2012 Singapore's best drinks: Coffee

The Magic

Strangers Reunion $5.50
A four-bean blend with two shots of ristretto, this cuppa from two-time national barista champion Ryan Tan is just one of the reasons this narrow, industrial shophouse café has become a new hipster hotspot. Drinks are served up in bright porcelain by smiley young glamsters; decent pastries and Wi-Fi make for a comfy café afternoon. 37 Kampong Bahru Rd (6222 4869). Nearest MRT: Outram Park. Wed-Mon 9am-10pm.

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Espresso

40 Hands $3.50
In 2010 Harry Grover’s Tiong Bahru trailblazer set a new standard for expat-run café culture, with direct-trade beans distilled into a precisely calibrated house blend that keeps punters pouring in till the late evening. With its coffee now available in other notable venues around town – including across the street at Open Door Policy, Tiong Bahru Bakery (now with a new branch in Raffles City) and Grover’s second project Broadcast HQ – 40 Hands is proving its staying power in the face of stiff competition. 78 Yong Siak St (6225 8545). Nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru. Tue-Sun 8am-7pm; Fri & Sat 8am-10pm.

Long black

The Plain $3.80
Thanks to hard-kicking Australian-brand Genovese coffees – in any style you like, from their expert long black to flat white to latte, all pegged at $3.80 since the café’s inception – The Plain has become one of our favourite neighbourhood coffee stops. We typically go for the drinks – whipped up proficiently by the Melbourne-inspired joint's reliably cheery machine maestros – but it’s the fabulously welcoming vibe, striking the perfect balance between laidback and super-efficient, that keeps us going back. 50 Craig Rd (6225 4387). Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar. Daily 7.30am-7.30pm.

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Cold brew coffee

Papa Palheta $7
Though the company’s main claim to fame is as a speciality coffee retailer – Papa Palheta brews can be found everywhere from Loysel’s Toy to The Muffinry – those who’ve discovered its back-alley roasters on Bukit Timah can savour a cuppa direct from the source in its cosy, quirky tasting bar. Papa Palheta has now moved its headquarters to Chye Seng Huat Hardware, a new steel-rimmed, three-storey coffee complex with a coffee school on the second floor and a full inventory of Papa Palheta coffee machines and menu items, including its special cold-brew coffee, which is steeped overnight and served with ice cream on the side. 150 Tyrwhitt Rd (9799 0420). Nearest MRT: Farrer Park. Tue-Thu 9am-7pm; Fri-Sun 9am-10pm.

Citrus Sin

Oriole Coffee $6
You’ve already heard owner Keith Loh’s tips on how to get a better cuppa, now try wallowing in the greatness of his Citrus Sin, the 2010 Singapore Barista Championship-winning coffee he’s arguably never bettered: a blissfully sweet beige brew in a glass accompanied by an orange slice. Suck between sips for optimum citrus pleasure. Four locations around town including their roasters at 10/10A Jiak Chuan Rd (6224 5448). Nearest MRT: Outram Park. Mon-Sat 8.30am-10pm; Sun 8.30am-6pm.

EXPERT'S TIP: Keith Loh, Owner, Oriole Coffee:  'Choose to buy coffee with a shorter life span – always look for a roast date – as it means it’s fresher, meaning more aroma and flavour. Also, invest in a better grinder instead of a better espresso machine. And finally, follow GOD: grind on demand!’