Pet‑friendly patio – leashed pups welcome with water bowls & a mini “paw‑menu” 4.5
In‑house roastery – fresh‑ground beans roasted on‑site every morning 4.8
Signature drinks – Biscoff Kopi, cold‑brew “Electro‑Espresso”, locally‑crafted beers 4.7
Food – Creative brunch twists (Chilli Crab Shiok‑Shuka, pork ribs, vegan frittata) 4.4
Showroom vibe – BYD electric‑vehicle displays integrated into the interior 4.2
Overall experience – A relaxed, intentionally‑designed lounge that feels more “home” than “mall” 4.5
- The Concept – Where Cars Meet Coffee (and Dogs!)
If you’ve ever thought cafés were getting a little… predictable, BYD BY 1826 is the antithesis. The Chinese EV giant’s newest outpost in the West Wing of IMM fuses three passions that Singaporeans love:
Pet‑friendliness – A spacious, sun‑dappled patio where your fur‑baby can lounge beside you while you sip.
Quality coffee – An in‑house micro‑roastery that grinds beans to order, guaranteeing aroma that hits you the moment you step through the door.
Automotive lifestyle – A sleek mini‑showroom at the entrance showcases BYD’s latest models (the Dolphin, Han EV, and the futuristic e2), reinforcing the brand’s “drive‑your‑life” mantra.
The result is a “lifestyle destination” rather than a mere eat‑drink stop. BYD says the space is meant to evoke “groundedness and quiet intentionality,” and the calm, neutral palette with strategic greenery does just that.
- First Impressions – Walk‑In, Look‑Around
A. The Entrance
You’re greeted by a line‑up of polished BYD EVs, each under subtle spotlights. It’s a clever nod to the café’s automotive DNA without feeling like a car‑showroom. The cars are positioned just far enough to make you curious, yet close enough that you can snap an Instagram‑ready photo while waiting for your table.
B. The Dining Area
Beyond the showroom, the interior is a balance of sleek minimalism and warm hospitality:
Neutral tones – Soft greys and warm taupes ground the space.
Pops of green – Potted ferns, hanging succulents, and a living‑wall behind the coffee bar bring a breath of nature indoors.
Pet‑friendly touches – A low‑height “dog lounge” with washable cushions, water dispensers, and a small “paw‑menu” offering frozen banana bites for pups.
The layout encourages lingering: communal tables for groups, intimate two‑seaters for couples, and a long bar where baristas perform a quiet coffee‑alchemy show.
- Coffee & Drinks – The Roaster’s Story
In‑House Roastery
Every morning at 6 am the roastery fires up a single‑origin blend from Indonesia’s Sumatra and a house‑blend from Vietnam’s Central Highlands. The beans are roasted to a light‑medium profile, preserving acidity while delivering chocolatey undertones—a perfect base for both classic and experimental drinks.
Signature Sips
Drink Description Price
Biscoff Kopi Espresso blended with Biscoff spread, topped with velvety milk foam and a dusting of crushed Biscoff crumbs. $7.80
Electro‑Espresso Cold‑brew concentrate shaken with tonic, a dash of orange zest, and a splash of BYD‑green tea infusion. $8.50
Craft Beer Flight Three rotating local brews (IPA, pale ale, and a saison) served in petite glasses. $12.90
Pet‑Friendly “Pup‑Latte” (non‑dairy) Steamed oat milk with a swirl of dog‑safe pumpkin puree. $4.90 (incl. pup treat)
All coffee drinks are served at the bar, where you can watch the beans being ground, the espresso shot pulled, and the latte art poured—an Instagram‑worthy ritual.
- The Food – Brunch Reinvented with a Local Twist
While BYD BY 1826’s sister outlets in the CBD lean towards a Western‑style menu, the IMM location celebrates Singapore’s multicultural palate. Here are the stand‑outs we tried:
- Chilli Crab Shiok‑Shuka – $18++
A daring mash‑up of Middle Eastern shakshuka and Singapore’s beloved chilli crab. Poached eggs sit in a tangy, sweet‑spicy crab‑infused tomato base (minus the usual stewed tomatoes). Plump crab chunks burst through each bite. Served with a hand‑crafted focaccia that’s perfect for mopping up the sauce.
Why it works: The dish keeps the comforting familiarity of eggs for brunch, yet the bold seafood element lifts it into a unique, share‑worthy experience.
- Biscoff‑Glazed Pork Ribs – $22
Slow‑braised pork ribs glazed with a Biscoff caramel reduction. The sweet‑nutty glaze creates a sticky crust that pairs beautifully with a side of pickled cucumber slaw (a nod to the café’s Dutch‑Asian fusion vibe).
Wine/beer pairing: A crisp local lager or a dry rosé cuts through the richness.
- Vegan Frittata “Green Tech” – $16
Egg‑free, tofu‑based frittata packed with spinach, kale, and shiitake mushrooms, topped with a vegan cheese crumble. It’s a nod to the sustainable ethos of electric vehicles—plant‑forward and guilt‑free.
- Signature Toasts
Biscoff Avocado Smash – Avocado, Biscoff spread, micro‑greens, and a poached egg.
Smoked Salmon & Chilli Jam – A playful contrast of smoky fish and sweet heat.
All dishes arrive on reclaimed wood boards, reinforcing the café’s eco‑conscious narrative.
- The EV Showroom – More Than a Backdrop
If you’re wondering whether the cars are just decorative, the answer is both. BYD BY 1826 partners with IMM to host monthly “Tech‑Talk” sessions where BYD engineers demo vehicle features (e.g., fast‑charging, autonomous parking).
During our visit, a quiet demo of the BYD Han EV’s “Battery‑Swap” system was taking place in a side alcove. Patrons could test‑drive a short 5‑minute circuit around the mall’s parking lot—making the café a hub for both foodies and tech enthusiasts.
- Who Should Drop In?
Type of Visitor Why They’ll Love It
Dog owners No‑stress pet policy + water bowls + pup treats.
Coffee geeks Fresh‑roasted beans, barista show, inventive drinks.
Brunch hunters Creative, locally‑inspired dishes that go beyond the usual eggs‑bacon combo.
EV fans Immediate access to BYD’s newest models and occasional tech demos.
Remote workers Free Wi‑Fi, ample power outlets, and a quiet ambiance (especially in the back nook). - The Bottom Line – Is BYD BY 1826 Worth a Visit?
Yes. BYD BY 1826 has managed to blend three seemingly unrelated worlds—pets, coffee, and electric mobility—into a cohesive, well‑executed experience. The space feels intentionally designed to be a “home away from home,” while still offering the novelty of a car showroom and the quality of a boutique café.
If you’re in the IMM area (or simply seeking a fresh brunch spot where your dog is also a VIP), BYD BY 1826 deserves a spot on your Saturday itinerary.
Happy sipping, snacking, and strolling—see you at BYD BY 1826!