Tucked between Little India and Lavender, Jalan Besar is fast becoming one of Singapore’s hotspots for the fashionable creatives. With its mishmash of Art Deco buildings, vividly restored shophouses, and light industrial past, the neighbourhood hums with new energy—especially among a younger crowd in search of meaningful places to pause. Here, cafés aren’t just for sips. They serve as “third spaces”—those rare pockets between work and home that offer us a sense of calm, connection, and unhurried time.
Whether it’s a quiet teahouse dedicated to the art of stillness or a new coffee bar grounded in thoughtful craft and quality beans, these five cafés in Jalan Besar are embracing a slower rhythm of living. The next time you’re wandering its streets, stop by for a cuppa—and if you can, take a moment to stay.
Antea Social
More than a teahouse, Antea Social is a sanctuary for tea lovers. Tucked along Tyrwhitt Road, this minimalist space offers a meditative escape, where pots of rare single-origin teas are served alongside handmade onigiri, delicate cakes, and tea snacks. The experience is quiet, deliberate, and deeply comforting—offering a gentle pause in the day.
After six years at its original location, Antea Social is preparing for a move. But not before one last birthday celebration from 21–22 June, marking a farewell steeped in gratitude and slow moments. The ticketed event offers a free-flow tea tasting bar and little gifts. Spend your weekend at an intimate gathering of slow tea and warm conversations.
Antea Social is located at 9 Tyrwhitt Road, Singapore 207528.
Hey Slow Joe
Along the buzz of Tessensohn Road, Hey Slow Joe lives up to its name. This sun-drenched café invites you to pause—whether over a flat white or a playlist lovingly curated by its three co-founders. Concrete walls and clean lines set a minimalist backdrop, but it’s the heartfelt welcome that warms the space.
Hey Slow Joe’s slogan is “Slow down, savour coffee.” And it delivers. The coffee menu spans familiar favourites like the black and white to soul-soothing picks like mocha and affogato. And for a sweet treat? Try the Chocolate Hazelnut Praline. From beans to community, Hey Slow Joe makes taking it slow feel like second nature.
Hey Slow Joe is located at 1 Tessensohn Road, #01-10, Singapore 217701.
Moonchild
Moonchild is the cosmic, carefree younger sibling in the Atlas Coffeehouse family. With its psychedelic logo, concrete-and-wood interiors, and pet-friendly patio, this café brings a playful energy to the Jalan Besar strip. But don’t let the laid-back vibes fool you—the kitchen here takes comfort food seriously.
The Potato Stack Eggs Benny is a standout: thinly sliced potatoes layered, pressed, and crisped into a golden base, topped with smoked salmon and silky poached eggs. Round it out with a house-baked treat and their Earl Grey Iced Milkstache or a classic einspänner. At Moonchild, comfort food gets a playful, soulful twist—one that’s anything but ordinary.
Moonchild is located at 351 Jalan Besar, #01-01, Singapore 208988.
Kaeden
Connection is the name of the game at Kaeden—literally. Borrowed from the Danish word for “chain”, the café’s name reflects its mission to bring people closer over food that’s as hearty as it is thoughtful. Nestled in a cosy corner of Jalan Besar, Kaeden draws from the comforting cadence of family dinners, blending local flavours with familiar favourites.
Start with the Kam Heong Chicken Karaage, move on to the roast chicken thigh with mashed potatoes and tomato caper sauce. And finish strong with a sweet sticky date pudding and vanilla ice cream. Designed for sharing, these hearty plates set the tone for good conversations. Warm, unfussy, and inviting, Kaeden is where full bellies meet full hearts.
Kaeden is located at 12 Kallang Avenue, Aperia Mall, #01-25, Singapore 339511.
Apartment
Minimal in design but rich with intent, Apartment is more than a café—it’s a love letter to coffee. The team here takes sourcing seriously, working with traceable farms and terroir-driven roasts to highlight the stories behind each bean. From the soft palette to the gentle playlist, every detail feels purposeful.
It’s no wonder, then, that Apartment has made waves internationally, clinching the top spot as Asia’s Best Coffee Shop and landing sixth on the World’s 100 Best. But accolades aside, the draw is simple: a beautiful space to savour a cup, and maybe rediscover the joy of stillness along the way.
Apartment is located at 139 Selegie Road, #01-01, Singapore 188309.
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