A Short Shot, A Big Twist: Inside Big Short Coffee in Joo Chiat

Among the many cafes of Katong-Joo Chiat, Big Short Coffee has built a loyal following on a rather unusual premise: beverages, and beverages alone. There are no hot meals here, not even a pastry on the counter. Order a straightforward espresso or flat white and you will be well looked after, but the real twist appears in its seasonal menu. There are creations such as Mole Dragon, White Rabbit and King of Chendol, built not just on coffee but on carefully sourced teas too, like the Lily Pad’s charcoal-roasted oolong with lychee and lily bulb. Perhaps it is this innovative and playful streak that keeps regulars returning, and draws newcomers curious to discover fresh ways to enjoy coffee and tea.

Big Short Coffee

Big Short Coffee is located at the junction of Fowlie Road and Joo Chiat Road. Due to its current popularity, the shop is often very crowded. Patrons frequently occupy the indoor wooden benches and the outdoor waiting areas.

Large glass panels wrap around the corner unit, allowing natural light to fill the space. Inside, the counter features a minimalist concrete finish where sleek coffee machines take centre stage. Furthermore, a clever display of signature blue paper cups and floral arrangements add colours and vibrancy, making the space aesthetically pleasing.

Inventive Seasonal Menu

What makes the cafe different from others is its distinct seasonal drinks. For the summer season, their menu features highly creative combinations. These complex recipes showcase ingredients that are uncommon in conventional cafes.

For instance, the menu has options such as the Mole Dragon. This particular drink combines espresso with fresh Cavendish banana, smoked chipotle mole, and clarified chocolate milk. A tea-based beverage called the Lily Pad utilizes charcoal-roasted Mi Lan Xiang oolong tea, lychee, lemon, butterfly pea jelly, and white chrysanthemum. Another prominent option is the King of Chendol which features a cold brew base with mango, Black Thorn durian cream, pandan chendol, and gula melaka.

Below are screenshots of the digital menu of Big Short Coffee

Regular hot and cold coffee are of course also available.

What we tried at Big Short

We selected one signature seasonal creation and one standard coffee.

Blueberry “Umeshu”

Despite the name, Blueberry “Umeshu” ($9) contains no alcohol. The baristas use a washed cold brew made from Rwandan Inzovu coffee beans. The recipe incorporates macerated blueberry and red shiso leaves. The liquid is blended with cherry blossom tea, sake lees, and rock sugar.

The staff called us to the counter to observe them finishing the preparation and to hear their explanation of the recipe. A single pink flower was placed neatly on top of an ice cube as the finishing touch.

In terms of flavour, the beverage had a strong fruity profile. The cold brew had a subtle herbal undertone. The sweetness remained controlled. It was a very refreshing and enjoyable drink.

Comfort Hot White

We also had a traditional hot White Coffee ($6) from their classic menu. The cafe used a signature house blend consisting of Brazilian and Colombian beans. The baristas served this hot beverage in the blue paper

The milk foam was smooth and velvety. Additionally, the milk temperature remained optimal. The coffee had a nice balanced profile with a slight nutty flavour. It was a good cup of coffee.

A non-alcoholic cocktail bar

Big Short Coffee offers something genuinely different: a beverage-only experience that feels closer to a non-alcoholic cocktail bar than a typical cafe, even as it keeps a proper espresso at its heart. Its prices reflect the complex preparation and premium ingredients behind each cup. With a compact interior and limited seating, it suits a quick takeaway or short visit better than a long, leisurely chat over drinks. For anyone drawn to experimental flavours and cocktail-style mixology, this short shot with a big twist is well worth the detour.

The good news for those not in the East is that Big Short Coffee has a new outlet in Beach Road.

Big Short Coffee
2 Fowlie Road #01-01, Singapore 428505
Opening Hours: 8am – 5pm

273 Beach Road #01-01, Singapore 199548
Opening Hours:
Sun – Thurs: 8am – 5pm

Tel: +65 9170 9788

Website