10 Vintage-themed cafes in Singapore you will fall in love with

1/10
Brunches Cafe
At this cafe that doubles up as a furniture shop, you might just find yourself leaving with a happy tummy and a vintage collectible to boot. Chill on their Mini Cooper sofa set while enjoying a relaxing meal with your friends, chowing down on their all-day breakfast with hits like their Pimp My Brekkie (that allows for a customisable Big Breakfast experience) or the pancake stack that will surely satisfy. When you’re done, find yourself exploring every little corner that’s packed with toys and collectibles that will certainly bring back memories.

96 Rangoon Road, Singapore 218381

Photo: @_memyselfandirene_
2/10
Kombi Rocks Diner
Kombi Rocks takes the legacy and the dishes of the iconic Teochew-Thai restaurant, Koon Kee, and revitalises it for thriving the cafe scene today. Named after the Kombi (the Volkswagen Type 2 microbus or the ‘hippie van’), the diner maintains the quality of food while giving an unexpected twist to the place, with the amount of Kombis lining up the street. For delicious food that differs from the usual cafe fare, you cannot go wrong with Kombi Rocks. Plus, if you’ve fallen in love with their iconic vans, you can even rent one of them out for events or wedding photoshoots!

66 Yio Chu Kang Road, Singapore 545568

Photo: Kombi Rocks Facebook
3/10
C.A.N. Cafe
This cosy cafe has won the hearts of many, with its eclectic collection of knick-knacks that will remind you of the days gone by. Named after the owner’s daughters, Christa and Naomi, this place feels like home. Walking in, be prepared to feel like you’ve been transported back in time. C.A.N. Cafe is an antique collector’s treasure trove, with records and car plates that decorate the wall. Try out the Beeflicious Burger and the luncheon meat fries if you’re feeling peckish, and then recline and enjoy the atmosphere there.

730 Upper Serangoon Road, #01-01 Yeley Building, Singapore 534613

Photo: @ahkiam
4/10
AEIOU Cafe
Here, it really is as simple as the ABCs or, well, the AEIOUs! This brightly-coloured cafe differs from many other cafes, with a focus on going back down to the fundamentals, much like in the old days. Advocating for people to ‘enjoy life’s simplicity’, this is the place to be if you love the no-frills (yet beautiful) look. With food that comes from good sources, feel no guilt indulging in their signature Avocado Coffee that will probably change your life.

111 King George's Ave, Singapore 208559

Photo: AEIOU Facebook
5/10
Soek Seng 1954 Bicycle Cafe
Did you know, other than Changi Airport, there are plenty of other airspaces around? And, no, Old Airport Road does not count. At Soek Seng, relax and eat amongst the many vintage bikes curated and collected by the owner, a bike enthusiast, and watch as planes take off in the distance. Cycling enthusiasts will feel themselves in heaven, surrounded by carefully restored bikes that provide the perfect ambience to an already beautiful location.

#01-01 MAJ Aviation Building, Seletar Aerospace View, Singapore 797563

Photo: @ggenevieevee
6/10
Old Habits
There’s a symbiotic relationship between the past and the present, and Old Habits embraces that wholly. With the vintage decorations contrasting starkly with a contemporary food menu similar to those that you’d find in cafes around Singapore, Old Habits truly brings the past to the present with its antique shop concept, and in a whole new light. Favourites amongst customers are the hot and spicy wings, paired with the Old Habits brekkie. Affordable food that leaves you wanting more, what’s not to like?

#01-315, 38 Telok Blangah Rise, Singapore 090038

Photo: @jasonkokotan
7/10
The Coastal Settlement
Tucked away in the east of Singapore, The Coastal Settlement is admittedly a bit hard to get to if you’re travelling by public transport — but it is so worth the journey. Amidst lush greenery, you will find a collection of relics lining the walls that will be enough to kickstart conversations about the past. From scooters to toasters, and even typewriters, The Coastal Settlement provides a one-of-a-kind atmosphere that makes dining here incredibly enjoyable.

200 Netheravon Rd, Singapore 508529

Photo: The Coastal Settlement Facebook
8/10
Old School Delights
Old School Delights provides, as you might have guessed, old school delights! Staying true to its name, this cafe is themed like an old classroom, with a blackboard adorning the wall that will bring anyone back to their primary school days. While waiting for your meal, battle it out with five stones or flag erasers, or grab snacks that have cemented themselves in your memory (like iced gem biscuits), then munch on Singapore’s iconic dishes like mee siam. Delicious!

215M Upper Thomson Road, Singapore 574349

Photo: @sentire
9/10
British Hainan
This restaurant is unapologetically nostalgic. This family-owned establishment is filled to the brim with vintage collectibles that will wow you, without seeming like a gimmick or sia phase. Though its name may suggest a Hainanese feast, it places a focus more on the British side of things, with mains like fish and chips and grilled chicken, with occasional Hainanese dishes like the oxtail stew. Instead of visiting a museum this weekend, pop by British Hainan for good food as well.

75 Carpmael Road, Singapore 429812

Photo: @kel_hazzard
10/10
Chin Mee Chin Confectionary
Located amongst the heritage shophouses of East Coast, it is truly no wonder that a vintage gem like Chin Mee Chin exists. Unlike some of the other picks on this list, this confectionary is not vintage-themed but is, simply and authentically, vintage. Having been around since the 50s, the humble glamour has developed a unique character overtime, making this a delightfully charming place to have kaya toast and delicious egg tarts!

204 E Coast Rd, Singapore 428903

Photo: @kittyjaja

Old is gold, and the whole ‘vintage’ hype is definitely making a comeback. From the retro fashion trends that are making a statement on the runways, to the return of vintage decor that has characterised the 20th century, it is undeniable that the past is making a resurgence, and it is très chic. The quirkiness of it all has found home in the young these days, favouring the nostalgic yet fashionable feel that it accompanies.

And, if you think that Singapore is way too modern to jump on this trend, you’d be surprised. With these 10 vintage-themed cafes found all over in Singapore, find yourself thrown back in time to the good ol’ days. Grab your go-go boots and your favourite pair of flared jeans and get ready to embrace the past!

Lee Hui Bing

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