Isn’t it a bummer that most bookstores prohibit you from bringing food and drinks inside? Given the risk of spillage and ruining the valuable pages, we understand why the rule was made, but it’s still a crying shame regardless. When C.S. Lewis said, “Eating and reading are two pleasures that combine admirably,” we felt that in our cores.
Thank God for the brilliant soul who came up with the solution to this problem — book cafes! Like their name suggests, book cafes are establishments that consist of both a book store and a café so visitors are allowed and even encouraged to eat or drink whilst reading. But be sure to be extra careful so you don’t end up spilling anything on the books! Here are the best book cafes in Singapore to read while enjoying a cup of coffee.
The Best Book Cafes in Singapore
Contents
1. Epigram Coffee Bookshop
Epigram is an award-winning Singaporean publisher that also distributes Southeast Asian literature across the globe. Interested in reading more novels penned by our very own Singaporean authors? As the sole local bookshop to offer only Singapore books, Epigram Coffee Bookshop is your best bet to appreciate and support local talent. Head down to the Singapore Art Museum to visit Epigram’s new book store outlet, where their coffee partner, Balestier Market Collective, will also be serving up the best cup of joe for you to enjoy.
For more information, click here.
| Address | 39 Keppel Road, Tanjong Pagar Distripark 01-02, Singapore Art Museum, Singapore 089065 |
| Operating hours | Opens daily (11:00am – 6:30pm) |
| Contact details | +65 9137 9050 |
2. The Zall Bookstore
Do you have the gall to not give The Zall Bookstore a chance? We didn’t think so. More than just a bookshop, Zall is a sanctuary for Chinese culture, literature, and art. Spanning two floors, this large Instagrammable space houses over 30,000 Chinese literary treasures, so no matter your age group or gender, Zall has a novel for you. Their in-house café offers every drink, from coffee to matcha and various desserts, from pies to cakes. Don’t forget to keep a lookout for the hidden art gallery as well (hint: it’s behind a revolving bookcase).
For more information, click here.
| Address | SG 501 Orchard Road, Wheelock Place, #02-18, Singapore 238880 |
| Operating hours | Opens daily (10:30am – 7:30pm) |
| Contact details | +65 6232 7549 |
3. Jing Si Books and Cafe
Another Chinese bookstore-slash-café hybrid, Jing Si Books and Cafe has three outlets all over the island, so you know it’s a popular spot to chill. Jing Si’s outlet in Yishun is arguably the most visited for its zen and tranquil vibes. Overlooking the beautiful Yishun Pond, Jing Si Books and Cafe is a spiritual oasis for busy city dwellers, a place to run to when you’re tired of the hustle and bustle of life. If you’re a tea lover, order a cup of their insecticide- and pesticide-free tea, harvested from Jing Si’s own plantation in Taiwan.
For more information, click here.
| Address | Click here to view all locations |
| Operating hours | Click here to view all operating hours |
| Contact details | Click here to view all contact details |
4. Grassroots Book Room
Reading doesn’t have to be a completely solitary activity. As Grassroots Book Room is constantly hosting events such as book sharing sessions and book signings, visiting this book café becomes less of a lonely experience and more of an opportunity to be social. Once you’re tired of browsing through their large selection of Chinese titles and adorable merchandise, visit the café called Little Oasis at the back of the bookstore. Order a slice of cake, and a cup of coffee from Common Man Coffee Roasters, sit back, and enjoy.
For more information, click here.
| Address | 25 Bukit Pasoh Rd, Singapore 089839 |
| Operating hours | Wednesday to Monday (12:00pm – 8:00pm) Closed on Tuesdays |
| Contact details | +65 6337 9208 |
5. The Book Cafe
Ever been so engrossed in a novel that you end up starving yourself because you forgot to eat? We’ve all been there, done that. At The Book Cafe, you won’t have to settle for just desserts and coffee, as their menu also includes heavier fare such as all-day breakfast, pasta dishes, and sandwiches for you to tuck into. The Book Cafe has been around since 2000 and is one of the best book cafes in Singapore where you can just relax on one of their many couches with a novel in hand. They also have free Wi-Fi, a haven for busy students.
For more information, click here.
| Address | 20 Martin Rd, #01-02 Seng Kee Building, Singapore 239070 |
| Operating hours | Monday to Wednesday (8:30am – 5:30pm) Thursday to Sunday (8:30am – 8:30pm) |
| Contact details | +65 6887 5430 |
6. Cultivate Cafe
We’re cheating a little bit with our last entry of the best book cafes in Singapore, but we promise you, Cultivate Cafe is more than worth it. A vegan restaurant with a gorgeous old-school library design, visitors can definitely choose to curl up and read here — once they’ve ordered something to eat, of course. The menu includes sandwiches, salads, soups and cheese platters, and various vegan mains such as pad Thai rice noodles and vegan burgers. Sample these delicacies whilst surrounded by walls of books — they make the best companions.
For more information, click here.
| Address | Maxwell Reserve, Autograph Collection, 2 Cook St, Singapore 078857 |
| Operating hours | Opens daily (11:00am – 9:00pm) |
| Contact details | +65 8866 0159 |
Be sure to follow Glitz on Instagram and Facebook for all the latest updates!
