For those who don't live in the East side of Singapore, it might just seem like a slow and mundane community of terrace houses and quiet neighbourhoods. But time has proven these misconceptions wrong. Over the years, numerous quaint cafes have popped up in the vicinity of the residential neighbourhoods. Think ice cream bars and brunch spots right below your block, or just a five-minute stroll away. Mmm, sounds amazing.

Now, us Easties no longer have to travel for our fix of freshly roasted coffee and eggs benedict, especially when some of the best are located right in our hood. Don't believe us? Here are 10 hidden gems that can be found in the East - we won't be surprised if you guys come running here after reading about them.

1. Penny University

Tucked into a quiet corner along East Coast Road, this cafe has built up a reputation over the years that is nothing but quiet. The name 'Penny University' was inspired by the first coffeehouses in London in the 1970s, where people only had to pay a penny to enter the coffeehouse. Now a modern day artisan cafe that sources their coffee beans from local roasters, head down to give their coffee a shot!

 
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlSFA7yAIDB/?taken-at=214154563
Address: 402 East Coast Road, Singapore
Tel: +65 6345 9055

2. Group Therapy Katong V

What initially started out as a collective events space in the CBD has turned into a flourishing cafe. Fans of this cafe no longer have to travel all the way to Duxton Road for their fix of roasted almond latte - the new branch located at Katong V boasts a similar menu and casual, laidback decor. If you're looking for a less sinful brunch, be sure to give their Skinny Eggs Ben a shot. It comes with smashed avocado and lemon yogurt sauce, a low-calorie alternative to hollandaise sauce!

https://www.instagram.com/p/Blho2BWHQWM/?taken-at=2956941
Address: 30 East Coast Road #01-11 Katong V, Singapore 428751
Mon-Sun: 8am-6pm
Closed on Mondays (except PH)

3. Chock Full of Beans

3D latte art? Sign me up! Upon ordering any cup of coffee, you will be greeted with adorable cartoon latte art that pops right out of the glass. While the latte art itself can warrant a trip all the way down to Changi Village, their food is also to die for. Chock Full of Beans tops the eggs benedict game by serving our favourite poached eggs with roast beef as well. It can get crowded on the weekends, so be sure to reserve a table before you head down!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BH8bxgYAmt-/?taken-at=6480445
Address: Blk 4 Changi Village Rd #01-2090, Singapore 500004
Tel: +65 6214 8839
Tue-Fri: 11.30am-10.15pm
Sat-Sun: 9.30am-10.15pm
Closed Monday

4. Fatcat Ice-Cream Bar

The huge range of artisanal flavours of ice cream to choose from isn't the highlight here at the Fatcat Ice-Cream Bar. Think Deconstructed Strawberry Cheesecakes, pudding-like Mojito Cocktail Spheres, and the gourmet Charcoal Waffles served with Salted Egg Yolk sauce. If you're up to give your tastebuds a challenge, this place is perfect for you.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkR5p1NnoNv/?taken-at=518354426
Blk 416 Bedok North Ave 2 #01-25 Singapore 460416
Tel: +65 6241 0830
Mon-Thurs: 1pm-10pm
Fri: 1pm-11pm
Sat: 12pm-11pm
Sun: 12pm-1opm
Closed Tuesdays

5. Birds of Paradise Gelato Boutique

This gelato boutique takes a unique spin on ice cream - throw whatever you thought was the 'norm' for ice cream out of the window, because Birds of Paradise is here to challenge it in every way. Serving up natural botanical flavours, Birds of Paradise uses fresh herbs, spices and fruits to create their ice cream. Some interesting flavours include: Strawberry Basil, White Chrysanthemum, Pandan and Spiced Pear. Be sure to savour their ice creams with their thyme cones, which are made fresh on the spot.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkzykQhFVNW/?taken-at=1535236523450923
63 East Coast Road #01-05
Singapore 428776
Tel: +65 9678 6092
Sun, Tue to Thu: 12pm – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 10.30pm

6. Sinpopo Brand

Sick of the same old eggs benedict and toast? Fret not, we have Sinpopo Brand serving up local favourites with a twist. The menu comes in the form of an attendance roster, and local favourites such as Hor Fun are completely reinvented here. The sliced wagyu hor fun is crispy and tossed with perfectly seared wagyu beef slices, while the cult favourite Pulut Hitam is now served in a cake.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BenZFFdldl7/?taken-at=352614162
458 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427671
Tel: +65 6345 5034
Sun – Thurs: 12nn – 10pm
Fri – Sat: 12nn – 12am

7. Project Acai

With the recent acai craze that's been going on around the world, it's no surprise to find acai shops popping up all around Singapore. Taking the lead is Project Acai, Singapore's first dedicated Acai cafe. Prepared fresh everyday, these acai bowls are perfect in Singapore's relentless heat, and pack a great nutritious punch to your day.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BYValPHjZjd/?taken-at=713411342192095
217 East Coast Road, Singapore 428915
Mon - Sun: 1130am - 10pm*
*(or until sold out)

8. Brawn & Brains

This minimalist cafe is the perfect backdrop for any grams you're planning on taking. The cafe, located in the former Singapore Badminton Hall, offers fresh bakes and savoury dishes for those looking for a heavier meal. Do try out their oven baked molten eggs on tortilla - it comes with a generous topping of melted cheese, avocado and smoked salmon!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BjRbUMiAuL5/?taken-at=122792775
100 Guillemard Road #01-02 Singapore 399718
Tel: +65 6348 0501
Tues-Fri: 8.3oam-6pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 9.30am-6pm