Twenty Eight Cafe is one of Singapore’s most talked‑about neighbourhood cafes. Tucked away on Wilkie Road near Dhoby Ghaut and Little India, this popular café draws a steady crowd for its rich coffee, diverse all‑day dining menu, work‑friendly space and relaxed ambience. Whether you’re seeking brunch, lunch, dinner or a casual coffee break, this detailed guide will give you everything you need to know about visiting, eating, ordering, choosing dishes, timings, seating, pricing and insider tips to make your visit memorable.
Where is Twenty Eight Cafe Located
Twenty Eight Cafe Singapore is located at:
28 Wilkie Road #01‑02/03/04, Singapore 228051
This puts it within walking distance from Dhoby Ghaut, Little India and Bencoolen MRT stations. The café occupies a heritage building in the Mount Sophia area. The building’s industrial façade and minimal signage give it a classic Instagram‑friendly look.
How to Get There
- MRT: From Dhoby Ghaut MRT or Little India MRT, it’s a short walk south along Wilkie Road.
- Bus: Several bus services stop along Selegie Road and Bukit Timah Road, a short walk away.
- Driving & Parking: Street parking is available along Wilkie Road. Sheltered parking is available at Wilkie Edge.
Twenty Eight Cafe Opening Hours
The café’s regular opening hours are:
Monday to Friday: 7:30am ‑ 4:30pm
Saturday & Sunday: 8:00am ‑ 4:30pm
These timings make it ideal for breakfast, brunch, lunch or early afternoon coffee sessions.
Cafe Philosophy and Story
Twenty Eight Cafe positions itself as more than just a coffee shop. Their motto “Brewing Moments, Serving Comfort” reflects a focus on quality coffee, a friendly environment and food that pairs well with relaxed socialising. The café opened in 2018 and has steadily earned a reputation as a go‑to brunch destination that blends comfort food with refined café classics.
The interior design blends industrial minimalism with warm accents, creating an open, airy vibe that attracts students, professionals, friends and coffee lovers alike.
Ambience and Atmosphere
Bright and Spacious Layout
From the moment you step in, you’ll notice the spacious layout. Large windows bring in natural light, making it feel bright and inviting, even on cloudy days. Seating options range from communal tables to smaller corners perfect for solo diners or laptop users.
Work‑Friendly Environment
Twenty Eight Cafe has become a favourite among remote workers and students thanks to its relaxed seating, plentiful tables and generally Wi‑Fi‑friendly setup. You’ll find spots where power sockets are available — ideal for laptop users — especially if you arrive before peak crowds.
Noise Levels and Peak Times
During weekdays before lunch, the cafe tends to be quieter. However, during weekends or weekday lunch rush hours, the noise level rises as groups and brunch visitors fill the space. If your primary intent is peace and quiet, consider visiting earlier in the morning.
Coffee Culture at Twenty Eight Cafe
Coffee is central to the Twenty Eight Cafe experience. They serve a range of espresso‑based drinks and brewed options, often sourced from specialty roasters. Classic espresso drinks like flat whites, cappuccinos and long blacks are available, as well as iced coffee and specialty pours.
Coffee prices range from approximately $4‑$7 SGD for standard espresso drinks, making them competitive compared to other independent cafes.
Coffee Pairings
Patrons often pair their coffee with savoury dishes or sweet treats. For example:
- Cappuccino + Eggs Benedict for a rich brunch combo
- Iced Latte + Pancakes for afternoon relaxation
- Flat White + Truffle Pasta Lunch for a balanced midday meal
Full All‑Day Dining Menu
Twenty Eight Cafe is known for its all‑day dining, meaning you can order breakfast classics, mains and pasta throughout the day. The menu covers Western brunch dishes, Asian‑inspired bowls, sandwiches and even rice bowls.
Here’s an overview of popular menu categories:
Breakfast & Brunch Classics
Eggs Benedict
A staple brunch item with perfectly poached eggs, hollandaise sauce and sides like toast or salad. It’s a favourite for weekend brunch lovers.
Common Breakfast
This hearty platter typically includes eggs cooked your way, sausages, bacon, sautéed mushrooms, mixed greens and toast — a full meal to kickstart your day.
Pancakes and Berrilicious Pancakes
Pancakes come served with fresh fruits, yoghurt and house‑made compotes. These are particularly popular with diners who prefer something sweet and filling with their morning coffee.
Avocado Smash
A modern brunch favourite — smashed avocado on sourdough with sprinklings of feta, tomatoes and garnishes. Balanced, colourful and fresh.
Shakshouka
A bold flavour choice combining eggs poached in a spicy tomato sauce with sourdough. Great for those who like more kick with their breakfast.
Mains and Lunch Dishes
Steak & Eggs
Perfect for a heartier brunch or lunch, this dish comes with grilled steak, eggs cooked to preference, roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables.
Salmon & Kale
Healthy and filling, this savoury option appeals to patrons looking for lighter lunches.
Rice Bowls and Asian Fusion
Kimchi Beef Rice Bowl
A staple fusion dish featuring marinated beef with kimchi, egg and sesame over rice — it’s robust and satisfying.
Salmon Mentaiko Rice Bowl
This Japanese‑inspired bowl combines salmon, mentaiko sauce, onsen egg and edamame for a vibrant, flavour‑packed lunch.
Sandwiches and Burgers
Club Sandwich
This classic club sandwich stacks paprika chicken, bacon, cheddar, tomato and greens with roasted sesame mayo. Served with fries, it’s perfect for midday meals.
Pig Out Sandwich
A standout favourite, the Pig Out is made with pulled pork, spicy mayo, ham and cheese on sourdough, creating bold flavours that keep diners coming back.
Japanese Pork Katsu Sando
A Japanese‑style katsu sandwich with cabbage, wasabi mayo and sides — a comfort food lunch classic.
Pastas and Western Dishes
Twenty Eight Cafe also serves pasta dishes ranging from creamy carbonara to seafood‑infused linguine.
Beef Pappardelle
Rich and satisfying, this dish features slow‑cooked beef with robust tomato sauce and wide ribbons of pappardelle pasta.
Wild Mushroom Aglio Olio
For vegetarian pasta lovers, this aglio olio combines wild mushrooms and truffle oil for earthy, aromatic layers.
Cold Angel Hair Pasta
A refreshing pasta option with shoyu, sakura ebi, tobiko and spring herbs — a unique twist on café pasta offerings.
Salads & Healthy Options
The cafe also caters to lighter eaters with options like Caesar salad or warm kale salad, blending fresh greens with wholesome ingredients.
Sweet Bites & Desserts
Sweet options and baked goods vary but often include croissants, cakes and pastries that pair perfectly with afternoon coffee.
Drinks Beyond Coffee
Beyond coffee, the menu includes:
- Fresh Juices
- Smoothies
- Iced Teas
- Milkshakes
- Non‑coffee beverages
These options make it suitable for non‑coffee drinkers and younger visitors alike.
Pricing Range
While prices can vary, average spending per person is approximately:
- Coffee: $4‑$7 SGD
- Brunch/Main Plates: $18‑$30 SGD
- Rice Bowls/Pastas: $22‑$32 SGD
- Sandwiches & Burgers: $24‑$34 SGD
These figures consistently place Twenty Eight Cafe within the mid‑range pricing category — higher than quick café chains but aligned with quality, ambience and central location.
Ordering Experience
Many visitors use QR code ordering directly on their smartphones once seated. The QR system is convenient but does restrict customisation — for example, it can be hard to modify toppings or add specific ingredients without staff assistance.
Best Times to Visit
Weekday Mornings
For a calm atmosphere and laptop‑friendly environment, early weekday mornings (7:30‑10am) are ideal.
Weekend Brunch
Weekends are lively and bustling — perfect if you enjoy energetic cafe culture but not great for quiet work.
Early Afternoon
After lunch service but before 2:30pm is a sweet spot for a balance of ambience and space.
Customer Feedback and Reviews
Positive Experiences
Reviewers commonly praise:
- Friendly staff and attentive service
- Spacious, light‑filled interior
- Good variety of offerings
- Quality coffee and sandwiches
- Work‑friendly seating options
Mixed or Critical Notes
Some visitors have mentioned:
- Noise during peak times
- QR ordering system’s limitations
- Occasional issues with toast or certain dishes
- Wi‑Fi strength not always ideal for heavy users
Tips to Make the Most of Your Visit
Arrive Early
Beat the crowd by coming early in the morning, especially on weekends.
Reserve Seats with Power Plugs
If you plan to work, choose seats close to electrical outlets early — they fill up fast.
Try Signature Items First
Begin with crowd favourites like the Pig Out Sandwich, Club Sandwich, or shakshouka.
Explore Beyond Coffee
Order a fresh juice or smoothie if you’re with non‑coffee drinkers.
Consider Delivery
For casual home orders, islandwide delivery is available through delivery platforms.
Events and Private Bookings
Twenty Eight Cafe also hosts private events. The heritage building’s warm ambience and flexible seating make it suitable for small gatherings, celebrations or casual networking meetups. Contact the cafe directly for bookings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Twenty Eight Cafe Good for Working?
Yes — it’s considered one of Singapore’s work‑friendly cafes with a relaxed, bright environment and open seating areas.
Does the Cafe Have Wi‑Fi?
Yes, Wi‑Fi is provided, though strength may vary depending on peak usage.
Can I Customize My Order?
The QR ordering system is convenient but has limited customization. Ask staff if you need modifications.
Are Vegetarian Options Available?
Yes — vegetarian‑friendly dishes like salads, mushroom pasta and avocado smash are available.
Final Thoughts
Twenty Eight Cafe Singapore combines solid coffee, diverse food, and inviting ambience to create one of the city’s most versatile café experiences. Whether you come for brunch, lunch, a remote working session, or just a midday coffee with friends, this café checks many boxes. The thoughtful blend of Western and Asian influences on the menu, combined with spacious seating and quality drinks, makes it a must‑try destination in Singapore’s vibrant cafe scene.
