm | |
Ensconced in a wonderfully quaint building on Wilkie Road, Twenty Eight Cafe is a minimalist gem with a bright, airy interior bathed in natural light. Its spacious tables and green plants create a conducive workspace for freelancers and students. Serving all-day breakfast, it's a cosy spot to settle in.
Get an early start to your day when they open at 7.30am with the ever-popular and very filling Common Breakfast (S$28). It comes with sourdough, pork sausage, pork bacon, hash brown, sautéed mushrooms, mixed greens and an egg your way. Slightly lighter but just as tasty is the Eggs Benedict (S$19) with its brioche, pork ham, wilted spinach, poached eggs and avocado.
A Dirty Latte (from S$7.90 for Hot, S$7.90 for Iced) is perfect with either.
Wi-Fi & Sockets: Free, reliable Wi-Fi; ample power sockets. Why It's Great: Bright, spacious and cosy, it's a freelancer's productivity paradise.
28 Wilkie Road, #01-06, Singapore 228051 +65 9628 2829 Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 4.30pm Sat & Sun: 8am – 4.30pm | |
Best coffee cafes in Singapore: The ultimate guide
Apartment Coffee channels a sleek, Scandi-chic vibe, its clean lines and muted tones creating a distraction-free workspace. The open layout and communal seating encourage focus. Known for speciality brews from rotating roasters, it's a coffee purist's dream and a shoe-in for our list of the best cafes for work and study.
While the range of speciality coffees is diverse, they are light on food (and other distractions). Savour a Filter Coffee (S$6), Avocado Sourdough (S$14) or Iced White (S$6.50).
Wi-Fi & Sockets: Free, high-speed Wi-Fi; power sockets at most seats. Why It's Great: Speciality coffee and sleek design make it a focused workspace.
139 Selegie Road, #01-01, Singapore 188309 +65 6220 9988 Daily: 10am – 6pm |
There are 3 Baristart Coffee outlets across Singapore and Sentosa but my favourite for working is the branch at Wisma Atria. The chain brings Hokkaido's creamy flavours to Singapore, its cosy, wood-panelled interior offering a warm escape for remote workers. Using BIEI Jersey Milk, it crafts rich drinks and desserts. The intimate setup and soft lighting enhance focus.
They make a mean Mayo (S$9.80) with smashed boiled eggs, mustard butter, Japanese mayo, kapa zuke and red onion. However, the absolute must-try here is the Hokkaido Cream Puff (S$7 each, 3 for S$19.50). I could tell you tales but words will not live up to the experience.
The Matcha Latte (S$7.50), available hot or iced, is lovely on its own, while the Mixed Berries Yoghurt Smoothie (S$8.50) goes better with food.
Wi-Fi & Sockets: Free, reliable Wi-Fi; power sockets at select tables. Why It's Great: Hokkaido-inspired menu and cosy vibe ensure productive sessions.
435 Orchard Road, Wisma Atria, #01-01, Singapore 238877 +65 9836 9113 Daily: 11am – 9pm | |
Like Baristart Coffee, Plain Vanilla has 3 branches across Singapore. I find the one in Tiong Bahru the best for work and fuel. This outlet is a sun-drenched haven, its Kinfolk-esque interior with skylights and communal tables creating a communal, homey vibe. Famous for cupcakes, it offers baked treats and brunch perfect for long workdays.
I recommend you try the Smashed Avocado Toast (S$20), Banana Nutella Toast (S$14) and Flat White (S$5.50) for a delectable work session.
Wi-Fi & Sockets: Free, reliable Wi-Fi; power sockets at communal tables. Why It's Great: Homey charm and delicious treats fuel productive workdays.
1D Yong Siak Street, Singapore 168641 +65 8363 7614 Daily: 7.30am – 7pm |
Homeground Coffee Roasters is a cosy, trendy spot blending coffee culture with art gallery vibes. Its clean, contemporary decor and communal seating foster a creative workspace for nomads. Offering curated beans and brewing classes, it's a coffee lover's haven.
Enjoy White Lollipop Blend (S$5), Gesha Coffee Flower (S$8) or Truffle Fries (S$12).
Wi-Fi & Sockets: Free, reliable Wi-Fi; limited power sockets. Why It's Great: Creative ambience and speciality coffee spark productivity.
911 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 589622 +65 8218 4285 Daily: 8am – 4.30pm | |
Tomo Coffee in Joo Chiat offers a modern, industrial-chic retreat for intrepid workers in the East, its open layout and wooden accents creating a welcoming vibe. Known for in-house roasted beans, it serves robust brews and hearty bites.
I'd fight you for the Avocado Toast (S$18) because it's combo of brioche, avocado, burrata, onsen egg, tater tots, baby spinach, cherry tomatoes and sweet, sweet pomegranate are that good!
Wi-Fi & Sockets: Free, reliable Wi-Fi; power sockets at most tables. Why It's Great: Modern design and robust coffee fuel West-side productivity.
189 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427460 +65 8944 8110 Daily: 8am – 6pm | |
Can't go anywhere without your furry, fluffy or feathery friends? Well Collective welcomes you with open arms! This pet-friendly haven features gentle, earthy decor, perfect for remote workers craving a connection to nature. We had to include it on our list of the best cafes for work and study in Singapore.
Its communal table and tranquil setting foster productivity, while a diverse menu caters to vegan and gluten-free diets. You can't go wrong with the Japanese Chicken Curry (S$19) — the curry-marinated boneless chicken leg and curry mayo work wonders on atop the toasted sourdough. The Hash Sando (S$19) is another delicious find.
A Babycino will set you back just S$3 but I prefer the Hot Organic Cocoa (S$7).
Wi-Fi & Sockets: Free, reliable Wi-Fi; power sockets at communal tables. Why It's Great: Inclusive menu and serene, pet-friendly vibe boost productivity.
418 Northshore Drive, Northshore Plaza II, #02-11/12, Singapore 820418 +65 6979 6442 Mon to Fri: 12pm – 10pm Sat & Sun: 10am – 10pm | |
22 best brunch cafes in Singapore
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Miami Herald
18-07-2025
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West coast, best coast? Chase sunsets, marine life and circus vibes on Florida's Gulf coast
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Business Insider
08-07-2025
- Business Insider
I had lunch at the McDonald's on track to be the world's busiest. It felt like a polished coworking space with a side of fries.
I live near what may soon be the busiest McDonald's in the world: the Admiralty Centre location in Hong Kong's central business district. I'm not a die-hard McDonald's fan, but the hype around this particular branch piqued my curiosity. What does fast food look — and taste — like at hyperspeed I decided to find out over lunch. In a LinkedIn post shared by Hong Kong McDonald's in March, the company said its Admiralty Centre branch has averaged about 1,000 customers an hour during peak times since 2015. That's roughly 17 meals a minute, or one every 3.6 seconds. The current record holder is the Liverpool Street branch in London, a Hong Kong McDonald's representative told me. A representative from McDonald's UK was unable to confirm the ranking and wrote that "information about comparative sales and volume is not something we would usually share publicly." But with its newly redesigned lobby, built to handle more than 1,200 guests an hour, the Hong Kong location felt like one I had to check out for myself. A visit to the Golden Arches The Admiralty Centre location sits just above one of Hong Kong's busiest transit hubs — a "super interchange" connecting four major railway lines. It's prime real estate for a high-volume McDonald's. I showed up with a friend at around 12:30 p.m. on a Thursday last month, right in the middle of the lunch rush. It was packed, but surprisingly smooth. Most people seemed to have ordered ahead through the app, and even the self-order kiosks had short lines. I only waited behind two or three people, and we made it to the front in under two minutes. Interior design upgrade In addition to being Hong Kong's flagship location, the restaurant recently got a makeover. The revamp, unveiled in May, coincided with its 50th anniversary. I was born and raised in Hong Kong, but this branch has been here longer than I have. The 9,000-square-foot space gave off a futuristic vibe, thanks largely to a 72-foot-long curving digital screen that shifts color throughout the day. Seating ranges from round tables with lounge-style chairs to long dining counters with high stools, diner-style booths, and more. From touchscreen to tray After browsing the menu on the screen, we ordered two burgers, Shake Shake Fries, McWings, McPops, and an iced Uji Bubble Latte. Both the fries and the drink are regional menu items: the latte is an iced green tea with milk and chewy tapioca balls, while Shake Shake Fries are regular McDonald's fries served with a seasoning packet and paper bag. I added the honey barbecue flavor I'd chosen and gave the bag a good shake Hong Kong was the first place to serve the fries, debuting them in 2005. The bill added up to 176 Hong Kong dollars, or $22.40. I figured the lunchtime rush might slow things down, but true to the "fast food" name, our order was ready in just seven minutes. Surprisingly, there was no chaos. Despite every table being taken when we arrived, turnover was fast. People ate, left, and I could always spot a seat opening up. It moves like clockwork. A fast food glow-up Looking around, the place is a microcosm of Hong Kong life: white-collar workers in button-downs, grandmas feeding grandkids, teenagers FaceTiming with fries in hand. It's the fanciest McDonald's I've ever set foot in, and definitely the one most packed with office workers. There may not be a singing manager like Richie Rich Walker at the Liverpool Street branch (yes, it's true, look him up on Instagram), but this one has a surprising air of class. I never thought I'd describe a McDonald's as bougie. At least for McDonald's standards. A few tables appeared to double as casual work meetings. At one nearby table, I spotted a man in a blazer chatting with people who seemed to be his colleagues. They were all munching on Big Macs. It resembled a coworking space, as if WeWork and a high-end airport food court had a love child. Plenty of people were in suits: half deep in meetings, the other half probably pretending not to eavesdrop. It's hard to resist when you're sharing tables. I didn't see any laptops, but plenty of people were treating their phones like mini offices. They were scrolling, messaging, and even jumping on video calls. The place had a transactional energy, like productivity came with a side of fries. Meet the regulars I had expected to see more people. A 17-year-old employee told me that the outlet's busiest hours are usually between noon and 1:30 p.m. "Sometimes there aren't enough tables, and people have to wait 30 minutes," he said. Luckily for me, this was not the case when I visited. During lunch, I spoke with people about what keeps them coming back. For a 38-year-old clerk, it's the fries and proximity. "I come about twice a month," she said. "I always order ahead on the app, so I skip the line." A 46-year-old French expat working in insurance likes the consistency: "It's always fast, always the same. I come two to three times a month for a Big Mac meal." Others, like a freelance designer in his 40s, use the spot as a casual office. "I don't have a workplace, so I come here to eat and relax. It's cheap, comfortable, and fast. It works for everyone." When this McDonald's closed for renovations earlier this year, it had already served over 24 million customers, along with 4 million packs of fries, 7.5 million McNuggets, and 2.3 million cups of coffee, according to the LinkedIn post. "I'm so proud that in just one month since reopening, the team shattered records — unmatched customer satisfaction, record-breaking table service, endless compliments," Randy Lai, CEO of McDonald's Hong Kong, wrote on LinkedIn. As a kid, McDonald's meant Happy Meals and birthday parties. These days, it feels more like a coworking lounge. McDonald's is evolving, and in a city where time is money, it's doing it fast.
Business Insider
08-07-2025
- Business Insider
I had lunch at the McDonald's on track to be the world's busiest. It felt like a polished coworking space with a side of fries
I live near what may soon be the busiest McDonald's in the world: the Admiralty Centre location in Hong Kong's central business district. I'm not a die-hard McDonald's fan, but the hype around this particular branch piqued my curiosity. What does fast food look — and taste — like at hyperspeed I decided to find out over lunch. In a LinkedIn post shared by Hong Kong McDonald's in March, the company said its Admiralty Centre branch has averaged about 1,000 customers an hour during peak times since 2015. That's roughly 17 meals a minute, or one every 3.6 seconds. The current record holder is the Liverpool Street branch in London, a Hong Kong McDonald's representative told me. A representative from McDonald's UK was unable to confirm the ranking and wrote that "information about comparative sales and volume is not something we would usually share publicly." But with its newly redesigned lobby, built to handle more than 1,200 guests an hour, the Hong Kong location felt like one I had to check out for myself. A visit to the Golden Arches The Admiralty Centre location sits just above one of Hong Kong's busiest transit hubs — a "super interchange" connecting four major railway lines. It's prime real estate for a high-volume McDonald's. I showed up with a friend at around 12:30 p.m. on a Thursday last month, right in the middle of the lunch rush. It was packed, but surprisingly smooth. Most people seemed to have ordered ahead through the app, and even the self-order kiosks had short lines. I only waited behind two or three people, and we made it to the front in under two minutes. Interior design upgrade In addition to being Hong Kong's flagship location, the restaurant recently got a makeover. The revamp, unveiled in May, coincided with its 50th anniversary. I was born and raised in Hong Kong, but this branch has been here longer than I have. The 9,000-square-foot space gave off a futuristic vibe, thanks largely to a 72-foot-long curving digital screen that shifts color throughout the day. Seating ranges from round tables with lounge-style chairs to long dining counters with high stools, diner-style booths, and more. From touchscreen to tray After browsing the menu on the screen, we ordered two burgers, Shake Shake Fries, McWings, McPops, and an iced Uji Bubble Latte. Both the fries and the drink are regional menu items: the latte is an iced green tea with milk and chewy tapioca balls, while Shake Shake Fries are regular McDonald's fries served with a seasoning packet and paper bag. I added the honey barbecue flavor I'd chosen and gave the bag a good shake Hong Kong was the first place to serve the fries, debuting them in 2005. The bill added up to 176 Hong Kong dollars, or $22.40. I figured the lunchtime rush might slow things down, but true to the "fast food" name, our order was ready in just seven minutes. Surprisingly, there was no chaos. Despite every table being taken when we arrived, turnover was fast. People ate, left, and I could always spot a seat opening up. It moves like clockwork. A fast food glow-up Looking around, the place is a microcosm of Hong Kong life: white-collar workers in button-downs, grandmas feeding grandkids, teenagers FaceTiming with fries in hand. It's the fanciest McDonald's I've ever set foot in, and definitely the one most packed with office workers. There may not be a singing manager like Richie Rich Walker at the Liverpool Street branch (yes, it's true, look him up on Instagram), but this one has a surprising air of class. I never thought I'd describe a McDonald's as bougie. At least for McDonald's standards. A few tables appeared to double as casual work meetings. At one nearby table, I spotted a man in a blazer chatting with people who seemed to be his colleagues. They were all munching on Big Macs. It resembled a coworking space, as if WeWork and a high-end airport food court had a love child. Plenty of people were in suits: half deep in meetings, the other half probably pretending not to eavesdrop. It's hard to resist when you're sharing tables. I didn't see any laptops, but plenty of people were treating their phones like mini offices. They were scrolling, messaging, and even jumping on video calls. The place had a transactional energy, like productivity came with a side of fries. Meet the regulars I had expected to see more people. A 17-year-old employee told me that the outlet's busiest hours are usually between noon and 1:30 p.m. "Sometimes there aren't enough tables, and people have to wait 30 minutes," he said. Luckily for me, this was not the case when I visited. During lunch, I spoke with people about what keeps them coming back. For a 38-year-old clerk, it's the fries and proximity. "I come about twice a month," she said. "I always order ahead on the app, so I skip the line." A 46-year-old French expat working in insurance likes the consistency: "It's always fast, always the same. I come two to three times a month for a Big Mac meal." Others, like a freelance designer in his 40s, use the spot as a casual office. "I don't have a workplace, so I come here to eat and relax. It's cheap, comfortable, and fast. It works for everyone." When this McDonald's closed for renovations earlier this year, it had already served over 24 million customers, along with 4 million packs of fries, 7.5 million McNuggets, and 2.3 million cups of coffee, according to the LinkedIn post. "I'm so proud that in just one month since reopening, the team shattered records — unmatched customer satisfaction, record-breaking table service, endless compliments," Randy Lai, CEO of McDonald's Hong Kong, wrote on LinkedIn. As a kid, McDonald's meant Happy Meals and birthday parties. These days, it feels more like a coworking lounge. McDonald's is evolving, and in a city where time is money, it's doing it fast.
