Is Cafe Monochrome the Most Unusual Cafe in Singapore? Our Honest Review
- Jenn & Leon
- 19 hours ago
- 5 min read
Cafe Monochrome was one of those Singapore surprises that lands perfectly between “cool concept” and “actually worth the meal.”
We had been bouncing between Chinatown, Little India, Gardens by the Bay, the Spectra light show, and plenty of hawker favorites, and we loved that Singapore gave us real food options, not just sightseeing.
Clean, easy to get around, and stacked with things to do, many of them totally free.
Then we spotted Cafe Monochrome online and knew we had to go. A full 2D, hand-drawn café, right in Chinatown, and it looked like someone had turned a comic panel into a real space.
We expected it to be pricier than the hawker center nearby, and it was, but the quality and the experience absolutely justified it for us.
In this post, we cover what Cafe Monochrome is like, what we ate, what it costs, the café’s philosophy, a quick history of how the 2D café trend reached Singapore, how to get there, and the best extra things to do nearby.
In This Post...
Highlights From Our Visit
● The full black and white “2D” interior is genuinely convincing; it feels like you are standing inside a sketchbook.
● Small space, smart layout, lots of nooks and angles for photos without it feeling chaotic.
● Food held up under scrutiny, not just pretty plating.
● The coffee was strong and well made and matched the quality vibe.
● Clean, high standards, and a bespoke experience that feels carefully built.
What to Expect Inside
Everything is designed to flatten the room into a 2D illusion with bold outlines, clean white surfaces, and hand-drawn details across walls, floors, and furniture.
The best part is that it stays fun even after the first photo, because every corner has a different “set” feel, so you can switch up your shots without repeating the same background.
Despite the café being compact, it is well planned. You can find a spot that feels like your own little scene, whether you want a seated shot, a standing pose, or something more playful.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Food, the Monochrome Brunch, and the Coffee
We went for the Monochrome Brunch, basically an English breakfast-style plate done properly, with high-quality ingredients, full flavor, and genuinely good presentation.
It was one of those meals where you stop judging it as “café food” and just enjoy it as a solid brunch.
The coffee also impressed us: smooth, balanced, and not an afterthought. For a place that could easily lean only on visuals, they clearly care about what lands on the table.
⪢ Price check, honest take
This is not hawker pricing, and you should go in knowing that. Compared with the hawker center options nearby, it is at a higher price point.
But the experience is unique, the space is curated, the place is spotless, and the food and drink are delivered on quality, not gimmicks.
Cafe Monochrome’s Philosophy: Why it Matters
What we liked is that the café’s philosophy is not just marketing fluff. The whole place is built around meticulous craft, hand-drawn design, and giving guests a space that feels special, comfortable, and photo-friendly.
The message is basically that the concept is the canvas, but the food and coffee still matter, and we felt that in the experience.
A Quick History of Singapore’s First 2D Café and the 2D Café Trend
The 2D café trend took off in parts of Asia, especially with South Korea popularizing the “living sketch” look, spaces that photograph like flat drawings.
Cafe Monochrome is widely described as Singapore’s first 2D café.
Cafe Monochrome is also reported to have opened in May 2021, during the pandemic period, and then built attention through its distinctive hand-drawn “home” style sets and strong social media appeal.
Cafe Monochrome Opening Hours
At the time of writing, Cafe Monochrome lists its Chinatown outlet at
25 Trengganu Street 01-12, Singapore 058476
Nearest MRT: Chinatown MRT, about a 4-minute walk; Maxwell MRT is also nearby.
Their site also lists operating hours as daily from 10am, with the current closing time at 8.30pm.
Singapore changes fast, so if you are reading this months later, do a quick check of their official site or Instagram before you go.
How to Get There
You’ll find Cafe Monochrome in central Chinatown, a few minutes from Chinatown MRT and close to Maxwell.
It’s easy to reach and perfectly positioned for exploring the area’s temples, markets, and hawker centers (if you are really hungry).
Getting to Singapore
Most travelers fly into Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), one of the easiest airports in Asia to land in and get moving quickly.
Airport transfers to Chinatown
From Changi, you have a few easy options to reach Chinatown:
MRT (train): reliable and budget-friendly, great if you are travelling light.
Grab or taxi: simplest if you have luggage, or you just want door-to-door comfort after a flight.
Airport shuttle or private transfer: useful for families, late arrivals, or anyone who wants zero friction.
If you are staying in Chinatown like we were, Café Monochrome is an easy add-on, especially if you are already exploring the area.
From our nearby hotel
We stayed at Rest Chinatown Hotel nearby, and getting to the café was quick, the kind of short walk you can do between sights and meals without turning it into a mission.
Driving & parking
Singapore is not a “rent a car for sightseeing” city for most visitors. Public transport and ride hailing are easier, and parking can be expensive. If you do drive, the café area has nearby parking options listed around Chinatown.
⪢ Practical tips for timing your visit
Go earlier if you want clean, quiet photos, and aim for off-peak hours if you want the most choice of seating and angles.
💡 If photos matter to you, pick one “shot list” before you sit down; you will move faster, get better angles, and then actually relax and enjoy the food.
⪢ Seasonal notes
Singapore is hot and humid year-round, with frequent rain. Plan short walks between stops, carry water, and expect indoor attractions to feel extra good midday.
Things to Do in Singapore: Our Favourites From This Trip
Singapore is brilliant for mixing food with sightseeing, and you can build a full day without spending much.
Chinatown
Perfect for temples, street scenes, markets, and quick snack stops. Add Cafe Monochrome here.
Little India
Color, energy, and some of the most interesting streets for wandering. Great for food, photos, and culture.
Gardens by the Bay
Iconic, and even if you do not pay for the domes, the outdoor areas and general atmosphere are worth it.
Spectra light & water show
An easy evening win, simple to slot into a Marina Bay night. Plus, it is totally free.
Hawker centres
If you want affordable, fast, flavorful meals, hawkers are the heart of Singapore.
For more top things to do and tours in Singapore, we recommend GetYourGuide, a trusted resource we have used many times on our travels.
Our Experience Rating
Cafe Monochrome
4.5/5, must try in Singapore.
It is rare for a concept café to nail both sides, visuals and food. Cafe Monochrome delivered a genuinely fun setting, strong coffee, and a brunch that tasted as good as it looked.
Yes, it is pricier than hawker eating, but it earns its place in your itinerary.
Related Reads
● Gardens by the Bay (our experience and tips)
● Spectra light show at Marina Bay
● Singapore Travel Guide (the full hub with planning info)
Comments