Aesthetic Starbucks outlets in Singapore
There’s just something about relaxing and sipping on a drink in a cafe, reading a book or catching up with friends; and the ambience, for many of us, is what completes the experience.
Out of all the nearly 150 outlets in Singapore, it’s safe to say that all of them pass the vibe check with their classically green and dark-wood interiors. But, not all outlets are equal and if you’re looking for the best of the lot, here are 12 of their most aesthetic outlets that are worth travelling for:
Disclaimer: Not all stores are currently available for dining in. Check out this list of Starbucks outlets that allow for diners who are fully vaccinated or have a valid negative Covid-19 test on their TraceTogether app.
1. Tekka Place – Decorated with barista artwork
Little India has many charms and one more to add to the list is Tekka Place’s Starbucks, which recently opened during Deepavali this year. It’s since flown under the radar, but for those now in the know, it’s a quiet outlet without the usual crowds.
Although not the largest out there, this outlet has intriguing artworks hung along the walls – and the artist behind three of them is none other than their own barista, Sastitharan Subramaniam. And aside from having a wealth of hidden artistic talent as seen from his art pieces on display, Sasti also holds the title of Starbucks Regional Barista Champion of the region.
Look out for motifs featuring the Starbucks siren and the Sumatran tiger, a native animal to the area, where some of Starbucks’ coffee beans are harvested from.
For the ‘gram, there’s also a pretty pink wall to snap that mandatory Starbucks shot.
Tekka Place Starbucks
Address: 2 Serangoon Road, #01-06/07/08/29 Tekka Place, Singapore 218227
Opening hours: 8AM-9PM, Daily
Telephone: 6974 8079
2. VivoCity – New outlet with pastel pink wave designs
Most of us head down to VivoCity for a shopping spree or as a pit-stop before entering Sentosa. If you’re a coffee-lover, another reason to pop by ASAP is their Vivo outlet which, at this moment, is arguably the prettiest of the lot.
Fun fact: Contrary to popular belief, the Starbucks logo is of not a mermaid but rather, a siren – which has two tails! Spot them in these art pieces.
You may have realised by now that many of their outlets are decorated differently, but for those who love pastel hues, this one’s a winner with customised ocean-themed murals, a nod towards its proximity to the harbour.
Clockwise: Raspberry Meringue Tart, Caramel Frappuccino and Apple Tart.
To satiate that sweet tooth, dig into the freshly-baked pastries such as their Raspberry Meringue Tart ($6) and Apple Tart ($6). If these look unfamiliar, that’s because these pastries are exclusive to the Vivo and Jewel outlets for the time being.
VivoCity Starbucks
Address: 1 HarbourFront Walk, #01-43 Vivocity, Singapore 098585
Opening hours: Sun – Thu 8AM-10PM | Fri – Sat 8AM-11PM
Telephone: 6376 9073
3. River Safari – Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking nature
There’s plenty to do in Mandai for a local touristy day-out – from exploring the Singapore Zoo to the Night Safari.
But first, coffee.
Save that morning cuppa for the Starbucks outlet right outside the entrance of River Safari, that’s shrouded in nature. Bringing to mind a rainforest resort, this outlet has gigantic windows lining one side of the cafe so you can get your caffeine fix with a view.
The high ceiling and huge wall art brought us into a tranquil headspace.
You don’t need a ticket to River Safari to enter – so even if you’re in the area visiting the Singapore Zoo or Night Safari, popping by is still an option.
River Safari Starbucks
Address: 80 Mandai Lake Road, River Safari, Singapore 729826
Opening hours: Mon – Thu 10AM-6PM | Fri – Sun 10AM-7PM
Telephone: 6920 6061
4. Rochester Park – Pre-war colonial bungalow
This outlet lies within a lush pocket of greenery
Just a six-minute-walk from Buona Vista MRT is Starbucks at Rochester Park. At a glance, it’s easy to see why this has been nicknamed one of the most beautiful Starbucks outlets in Singapore. Other than being one of the few standalone outlets, its interior design also retains an old-world charm.
Retaining elements from its time as a pre-war colonial bungalow, you’ll find the second floor of this outlet oozing homey old-world vibes with its many low coffee tables; wide, plush seats; and black and white photographs adorning the walls – perfect for history buffs who are curious about the building’s past.
Sip your favourite frappuccino in their air-conditioned space to escape the sweltering heat, or if the weather allows, enjoy your drink outdoors on the balcony.
Rochester Park Starbucks
Address: 37 Rochester Drive, Singapore 138640
Opening hours: Sun – Thu 7.30AM-10PM | Fri – Sat 7.30AM-10.30PM
Telephone: 6910 1165
5. Katong Square – Pastel Peranakan-inspired designs
Exterior of Katong Square Starbucks
Katong 86 is many things – it’s an ex-police station, conservation house and now, also home to the charming Katong Square Starbucks. Walk in and you’ll see arched doorways and Peranakan-inspired paintings adorning the walls, as homage to the Peranakan heritage of the area.
Fun fact: The paintings here are done by local artist Danielle Tay.
While vivid Peranakan art might sound like a jarring addition to the usual chill vibes of most other outlets, the juxtaposition works like a dream here thanks to a tasteful pastel palette and light wood furnishings.
There’s a variety of seats to pick, from bar stools near the cashier to sofas and dining chairs lining the perimeter of the outlet’s interior and larger communal tables to accommodate larger groups. If you’re in luck, go for the roomy seats near their large windows to watch the world go by.
Katong Square Starbucks
Address: 86 East Coast Road #01-02, Singapore 428788
Opening hours: 8AM-10PM, Daily
Telephone: 6974 7327
6. Tampines Mall – Revamped two-storey outlet with futuristic exterior
Image credit: Starbucks Singapore
Fellow Easties will know of the Tampines Mall Starbucks, snugly seated between Century Square and Tampines Mall. What used to be a dark, tight space has since been revamped into a futuristic piece of art with giant reflective glass panels all around – making it a highly coveted choice for a coffee break.
The stairway with murals of coffee plants
Image credit: Starbucks Singapore
You may be surprised to find that unlike the exterior, the interior is warm-hued with wood furnishings and nature-inspired designs all around. Head up the stairway to access the new and spacious second level that offers up plenty of cosy armchairs and bar seats to facilitate your catch-up seshs or work meetings.
Image credit: Starbucks Singapore
Tampines Mall Starbucks
Address: 4 Tampines Central 5, # 01-50, Singapore 529510
Opening hours: Sun – Thur 8AM-10PM | Fri – Sat: 24 hours
Telephone: 6957 5801
7. Liat Towers – First Starbucks store in Singapore, revamped
Image credit: Starbucks Singapore
Ask your parents and they might know more about the Liat Towers’ Starbucks than us millennials do. Located along the bustling Orchard Road, this was the first-ever Starbucks in Singapore since 1996, and has been in existence longer than some of us! Not to worry though, as it certainly doesn’t look the least bit its age, since the store was renovated in 2019.
Image credit: Starbucks Singapore
A handwritten name or note is always the cherry on top of every S-bux order, and here, you’ll find that personal touch immortalised in the form of a feature wall. You can’t miss the 100 barista-decorated cups located in the store, topped with a sign that says “1st Starbucks in Singapore” – in case anyone wants a photo memo.
Image credit: Starbucks Singapore
Liat Towers Starbucks
Address: 541 Orchard Road, Singapore 238881
Opening hours: Sun – Thu 8AM-10PM | Fri & Sat 8AM-10.30PM
Telephone: 6910 1087
8. Paya Lebar Quarter – Paya Lebar airbase-inspired
Image credit: Starbucks Singapore
A closer look at Paya Lebar Quarter’s Starbucks might show hints of industrial elements in the form of grey tiles behind the counter and shutter panels in the partition walls. The inspiration behind the outlet’s sleek yet utilitarian design was inspired by Paya Lebar airbase.
Image credit: Starbucks Singapore
Home to one of the few Starbucks Reserve outlets in Singapore, this branch also houses award-winning baristas. Be sure to order from the Reserve-exclusive menu, which contains many lesser-known treats.
Classic Affogato
You’ll likely not have heard of the Classic Affogato (from $10.20) or Cold Brew Float ($12.20), both of which are made of the thick and creamy Starbucks x Udders Ice Cream.
Some of the Cold Brew dessert options
Paya Lebar Quarter Starbucks
Address: 10 Paya Lebar Road #01-14 Paya Lebar Quarter, Singapore 409057
Opening hours: Sun – Thu 7.30AM-10PM | Fri – Sun 7.30AM-10.30PM
Telephone: 6974 1939
9. United Square – Bright glasshouse concept
Image credit: Starbucks Singapore
We don’t always need our cafes to look 10/10, but when they do, the experience is made all the better. The main draw of United Square’s Starbucks is pretty obvious – it looks like a modish glasshouse, with floor-to-ceiling windows all around to allow plenty of natural light in.
Image credit: Starbucks Singapore
The 360-degree glass windows could have you thinking you’re in MBS, whilst the interior screams MUJI with a touch of Starbucks Reserve sophistication. Wherever you set up camp to sip on your handcrafted brew, you’ll be promised an abundance of natural light in the day and a wondrous illuminated sight when night falls.
Image credit: Starbucks Singapore
United Square Starbucks
Address: 101 Thomson Road, #01-01 United Square, Singapore 307591
Opening hours: 8AM-10PM, Daily
Telephone: 6910 1185
10. Jewel Changi Airport – Edgy interior and exclusive menu
Jewel Changi is home to many gems and one of the highlights that many of us gawked at when the mall first opened was Starbucks’ magnificent flagship store. Many of us have walked right by it, but few actually know of the outlet’s unique offerings beyond its eye-catching exterior.
Don’t automatically order your go-to frappe on your next visit – try something from their exclusive four-tap nitro coffee and tea menu instead. The tap churns out nitro-infused beverages that taste smooth and clean without the typical bitterness that comes along with coffees and teas.
We recommend the Nitro Cold Brew (from $6.50) for anyone who needs three times the caffeine hit, or the Nitro Green Tea Latte ($7.80) for avid matcha fans.
Enjoy your cuppa all in the stylish interior decked with a huge hand-chiselled mural of the Starbucks siren and feature walls with actual plants. What is not so noticeable, on the other hand, is the Art Room that’s filled with commissioned work and heritage pieces, hidden behind a nondescript frosted glass wall.
The Art Room also doubles up as a space for private meetings and coffee events
Jewel Changi Starbucks
Address: 78 Airport Boulevard, #02-204, Singapore 819666
Opening hours: Sun – Thu 11AM-10PM | Fri & Sat 10AM-10PM
Telephone: 6910 1135
11. One Fullerton – Waterfront location facing Marina Bay
Image credit: Starbucks Singapore
Making full use of its surroundings, One Fullerton’s outlet has outdoor sheltered seats right next to the bay to enjoy the panoramic views with your cuppa joe. If your choice Starbucks drink is a hot one, you can enjoy it from the comforts of their air-conditioned interior without having to miss out on the view thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows all around.
Come during sunset to catch the iconic silhouette of the Marina Bay Sands and ArtScience Museum against a backdrop of a pastel pink sky – if the sky’s clear!
One Fullerton Starbucks
Address: 1 Fullerton Road, #01-04 One Fullerton, Singapore 049213
Opening hours: 8AM-9PM, Daily
Telephone: 6910 1193
12. Chinatown Point – Inspired by Yunnan, China
Think coffee plantations and Yunnan, China won’t be the first thing that comes to mind. But alongside well-known sources such as Brazil and Vietnam, Yunnan has plenty of coffee plantations up in the mountains as well, and Starbucks happens to be a major buyer of coffee from the area.
You can find facts about this, along with Yunnan-inspired designs at Starbucks Chinatown Point. Look out for wallpapers with Yunnan-influenced art and prints of “星巴克” – a.k.a. Starbucks in Mandarin – in the interior, which both pays recognition to the culture and reflects the Chinatown district it lies in.
Chinatown Point Starbucks
Address: 133 New Bridge Road, #01-08, Chinatown Point, Singapore 059413
Opening hours: 7.30AM-10PM, Daily
Telephone: 6974 3723
Redeem a free Starbucks glass for their 24th Anniversary
While riding the highly-coveted notion of rediscovering Singapore this period, rest any tired legs at a nearby Starbucks. No two are the same and you’ll be able to spot locality-inspired designs at many of the outlets – some obscure, others distinct.
Starbucks Rochester Park
It’s been 24 years since Starbucks’ first outlet opened. To commemorate the occasion, Starbucks is now giving away a free limited-edition Starbucks glass* with purchase of any Venti-sized drink at all of the above 12 stores.
All you have to do is post a picture or video – old or freshly taken – on your Instagram account tagging @starbuckssg or adding the hashtag #starbuckssg. Show it to the barista before purchasing your drink and you’ll get your freebie from 14th December 2020 onwards, while stocks last.
Starbucks Reserve at Jewel Changi
If there’s anything that we flock to Starbucks for other than the lifestyle, it’s the uber-cute mugs and tumblers. Be sure to redeem these before they run out!
*The limited-edition Starbucks glass redemption is not valid with other promotions and discounts.
Find out more about Starbucks Singapore here
Disclaimer: Not all stores are currently available for dining in. Check out this list of Starbucks outlets that allow for diners who are fully vaccinated or have a valid negative Covid-19 test on their TraceTogether app.
This post was brought to you by Starbucks Singapore.
Promotions listed in this article may no longer be valid.
Photography by Edmund Wong.
Originally published on 12th December 2020. Last updated by Josiah Neo on 16th August 2021.
