% Arabica (Arab Street)

% Arabica Arab Street is the Singapore outpost of the coffee brand that began in Kyoto, Japan, in 2014. The shop at 56 Arab Street opened in June 2019 as the brand's first in Singapore. It is now one of several % Arabica cafés on the island.

The brand was founded by Kenneth Shoji, and the company also has its own coffee farm in Hawaii. Its % logo is a simple drawing of a coffee plant. This branch is a coffee bar first, with a short drinks list and limited seating, so think of it as a coffee stop rather than a place for a meal.

What to order

The menu is short and built around espresso drinks. Lattes, hot or iced, are the usual order. The Spanish latte is a popular pick, and reviewers often describe the coffee as bold and well balanced.

• Coffee: espresso and milk-based drinks, made with beans from the brand's own farm and from growers in other countries.
• Not coffee: a matcha latte and lemonade are also on offer.
• Food: there may be a few pastries, but the shop is mainly about drinks, so plan to eat a proper meal elsewhere in the area.
• To take home: bags of coffee beans, mugs and other branded goods.

The setting

The café sits on a corner of Arab Street, in a row of old shophouses. Like most % Arabica shops around the world, it has a clean, minimal look in white, with touches of grey and gold. When it opened, it had about 20 seats and a small roaster at the back, where you could watch beans being roasted.

Reviewers describe the space as calm and cosy, though seating is tight. Many visitors take their cup with them and walk around the neighbourhood.

Good to know before you go

• Seats are limited and the café can get crowded, so groups may need to take drinks away.
• If you plan to visit the Sultan Mosque nearby, dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered.
• Other Singapore branches are listed on the official % Arabica website.

Getting there

Bugis MRT station is the nearest stop. From there it is a short walk into Kampong Glam and along Arab Street.

Nearby

The café makes an easy start to a walk around Kampong Glam and Haji Lane, with its small shops and street art. For lunch, Alaturka Mediterranean & Turkish Restaurant is a few minutes away on Bussorah Street. Browse more cafés and bakeries in Singapore, or see all restaurants in Bugis and Kampong Glam.