Waterloo Centre has evolved over the years. Once known for its spare parts shops, it has become a destination for the arts and culture. It was one of the venues for the International Singapore Biennial 2013. There are a number of cafes in this HBD commercial building between Waterloo Street and Queen Street. Among these is Clap Cafe, a compact yet inviting spot at Waterloo Centre. It sits beside Kurasu Singapore, a popular cafe known for Japanese specialty coffee.
Cosy Cafe in Waterloo Centre
The founders, a couple of friends with shared passions for coffee and baking, named their venture “Clap” to reflect their vision of a collaborative workspace where people gather and ideas flourish.
Despite its compact footprint, the cafe feels spacious, thanks to its thoughtful architectural design. A double-height ceiling in one section adds to the airy atmosphere. One of the founders has a background in architectural design – and it shows. An art installation on the wall, along with a range of homely touches, adds character and warmth to the space. Seating ranges from communal tables to cosy corners, with the layout maximising capacity that accommodate many patrons without feeling crowded.
The atmosphere is relaxed. Service at Clap Café is friendly and informal.
Menu of Clap Cafe
Clap Cafe keeps its menu simple. They focus on coffee, a selection of other beverages, and a modest range of sandwiches and baked goods.
The coffee program features standard espresso-based drinks alongside signature flavoured lattes. Non-coffee drinkers can choose from teas and fizzy drinks. Food offerings include sandwiches and house-made pastries and cakes.
Tart, Sandwich & Coffee
During our visit to the cafe, we ordered a Long Black ($5), a Latte ($6), the Maple Pecan Tart ($9), and a chicken ham & cheese sandwich ($4.80).
The Maple Pecan Tart was a delight. The buttery, crisp tart base held a filling that struck a good balance between sweetness and the rich flavour of pecans. It was not overly sweet, and the texture offered a pleasing contrast of crunch and gooeyness. We enjoyed the tart and would happily order it again.
The sandwich was basic – just white bread with a few simple fillings – something you could easily make at home. When we ordered it, the cafe had run out of bread. The staff quickly went out, presumably to the mini-mart nearby, and came back with a loaf of bread. Our sandwich arrived soon after. It was nothing fancy, but it did the job as a light snack. For the price, it was a good option if you need something savoury to eat with your coffee.
The barista brewed coffee was very good. The Long Black was aromatic and well-balanced with a clean finish. The Latte was smooth and had enough richness to satisfy.
A calm retreat in Waterloo
Clap Cafe is a welcome addition to Waterloo Street’s cafe scene. With quality coffee that rivals more popular names and a thoughtfully designed space, it offers a calm retreat in one of Singapore’s most interesting cultural and heritage hubs. Opening early to cater to those in need of a morning caffeine fix, the cafe in Waterloo Centre is a reliable, no-fuss option for anyone who wants good coffee without the bustle of more crowded establishments.
Clap Cafe
Block 261 Waterloo Street, #01-28
Singapore 180261
Opening hours: 8:30 am – 7 pm
Nearby MRT Stations: Bras Basah (CC2), Bencoolen (DT21)
The Ordinary Patrons | Real Dining Experience of Ordinary People
an independent Singapore food blog
Share this:
Discover more from The Ordinary Patrons
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.