The best chill cafés in Singapore's west

When you think of good food, the east is definitely the first place that comes to mind. That isn't to say that there aren't excellent dining opportunities in other areas of Singapore. The west has a booming café scene, with everything from ice cream shops to waffle and cake shops to all-day breakfast cafes. When you're out on a café crawl, stop by these chill spots.

FlagWhite (Bukit Timah)

This quaint corner café in the West is the place to go if you're looking for hearty café fare that's also affordable. The completely customizable breakfast meal is iconic – the choices aren't groundbreaking (think buttery croissants, hefty sausages, baked beans, and eggs done your way), but what matters is that they're done well. The suggested FlagWhite Burger ($16) and chicken parmigiana ($15) are among the main courses. If you're looking for something tasty, choose from their list of in-house bakes and treats from Keong Saik Bakery. Don't forget about the great coffee and cold brews.

Cuppafield Café (Bukit Batok)

Are you undecided between Asian and Western cuisines? Cuppafield Café in Bukit Batok serves fusion cuisine. Classic marinara pasta ($9.8) is served alongside Asian-inspired dishes such as curry cremoso ($11.80), a spin on the famous curry chicken dish. More filling mains include chicken on the beach ($10.8), fried buttermilk chicken with salad and fries ($10.80), and grilled chicken with its own blend of Thai sweet chilli sauce. There's no reason not to try Cuppafield's toasty Belgian waffles with gelato (from $7.30), particularly with mains this cheap.

Jimmy Monkey Café & Bar (Buona Vista)

You know what to expect: high ceilings, exposed beams, lamps dangling from wires, wood-topped tables, and an open coffee bar with a splash of color (pastel blue, yellow lights). The machine is the island's first Slayer Espresso, dripping from beans roasted on-site, and the floors have been refinished in a warm marbled wood. Aside from single-origin espresso, pour-over, French press, and siphon coffees, there's a complete bread menu as well as a more substantial night menu.

Lee's Confectionery (Jurong East)

Lee Yin Quan, who has a diploma in French pastry from Ferrandi Paris, one of Europe's most prestigious culinary institutes, owns this minimalist patisserie in Jurong. Lee, who has collaborated with some of the world's most renowned pastry chefs, serves beautifully plated and meticulous desserts that you'd expect to find in a fine-dining establishment. Enjoy your entremets with one of the teas or coffees sourced locally.

D'Good Café (Bukit Timah)

D'Good Café has plenty of comfy nooks where you can park yourself for hours, with three separate settings – garden, attic, and balcony – and spanning two floors in a shophouse along Holland Village. The menu is comprehensive, with all-day breakfast choices such as eggs Benedict as well as main courses such as poached fresh lobster and sautéed beef. To accompany your meal, sip espresso-based drinks, ice-blended frappes, or cocktails flavored with the café's own tea and coffee.

W39 Bistro & Bakery (Clementi)

W39 Bistro is still open on Sunday. Its relaxed and welcoming environment makes you want to forget about your concerns while you sip iced PEM tea ($7.90) – a blend of passionfruit, elderflower, and mint – and cakes like pistachio rose ($7.80), ondeh ondeh ($6.80), and chocolate ($6.80). If you're looking for a filling dinner, try the chicken roulade ($22), pan-seared lamb rack ($28), salmon ceviche ($12), or the W39 baked Caesar salad ($14) on the menu.

Bok's Kitchen by Hidden Chefs (Jurong West)

For almost two years, Bok's Kitchen has been serving up real food at a reasonable price. Aside from its regular menu, which includes rice bowls and pastas for $9 and mains including the creamy chicken bread bowl for $12, it also provides a brunch menu that is only available on weekends and holidays. Eggs Benedict ($12), a smoked salmon breakfast burger ($13), and a classic BLT sandwich ($10) are among the menu's highlights.

The Daily Scoop (Clementi)

The Daily Scoop, another ice cream parlour to add to your list, offers over 40 different flavors of ice cream. The maple crisp, strawberry shortcake, lychee martini, and salted mr brown, a salty-sweet-chocolatey concoction, are all interesting choices. Serve it in a cup or cone, and pair it with freshly baked waffles or brownies for a sweet finish.

Oh My Mango Dessert Bar (Jurong West)

Oh My Mango is a mango-focused café, in addition to being a Thai-style dessert establishment. New mango bingsu, mango yogurt frappe, coconut frappe, Thai milk tea shibuya toast, and tom yum goong toast will satisfy your Thai dessert cravings.

Smoocht (Jurong East)

All fitness buffs, take note! Smoocht's r'ice creams are delicious ice creams. They're guilt-free and made with only the finest ingredients, including organic crystal brown rice and evaporated sugarcane juice, fresh fruit, and pure nut butters. Thai tea, matcha, PB n' choc, and coconut are among the flavors available. Waffles, brownies, smoothies, and savory dishes like truffle porcini pizza and creamy chicken pasta are also available.

Article credit: https://www.timeout.com/