Overview
Home cafes have exploded in Singapore’s F&B scene, with over 523 listed on Acuppa’s directory as of 2025. These five weekday-operating home cafes offer students convenient, quality beverages near their schools at accessible prices.
1. Ziffy Kopi Estate
Location: 753 Woodlands Circle (10-minute walk from Republic Polytechnic)
Ambience
Located on the first floor of an HDB block in Woodlands, Ziffy Kopi Estate operates as a pick-up point rather than a sit-in cafe. The home-based setup means no traditional cafe atmosphere, but the convenience factor is high for RP students looking for a quick caffeine fix between classes.
Menu & Pricing
Beverage Range: $3 – $6
Available Drinks (10 items total):
- Caffe Latte
- Caffe Latte with Vanilla Syrup – $6
- Matcha Latte – $5
- Mocha
- Other specialty coffee staples
Note: No alternative milk options currently available
Dish Analysis
Caffe Latte with Vanilla Syrup ($6)
- Flavor Profile: Well-balanced, not overly bitter or acidic
- Sweetness Level: Moderate vanilla sweetness complements the espresso
- Quality Assessment: High quality for the price point
- Best For: Coffee lovers who prefer smooth, approachable lattes
Matcha Latte ($5)
- Flavor Profile: Strong umami notes, very smooth texture
- Quality Assessment: Premium quality matcha, evident in the depth of flavor
- Texture: Creamy and well-blended
- Best For: Matcha enthusiasts who appreciate authentic Japanese tea flavors
Ordering & Delivery
- Ordering Method: Website-based selection with time slot booking
- Payment: Credit card or PayNow
- Collection: Self-pickup only at specified time slots
- Delivery: Not available
Operating Hours
Daily (including weekends): 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Recipe Inspiration: Vanilla Latte
Ingredients:
- 2 shots espresso (60ml)
- 240ml steamed milk
- 15ml vanilla syrup
- Milk foam for topping
Instructions:
- Pull two shots of espresso into a cup
- Add vanilla syrup and stir to combine
- Steam milk to 60-65°C with microfoam
- Pour steamed milk over espresso in circular motion
- Top with thin layer of foam
- Serve immediately
2. TDG Cafe
Location: 885A Tampines Street 83 (5-minute walk from Temasek Polytechnic)
Ambience
Another home-based operation focusing on takeaway service. The proximity to Temasek Polytechnic makes it an easy stop for students, though it lacks a traditional cafe sitting area. The emphasis is on artisanal quality and unique flavor combinations.
Menu & Pricing
Beverage Range: $6.90 – $7.90 base prices
Menu Highlights (20+ beverages):
- DIY Coffee – $6.90
- DIY Matcha – $6.90 (+ $1 for oat milk)
- Unique flavors: Biscoff, Lychee, Peanut Butter
- Seasonal offerings: Pumpkin Spice (Oct-Nov)
Customization Options:
- Milk choice: Dairy or Oat (+$1)
- Mix and match drink flavors
- Cold foam toppings in various flavors
Dish Analysis
DIY Matcha with Blueberry & Pumpkin Spice Cold Foam ($7.90)
- Base: Premium matcha with oat milk
- Flavor Combination: Blueberry adds fruity tartness, pumpkin spice brings warmth
- Innovation Level: High – unexpected but harmonious pairing
- Texture: Layered experience with creamy foam, smooth matcha, fruit notes
- Best For: Adventurous drinkers wanting Instagram-worthy, unique flavors
DIY Coffee with Lavender Cold Foam ($6.90)
- Base: Espresso coffee
- Topping: Lavender-infused cold foam
- Flavor Profile: Sweet, creamy, floral notes complement coffee’s bitterness
- Balance: Well-executed – lavender doesn’t overpower
- Best For: Those who enjoy floral, aromatic coffee experiences
Ordering & Delivery
- Ordering Method: Website ordering system
- Payment: PayNow only
- Collection: WhatsApp coordination for pickup location after payment
- Delivery: Not specified
Operating Hours
Updated weekly on website – check before visiting
Recipe Inspiration: Lavender Cold Foam Coffee
Ingredients:
- 2 shots espresso (60ml)
- 180ml cold milk or oat milk
- Ice cubes
For Lavender Cold Foam:
- 60ml heavy cream (or oat milk for vegan)
- 1 tsp dried lavender
- 15ml simple syrup
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Steep lavender in warm simple syrup for 10 minutes, strain
- Combine cream, lavender syrup, salt in container
- Froth using handheld frother until thick and fluffy
- Fill glass with ice, add cold milk
- Pour espresso over ice and milk
- Gently spoon lavender foam on top
- Serve with straw
3. Sip Inn
Location: 18 Brookvale Drive, Ki Residences (20-minute walk from Ngee Ann Polytechnic)
Ambience
Housed in a condominium near Maju Camp, Sip Inn operates from a residential setting. While the walk is longer (20 minutes from campus), the cafe offers delivery for convenience. The home-based nature means no dine-in experience, but the focus on Japanese tea quality is evident.
Menu & Pricing
Beverage Range: $6 base price + customization fees
Specialty Focus: Japanese Tea Beverages (11 options)
- Matcha varieties
- Hojicha (roasted green tea)
- Wakoucha (Japanese black tea)
Unique Flavor Offerings:
- Yuzu Matcha
- Kaya Matcha
- Gula Melaka Matcha
- Dark Chocolate Hojicha
Customization:
- Sweetness levels (no extra charge)
- Creaminess levels (no extra charge)
- Non-dairy milk options (additional charge)
Note: No coffee options available
Dish Analysis
Dark Chocolate Hojicha Latte ($6)
- Base Tea: High-quality roasted Japanese green tea
- Flavor Profile: Smoky hojicha balanced by rich dark chocolate
- Umami Notes: Strong, authentic tea character
- Complexity: Multi-layered – roasted, bitter-sweet, creamy
- Temperature: Served cold for refreshing experience
- Best For: Those who appreciate nuanced, sophisticated tea drinks
Kaya Matcha Latte ($6)
- Base Tea: Premium matcha with strong umami
- Flavor Addition: Kaya (coconut-pandan jam)
- Flavor Profile: Strong pandan aroma, creamy coconut sweetness
- Cultural Fusion: Southeast Asian twist on Japanese tea
- Quality Indicator: High-grade matcha evident in umami depth
- Best For: Adventurous tea lovers, fans of local flavors
Ordering & Delivery
- Ordering Method: Website-based ordering
- Payment: Online payment via website
- Collection: Coordinate via provided contact details after payment
- Delivery: Available (skip the 20-minute walk!)
Operating Hours
- Weekdays: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM (closed Tuesdays)
- Weekends: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Recipe Inspiration: Kaya Matcha Latte
Ingredients:
- 2g ceremonial-grade matcha powder
- 30ml hot water (80°C)
- 200ml cold milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 2 tbsp kaya (coconut jam)
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- Sift matcha powder into bowl to remove clumps
- Add hot water and whisk vigorously in W-motion until frothy
- In serving glass, add kaya at bottom
- Fill glass with ice cubes
- Pour cold milk over ice
- Slowly pour matcha mixture on top
- Stir before drinking to combine kaya throughout
- Optional: leave unstirred for layered effect
4. Boop and Brew
Location: Block 539 Ang Mo Kio Ave 10, 24th Floor (10-minute walk from NYP, directly across from ITE College Central)
Ambience
Perched on the 24th floor of an HDB block, Boop and Brew offers a unique high-rise home cafe experience. While primarily a takeaway operation, the location provides easy access for both NYP and ITE College Central students. The cafe distinguishes itself by offering baked goods alongside beverages.
Menu & Pricing
Beverage Range: $4.50 – $6.50 Baked Goods: $1.80 – $2.20
Drink Menu (5 options):
- London Fog Matcha Latte – $6.50
- Strawberry Matcha Latte – $6.50
- Three other beverage options
Baked Offerings: Financiers (French almond cakes) in flavors:
- Pistachio
- Chocolate
- Earl Grey
Add-ons:
- Oat milk: +$1
Dish Analysis
London Fog Matcha Latte ($6.50)
- Concept: Fusion of British Earl Grey tea with Japanese matcha
- Flavor Profile: Strong, fragrant bergamot from Earl Grey, balanced with earthy matcha
- Aroma: Highly aromatic – citrusy bergamot notes prominent
- Innovation: Creative East-meets-West combination
- Complexity: Sophisticated layering of two distinct tea profiles
- Best For: Tea connoisseurs who enjoy complex, aromatic beverages
Strawberry Matcha Latte ($6.50)
- Ingredients: Real strawberry pieces in puree (not artificial flavoring)
- Flavor Profile: Fresh, fruity, refreshing with earthy matcha undertone
- Texture: Slightly chunky from real fruit pieces
- Sweetness: Natural fruit sweetness balanced with matcha’s bitterness
- Quality Indicator: Use of real fruit elevates the drink
- Best For: Fruit and tea lovers seeking refreshing, less coffee-forward options
Financiers ($1.80 – $2.20)
- Description: French almond cakes with delicate, moist texture
- Pairing: Excellent complement to tea-based drinks
- Value: Affordable sweet treat to accompany beverages
Ordering & Delivery
- Ordering Method: Instagram DM for pre-orders
- Walk-ins: Accepted (order at the door)
- Payment: At point of collection
- Delivery: Not mentioned
Operating Hours
- Friday: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
- Sunday: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- Note: Very limited hours – plan ahead!
Recipe Inspiration: Strawberry Matcha Latte
Ingredients:
- 2g matcha powder
- 30ml hot water (80°C)
- 200ml cold milk
- 100g fresh strawberries
- 15ml honey or agave
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- Hull and dice strawberries
- Blend strawberries with honey until smooth (leave some chunks for texture)
- Prepare matcha: sift powder, add hot water, whisk until frothy
- In serving glass, add strawberry puree at bottom
- Fill glass halfway with ice
- Pour cold milk over ice
- Top with prepared matcha
- Optional: garnish with strawberry slice
- Stir before drinking or enjoy layered
5. That Place.SG
Location: 6 Holland Close (20-minute walk or 2 MRT stops from Singapore Polytechnic)
Ambience
Located near Holland Village MRT, That Place.SG brings the home cafe experience to the trendy Holland area. The residential location means no dine-in ambience, but the cafe offers multiple pickup points for convenience, catering to both pedestrians and drivers.
Menu & Pricing
Beverage Range: $7.00 – $7.50
Menu Variety (15+ beverages):
- Coffee-based drinks
- Matcha-based drinks
- Non-dairy specialty drinks
- Coffee with juice combinations
- Coffee with lemonade options
Signature Drinks:
- Butter Cookies Coffee – $7.50
- Garden Breeze Matcha – $7.00
Dish Analysis
Butter Cookies Coffee ($7.50)
- Base: Espresso coffee
- Special Addition: Butter jam
- Flavor Profile: Rich, creamy, distinctive buttery aftertaste
- Texture: Velvety smooth with luxurious mouthfeel
- Innovation: Unique dessert-inspired coffee drink
- Sweetness: Moderate, with cookie-like notes
- Best For: Sweet coffee lovers who enjoy dessert-style beverages
Garden Breeze ($7.00)
- Base: Premium matcha
- Blend Components: Apple juice, yuzu jam
- Flavor Profile: Refreshing, fruity, citrusy with earthy matcha undertone
- Surprise Factor: Unexpected but harmonious pairing of matcha and apple
- Complexity: Multiple flavor layers – umami, sweet, tart, crisp
- Refreshment Level: High – perfect for warm Singapore weather
- Best For: Adventurous drinkers seeking non-traditional matcha experiences
Ordering & Delivery
- Ordering Method: Website-based system
- Payment: Online via website
- Collection: Multiple pickup points available
- Options: Walking or driving pickup points
- Delivery: Not specified
Operating Hours
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
- Weekends: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Recipe Inspiration: Garden Breeze Matcha
Ingredients:
- 2g ceremonial-grade matcha powder
- 30ml hot water (80°C)
- 120ml apple juice (cold, preferably cloudy/fresh-pressed)
- 1 tbsp yuzu jam (or yuzu marmalade)
- Ice cubes
- Optional: thin apple slice for garnish
Instructions:
- In small bowl, combine yuzu jam with 2 tbsp warm water, mix until dissolved
- Sift matcha powder into separate bowl
- Add hot water to matcha, whisk in W-motion until smooth and frothy
- Fill serving glass with ice
- Pour apple juice over ice
- Add yuzu mixture and stir gently
- Slowly pour prepared matcha on top for layered effect
- Garnish with apple slice on rim
- Stir before drinking to combine all flavors
Comparative Analysis
Price Comparison
- Most Affordable: Ziffy Kopi Estate ($3-$6)
- Mid-Range: Sip Inn, Boop and Brew ($4.50-$6.50)
- Premium: TDG Cafe, That Place.SG ($6.90-$7.90)
Menu Variety
- Most Extensive: TDG Cafe (20+ beverages)
- Most Specialized: Sip Inn (Japanese tea focus)
- Most Limited: Boop and Brew (5 drinks, but includes baked goods)
Innovation Factor
- Most Creative: That Place.SG (juice-coffee combinations)
- Best Customization: TDG Cafe (mix and match options)
- Most Traditional: Ziffy Kopi Estate (classic coffee shop staples)
Accessibility
- Closest to Campus: TDG Cafe (5-min from TP), Ziffy Kopi Estate (10-min from RP)
- Best Delivery Options: Sip Inn (explicit delivery available)
- Most Flexible Pickup: That Place.SG (multiple pickup points)
Operating Hours
- Most Available: Ziffy Kopi Estate (daily, 9:30 AM-2 PM)
- Extended Hours: Sip Inn (until 8-9 PM)
- Most Limited: Boop and Brew (Fri & Sun only)
Final Recommendations
For Budget-Conscious Students: Ziffy Kopi Estate offers quality drinks at the most accessible prices.
For Adventurous Palates: TDG Cafe and That Place.SG provide unique, Instagram-worthy flavor combinations.
For Tea Purists: Sip Inn specializes in authentic Japanese tea beverages with premium ingredients.
For Convenience: TDG Cafe (closest to TP) and Boop and Brew (serves both NYP and ITE students).
For Sweet Tooths: Boop and Brew offers the unique combination of beverages and baked goods.
Important Notes
- Always check social media for current operating hours before visiting
- Most cafes require advance online ordering and payment
- Peak hours may have limited slots – book early
- Alternative milk options vary by cafe
- Reviews based on incognito visits with meals paid for independently