9 underrated cafes in Orchard Road to check out before others do

Orchard Road is no foreign ground to us, but tucked away in this happening district are cafes you've probably yet to explore.

1. The Coffee Academics

We can see why this cafe was listed as one of the "25 coffee shops around the world you have to see before you die" - are these not the most perfect pancakes you've ever seen?

Doing justice to its name, Sensory Stations include a cupping corner where coffee classes and events are hosted, a custom blend concierge, a roasting corner, and more.

#02-01/02 Scotts Square, 6 Scotts Rd, Singapore 228209
https://www.facebook.com/TheCoffeeAcademicsSg

2. Montana

The menu stars at Montana are centred around waffles. But not just any waffles - Southern Fried Chicken Waffles, Jalapeno Mac and Cheese Waffles, Seafood Paella Waffles, and more.

For the sweet-toothed, the Red Velvet Waffles, laced with a soft rose flavour, are the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

#02-25 PoMo, 1 Selegie Rd, Singapore 188306
https://www.facebook.com/montanasingapore

3. Curious Palette

Tried and true comfort food ride the wave of popular local flavours at Curious Palette - think the likes of Soft Shell Crab Burger and Salted Egg Wings - while elsewhere on the menu, there's Corned Beef Scotch Egg, Chorizo and Foie Gras Linguini, and more.

Nurse a coffee at brunch, too - they've got award-winning baristas at your service.

64 Prinsep St, Singapore 188667
https://www.facebook.com/curiouspalette

4. Kki Sweets

The fact that Kki Sweets is so well-loved despite being hidden in a school campus (but accessible to public) speaks for itself.

The airy-light, Japanese-inspired French mousse cakes are made of dreams; favourites include Passionfruit and Chestnut as well as Champagne White Peach.

#02-01 School of the Arts, 1 Zubir Said Dr, Singapore 227268
https://kki-sweets.com

5. Oriole Coffee

An oasis planted right in Singapore's busy Somerset district, while the afternoon away while people-watching in this cafe.

The Oriole Truffle Burger - sous-vide beef patty, sauteed mushrooms, caramelised onions, mixed greens, melted cheese, truffle aioli embraced between fluffy brioche buns - is eponymous for good reason.

#01-01 Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Orchard, 96 Somerset Rd, Singapore 238163
https://www.oriole.com.sg

6. Paris Baguette

Fun fact: this cafe actually hails from Korea, and it actually even expanded to Paris!

Its creamy puddings were all the rage back when it first opened, but equally delish are its selection of cute cakes - we love the Camembert Cheesecake and the Strawberry Shortcake.

#02-02 Wisma Atria, 435 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238877
https://www.parisbaguettesg.com

7. Antoinette

Antoinette's space is reminiscent of the elegant boudoir, and its got the food to match, from the colourful Le Grande Jardin d'Antoinette salad to meticulously crafted sweet treats like mousse cakes.

If you're there for brunch, pick the Les oeufs en Meurette, poached eggs in red wine sauce.

#02-33/34 Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Rd, Singapore 238897
https://www.antoinette.com.sg

8. Plain Vanilla Bakery

This dainty bakery's treats are familiar and comforting, true to their belief in the good old-fashioned.

Hidden in fashion concept store In Good Company, we'd love to keep this the secret that it is, but good things are better shared.

#B1-06 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, Singapore 238801
https://www.plainvanillabakery.com

9. Nassim Hill Bakery Bistro Bar

So is this a bakery, bistro, or bar? All of the above in the dawn, noon, and dusk respectively - which also means you can get yourself a cocktail as early as 8am!

That aside, their bread and dessert pastries, freshly baked each day, are their specialty. After sunset, their French and Italian-centred dinner fare like Poutine, pizzas and pastas make for a good post-shopping meal.

#01-03 Tanglin Post Office, 56 Tanglin Rd, Singapore 247964
https://nassimhill.com.sg

This article was first published on The Finder.