Vernacular Coffee is conveniently located at a five-minute from Mountbatten MRT Station. Housed in what used to be the Singapore Badminton Hall, the cafe is best known for its curated single-origin coffee, with a rotating lineup of Southeast Asian beans, alongside a menu of house-made pastries and hearty mains.
Upon entering, the interior wears its dark green tones and industrial fittings well, giving it the calm, considered air of a cosy coffee spot.
A glass display case holds the day’s pastry lineup of fresh bakes made in-house. Beyond pastries, Vernacular Coffee’s menu also extends to mains such as eggs benedict, pasta and seasonal specials, making it a spot for a proper sit-down brunch rather than just a coffee stop.
At the counter, there’s a display featuring the coffee beans available for smelling, a nice touch for anyone who wants to know exactly what they’re drinking before they order. Vernacular Coffee curates a rotating selection of single-origin beans from around the region, roasting some in-house while sourcing others from local roasters.
We had the Iced Latte with Lark Mengulian Yunnan Beans ($7), with a tasting notes of plum, dried figs, black tea. The Plum & Ricotta Tartine ($14.50) was one of the best toast we had in awhile. A thick slice of house-baked bread is layered with a whipped ricotta base, honey, and juicy plum, then finished with a scatter of pistachio for crunch. The kind of dish that works equally well for breakfast or an afternoon coffee break.
Vernacular Coffee brings together specialty coffee, house-made pastries, and a solid main-course lineup under one roof. For those in the Mountbatten neighbourhood looking for a slower morning, a proper brunch, or a quiet coffee catch-up, it’s a worthwhile stop.
For those in the city area, Vernacular Coffee has since opened a second outlet at 189 Selegie Road.
Address: 100 Guillemard Road, #01-02, Singapore 399718
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 8.30am – 5.30pm (Closed on Monday)
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