Work from cafe: Best work-friendly cafes with free WiFi, power sockets and great coffee to get work done

Work-from-home arrangements are here to stay, but actually working at home is seldom the most conducive idea. Luckily, the next best alternative isn’t Starbucks – Singapore has no shortage of work-friendly cafes with free wifi, power points, and a peaceful ambience to fuel you and your laptop. Whichever region of Singapore you’re in, these 20 cafes in our shortlist have you covered with fantastic coffee, good grub, and in some cases, boozy inspiration.

Work-friendly cafes in the East

Little Farms Bistro

Need to get your grocery shopping and work done in one? Little Farms’ latest branch in Joo Chiat is its largest one yet, packing 6,000 square feet of organic produce and an airy in-house bistro. With its soothing wood tones and power points lining the walls, the bistro has plenty of serene nooks to tuck yourself into.

Eat clean with wholesome fare like Smashed Avocado on Toast and New Zealand King Salmon, keep hydrated with Allpress coffee and fresh juices. If you need more motivation to finish work early, happy hour kicks off from 4pm, with cocktails and wines by the glass from just $10. 

Little Farms Bistro is located at #01-04A, 451 Joo Chiat Road, Katong Point Shopping Centre, Singapore 427664, p. +65 6241 2803. Open Mon-Tues 8.30am–5.30pm, Wed-Fri 8.30am–10.30pm, Sat-Sun 7.30am–10pm.

6 Letter Brunch

Run by the same folks behind 6 Letters Coffee in Tanjong Katong, 6 Letter Brunch is a sight for sore eyes with its leafy plants and vintage bicycles. Snag a seat by the handful of power sockets dotting the walls, and power up with their recently launched cold brews in intriguing flavours like Coconut Coffee.

The all-day brunch menu is sprawling to say the least, with a whole section devoted to their moreish housemade rosti alone – from Wagyu Beef Rosti ($25) to Smoked Duck ($18). The pancake selection is just as tempting, whether you’re going savoury with Arabiki Sausage ($12) or sweet with gelato toppings.

6 Letter Brunch is located at 103 Frankel Ave, Singapore 458225, p. +65 8366 0168. Open Sun-Thurs 8am–8pm, Fri-Sat 8am–9pm. 

C Cafe

Tucked along the lively buzz of Joo Chiat Road is a sleek, minimalist hideout: C Cafe. Snag a perch at the counter table where the power points are, and fuel up for the grind with detox juices or brews from local artisanal brand Kindred Teas.

For a hearty lunch, think sourdough toasties or thick stacks like C’s Chicken Burger ($24) served with tater tots. If you need a breather from work, you might be lucky enough to catch café owner and card magic enthusiast Ashley Cho showing off a few tricks.

C Cafe is located at 477 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427683, p. +65 8875 1122. Open daily 8am–10pm. 

Work-friendly cafes in the West

W39 Bistro & Bakery

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Set just beside Clementi Stadium, W39 Bistro & Bakery is the dose of good cheer we all need with its sunshine-yellow hues and homely wood furnishings. If you like working with some fresh air, you can catch some breeze in the pet-friendly alfresco area as well.

The menu puts eclectic Asian twists on your usual bistro fare – think Salmon Ceviche ($12) with sambal mayo or Ebi Cha Soba ($30) in a homemade bacon tea broth. No less interesting are the drink pairings, from craft beers to Pandan Chiffon Cold Brew Tea ($6). It’s worth plumping for the weekday set lunch, which packs a starter, main, drink, and dessert.

W39 Bistro & Bakery is located at 39 Jalan Mas Puteh, Singapore 128637, p. +65 9646 5372. Open Tues-Fri 11.30am–9.30pm, Sat-Sun 9am–9.30pm. Closed Mon. 

Dewgather

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With its dusky pink tones and glass canopy, there’s no question that Dewgather is a stunner. But this new Melbourne-inspired cafe in Buona Vista has more than just good looks – behind its undulating three-metre-long bar, coffee roaster champion Kang Yi Yang roasts a seasonal array of single-origin beans in-house, along with Dewgather’s own house blend The Star (from $4++).

The grub, too, is more than your usual run of brunch staples, from summery Dew Swordfish Pasta ($24++) to lemon myrtle crumpets with wildflowers. With a handful of power points available, we could happily linger there all day. Check out our review here.

Dewgather is located at 1 Vista Exchange Green, #01-46 The Star Vista, Singapore 138617, p. +65 8043 8398. Open daily 8am–10pm. 

KARA Cafe & Dessert Bar

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Need a sugar rush to combat a mental block? Bukit Timah dessert spot KARA offers some serious eye candy with walls decked out in pastel hues and tropical murals, and power sockets under almost every table. Here, you’ll find healthy eats like Chicken & Avo Salad ($16) and Tempura Fish Kimchi ($16) grain bowls, but the star of the show is undoubtedly the sweet treats.

Treat yo’self to a melty, Warm Peanut Butter Cookie ($13) baked in a skillet or one of their homemade mochi waffles in indulgent flavours like Matcha Berry ($12.50).

KARA Cafe & Dessert Bar is located at 617 Bukit Timah Rd, Singapore 269718, p. +65 6468 8940. Open Mon-Fri 11am–10pm, Sat-Sun 10.30am–10pm. 

Work-friendly cafes in the North

Amber Ember

Set along Upper Serangoon Road, this pink-hued, plant-lush cafe oozes peaceful vibes and comes well-equipped with power outlets. Amber Ember’s star offering is jaffles – Aussie-style toasties prepared with a jaffle iron – in deliciously melty flavours like triple-cheesed Cheesus Loves You ($11) and Truffle Fun-Guy ($12) with soy-balsamic roasted mushrooms.

It whips up some stellar cuppas with seasonal beans from specialty roastery Cata Coffee; cold brew addicts can even get their fix in packs of four.

Amber Ember is located at 730 Upper Serangoon Rd, #01-01, Singapore 534613, p. +65 6926 3312. Open Tues-Fri 10am–5pm, Sat-Sun 10am–6pm. Closed Mon. 

One Man Coffee

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This Upper Thomson favourite fills up quickly and takes no reservations, so you’ll have all the more motivation to hit the grind early. One Man Coffee brews up a mean cuppa with beans sourced from Melbourne’s Axil Coffee Roasters, along with floral-forward iced teas. Grab a spot at one of their rustic wooden tables indoors or outdoors, and fill up on wholesome brunch fare like the Smashed Avocado on Sourdough ($14).

One Man Coffee is located at 215R Upper Thomson Rd, Singapore 574349, p. +65 9658 1685. Open Wed-Mon 9am–5pm. Closed Tues. 

Work-friendly cafes in Central Singapore

For The People

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For The People is certainly a haven for the laptop-toting masses. This minimalist 60-seater space offers a pick of cosy booths perfect for video calls, couches for laidback brainstorming, and counter seats for a quick coffee run.

With power sockets handily tucked under most tables, it’s not uncommon to see laptop warriors hunkered there all day. Another reason that keeps folks coming back is their addictive Mozzarella Sticks with sriracha salsa dip, not to mention their well-stuffed burgers.

For The People is located at 11 Hamilton Rd, #01-00, Singapore 209182, p. +65 8133 4819. Open daily 10am–6pm. 

The Ritual

Turn your stressful grind into a soothing ritual at this pastel-and-cream oasis. The Ritual aims to be a refuge from our fast-paced daily lives, and it’s doing it right with wholesome, MSG-free comfort foods seasoned with raw sugar and mineral-rich Himalayan salt.

Treat yourself to a hit of wellness with their Energise ($9) cold-pressed juice, then get your protein fix with mains like Barramundi with Homemade Salsa ($28). With peaceful vibes and enough power points to go around, it’s easy to find your focus here. 

The Ritual is located at Alocassia Apartments, 383 Bukit Timah Road, #01-09B, Singapore 259727. Open daily 8am–6.30pm. 

Carrotsticks & Cravings (Stanley)

With their third outlet on Stanley Street, Carrotsticks & Cravings is fulfilling the cravings of CBD folks with organic fare and a sprinkling of work-friendly charging points. Bright and tropical-chic, this healthy eating spot has all you need for that early-morning energy boost: Superfood-packed smoothies, fresh juices, and even an indulgent Keto Coffee ($8) fragrant with coconut milk.

You’ll also find their usual array of plant-powered bowls and sourdough toasts, including arguably the best Signature Smashed Avo ($18) on the island.

Carrotsticks & Cravings (Stanley) is located at 5 Stanley St, #01-01, Singapore 068724, p. +65 8028 6651. Open daily 8am–5pm. 

Grids & Circles

Sprawled across three stories of a Chinatown shophouse, Grids & Circles serves up minimalist chic alongside eclectic Japanese flavours. Get a whiff of house tea blends like Roasted Oolong and Hojicha Karigane at the first-floor retail area, then head up to the light-filled second level for large tables and plentiful power points.

For your coffee fix, the fan-favourite Clouds In My Coffee is a remarkably silky white cold brew; for work fuel, the food menu ranges from tamago sandos to okonomiyaki rosti stacks. The caveat? You’ll need to spend a minimum of S$30 for your slice of work paradise.

Grids & Circles is located at 200 South Bridge Rd, Singapore 058749, p. +65 9665 4398. Open daily 9am–6.30pm.  

The Book Cafe

For two decades, The Book Cafe has been a home away from home for digital nomads, bookworms, and those who just need a cosy cuppa. With plush couches cocooned by well-stocked bookshelves, it’s the perfect spot to snuggle up while getting down to business.

There’re plenty of power sockets around to keep your laptop fuelled; meanwhile, there’s an all-day breakfast menu alongside pastas, meat dishes, and cakes to keep you  fuelled. The free-to-use printer is also handy for any emergency document needs.

The Book Cafe is located at 20 Martin Rd, #01-02 Seng Kee Building, Singapore 239070, p. +65 6887 5430. Open daily 8.30am–8.30pm. 

KOMYUNITI

KOMYUNITI is technically a bar, but hey, we all need some liquid inspiration. Buzzy and neon-lit by night, this YOTEL watering hole is serene by day, with super-fast wifi and a good handful of charging points.

Helmed by veteran mixologist As’ad Isnin, the drinks program sees intriguing themes like a Barrel-Aged Series and Harajuku-inspired tipples – you’ll certainly want to start happy hour early. Keep your energy up with Asian comfort grub like the Modern Chicken Burger (S$19) featuring fried mantou buns, plus a range of bar bites.

KOMYUNITI is located at 366 Orchard Road, YOTEL Level 10, Singapore 238904, p. +65 6866 8067. Open daily 6.30am–11pm. 

Genius Central

No worries about snagging a coveted charging point at Genius Central – you’ll find nearly one socket for every seat scattered around this sprawling workspace. This cafe is built for serious hustling, and you’ll find everything from cosy single-person tables to long desks perfect for meetings.

There’s a medley of nourishing grub to keep your mind sharp – Longevity Bowls packed with greens and grains, organic brunch fare, plus spice lattes and fresh juices to sip on. Those going vegan or gluten-free will have plenty to pick from too.

Genius Central is located at #01-01, 7-13 Amoy Street, Far East Square, Singapore 049949, p. +65 8940 1200. Open Mon-Thurs 8am–8.30pm, Fri-Sat 8am–9.30pm, Sun 8am–4pm. 

Botany

If you like your workspace easy on the eye, Botany’s white marble walls, soaring ceilings, and hanging greenery are more than enough aesthetic inspiration. Opened by local actress Julie Tan, this garden-themed cafe is lined with comfy couches inside and all-white, picnic-worthy chairs out front.

Tuck into healthy Asian and Western dishes alongside caffeine indulgences like the alcohol-laced Rose Flavoured Latte ($7++). If you need some boozy fuel, wines by the glass (from $12++) are available all day.

Botany is located at 86 Robertson Quay, #01-03, Singapore 238245, p. +65 6951 4861. Open Mon-Fri 9am–10pm, Sat-Sun 8.30am–10pm. 

SYIP

If you like your surroundings as distraction-free as possible, SYIP takes minimalism to the next level. This all-white café is all subtle curves and raw concrete accents, haloed with serene light from the large skylight overhead.

The only colour here comes from the menu, with signature latte indulgences like Matcha Strawberry (S$7.50) and Matcha Yuzu ($7) to ‘syip’ on. For grub, think elevated brunch staples like the Burrata Open-Faced Toast ($22) and hearty Japanese rice bowls such as Wagyu Beef ($20). Seating is strictly walk-in only, so get there early to snag your spot.

SYIP is located at 79 Owen Rd, Singapore 218895, p. +65 8770 9079. Open Tues-Sun 9am–6pm. Closed Mon. 

Old Hen Coffee Bar

Another Farrer Park gem, Old Hen Coffee Bar is a favourite haunt among cold brew lovers in the know. You’ll have no problem getting work done at this sleek, minimalist cafe – not with smooth bottles of Cold Brew Black ($6.50) and White Coffee ($6.90), Dark Cocoa ($6.90), and Matcha Milk ($7.50) to get your gears turning. The Rangoon Road stretch is lined with great brunch spots, but we reckon Old Hen’s lineup of comforts like Pulled Pork Pita ($12.50) and soft-boiled egg-topped Avocado On Toast ($13.50) work just as well.

Old Hen Coffee Bar is located at 88 Rangoon Rd, #01-03, Singapore 218374, p. +65 6341 5458. Open daily 9.30am–6.30pm.

Wakey Wakey

From the folks behind Strangers’ Reunion and Curious Palette, Wakey Wakey pairs industrial-chic good looks with the waffle indulgence of its sister cafes. Aside from the usual chai lattes and cold brews, they’ve also got a delightfully creamy, vegan-friendly Oatgasm coffee brewed with oat milk.

Nosh on fluffy Buttermilk Waffles ($12) topped with fresh fruits, alongside a range of burgers and grain bowls. If you need a breather from work, the full-length windows offer prime opportunities for people-watching.

Wakey Wakey is located at 302 Beach Road, #01-04/5, Concourse Skyline, Singapore 199600, p. +65 8874 0787. Open Mon-Fri 8am–5pm, Sat-Sun 9am–6pm. 

The Glasshouse

With its pale hues, wall-to-wall glass windows, and luxuriant potted plants, The Glasshouse lives up to its name indeed. Sitting pretty in the heart of CHIJMES, this sunlit cafe brews up specialty filter blends from a constantly rotating range of roasters.

Besides roasts, The Glasshouse is serious about its toasts – crisp, open-faced goodness made with artisanal sourdough and topped with everything from burrata and caramelized onions to banana pecan miso butter.

The Glasshouse is located at 30 Victoria St, #01-03 CHIJMES, Singapore 187996. Open daily 8am–7pm. 

This article was first published in City Nomads.