I’d put off visiting Common Man Coffee Roasters Singapore for years. Not because I doubted it, but because everyone kept telling me to go, and I’m stubborn like that. So one Saturday morning, fed up with my own excuses, I finally walked down to Martin Road. By 11am I was sat with a plate of food and a cup of expertly prepared specialty coffee that genuinely made me wonder why I’d waited so long.
This is the flagship outlet, the one that started the whole journey back in 2013 in Robertson Quay. If you’ve been meaning to try Common Man Coffee Roasters, this is the review I wish I’d read before going.
First Impressions at Common Man Coffee Roasters: A Vibrant Neighbourhood Spot on Martin Road
The first thing I noticed was the greenery. The space at Martin Road is wrapped in plants, which softens the otherwise industrial-chic look. Exposed fittings, warm wood, that easy, unfussy feel. It’s the kind of place that looks designed but doesn’t feel try-hard. Definitely the textbook definition of what a cafe should be.
I walked in around 11am on a Saturday, and the room was already buzzing. Lively chatter, the smell of coffee everywhere, plates clattering. This is not a quiet café where you nurse a flat white in peace. It’s a proper brunch institution, and the energy is part of the appeal.
There’s indoor seating (air-conditioned, which I appreciated after the walk) and a second-floor alfresco-style coffee bar if you fancy something more open. I noticed a fair few regulars and a couple of dogs at the outdoor tables. The crowd skews social, the sort who linger over coffee and conversation in vibrant neighbourhoods like this.
One honest gripe straight away: the tables are a bit compact. Once two mains and a couple of drinks land, you’re playing Tetris with the cutlery. Worth knowing if you’re a group ordering lots of sides.
Championing Specialty Coffee: How Common Man Coffee Roasters Delivers Good Coffee Every Time
Let’s start where it matters, because this is, after all, a coffee roaster and specialty coffee wholesaler first.
Common Man Coffee Roasters built its name on championing specialty coffee, and you can taste the care. They’re not just a café; they are coffee roasters who take pride in creating coffee that is expertly roasted and sourced responsibly. They work closely with coffee partners committed to a responsible supply chain and sustainable growing practices, ensuring a lasting future for both the people and the planet.
I ordered a black coffee (S$6 for a regular) and it was excellent. Clean, balanced, with that brightness you only get from single origin coffee and delicious beans treated with respect. The unconventional and elevated selection of brews, including uncommon brews, means if you care about where your coffee comes from, the staff can actually talk you through it, bridging language and cultural barriers with genuine knowledge.
A friend ordered a cappuccino and found it a touch average—solid, but not the standout I’d expected given the reputation. A few online reviews echo this. My take? The black coffee and filter-style offerings are where the great coffee really shines. The milk drinks are good but not the reason you come.
Drinks pricing, roughly:
Regular black: S$6
Regular white: S$6.50
Mocha: S$7
Iced versions: S$7.50 to S$10
Specialty iced (Nitro Honey Oat Latte, Kaya Toast Latte, Citrus Cloud Cold Brew): around S$8.50 to S$9.50
Smoothies: S$11
Juices and sodas: S$8 to S$9
Besides coffee, they also stock highly curated natural wines and a ripple effect tea range if coffee isn’t your thing. The team continuously seek ways to make the delicious coffee experience feel approachable and enjoyable rather than snobby, which I really liked. It is definitely a great cafe spot to try in Singapore.
Best Brunch at Common Man Coffee: A World Class Brunch Experience to Match the Coffee
Now, the brunch. This is the bit everyone raves about, and mostly, I get it.
Common Man Full Breakfast (S$30)
I went for the Common Man Full Breakfast, and it’s a beast. Two eggs (I had mine scrambled), bacon, pork sausage, herbed roma tomato, hash browns, portobello mushroom, chorizo baked beans, and your choice of sourdough or wholemeal toast.
The scrambled eggs were properly creamy, soft and just set, none of that rubbery overcooked nonsense. The sourdough was fragrant and chewy, and the chorizo baked beans tasted genuinely housemade, with a smoky depth I wasn’t expecting from beans. It’s hearty without being a heavy, greasy mess. I finished it and felt satisfied rather than stuffed, which is harder to pull off than it sounds.
Ox Cheek Eggs Benedict (S$28)
My friend ordered the Ox Cheek Eggs Benedict, and honestly, I had food envy. Tender braised ox cheek, two poached eggs with runny yolks, chive hollandaise, and toast.
The ox cheek is what lifts this above a standard benedict. It’s rich, slow-cooked, and almost melts. The hollandaise had a nice herby lift from the chives, and when the yolk broke into it, the whole thing came together beautifully. If you only order one brunch item here, I’d push you towards this. It feels premium without the premium fuss.
Umami Mushroom Avocado Toast (S$25)
We shared the Umami Mushroom Avocado Toast between us. Shimeji and oyster mushrooms, avocado smash, red onion pickle, focaccia, and togarashi, with the option to add a poached egg for S$2 (do it).
I’m not even a huge mushroom person, but these were the star. Crispy edges, deeply savoury, properly umami. The red onion pickle cut through the richness, and the focaccia held up without going soggy. Soft, crunchy, tangy, all in one bite. I kept thinking about those mushrooms hours later.
A few honest notes
Not everything is flawless. Reviews flag the chilli chicken as occasionally dry and under-seasoned, and the French toast as too sweet for some, thanks to the berry compote. Portions are generous across the board, so if you’re not a big eater, share. The sandwiches and pancakes in particular are large.
Other items worth a look: the Turkish Common Man Breakfast (a colourful platter with phyllo-wrapped soft-boiled egg, crispy feta, hummus and pita), the Veggie Wonderland, the Breakfast Pancakes, and the housemade desserts if you’ve somehow got room.
Coffee Roasters’ Dedicated Team and Holistic Training Programs: A Key Factor in Consistency
Service was friendly and prompt when I went. The dedicated team were welcoming, the food arrived quickly, and nobody rushed us once we’d ordered. You can tell there’s a team dedicated to quality and consistency (the brand runs a barista academy and offers holistic training programs), which explains the reliable coffee experiences.
That said, it’s not universally smooth. Some reviews mention hiccups with table allocation and service handling during busier lunch periods. My experience was good, but I’d temper expectations slightly if you turn up at peak madness.
Practical Information: What You Need to Know About Common Man Coffee Roasters Singapore and Ion Orchard
Here’s the no-fuss, easy to understand rundown.
Address: 22 Martin Road, #01-00, Singapore 239058 (flagship) and locations including ION Orchard and Joo Chiat Road
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 7:30am to 6:00pm
Reservations: None. Walk-in only, so plan accordingly
Payment: Cashless only, maximum two cards per bill
Average spend: Around S$30 to S$40 per person for brunch with coffee
Nearest MRT: Fort Canning, roughly 11 minutes on foot from Exit A at Liang Court
Prices: Exclusive of service charge and taxes
When to go (and when to avoid)
The walk-in-only policy means timing is everything. Weekend queues around 12pm are real, the area’s small and it fills fast. One reviewer noted a wait even at 3pm, so this place is genuinely popular.
My advice:
Go early, ideally before 11am on weekends
Weekday mornings are calmest
Avoid the 12pm to 2pm weekend crush unless you enjoy queuing
Bring a light jacket, the indoor AC is decent and welcome, but it can feel cool if you sit still for long
If you’ve got dogs, the outdoor seating’s expanded, which is handy. Just know the tables out there can feel tight too.
Final Verdict: Common Man Coffee Roasters and Their Role in Building Communities and Providing Sustainable Solutions
So, after years of putting it off, was it worth it? Yes, mostly.
The food is well-executed, the portions justify the café pricing, and the coffee, when you order the black or filter, is some of the best brunch-paired coffee you’ll find around Robertson Quay or Joo Chiat Road. The atmosphere is lively and warm, the kind of place that pulls regulars back week after week. You can feel that Common Man Coffee has built something that genuinely connects with its neighbourhood and is a support pillar for developing communities.
The trade-offs are honest ones. Walk-in-only means weekend queues, the tables are compact, and the milk-based drinks (that cappuccino) don’t quite match the heights of the black coffee. It leans more bustling brunch hub than serene coffee retreat, so manage your expectations.
The brand is committed to providing sustainable solutions through careful management of a responsible supply chain, working relationship first with producing partners and coffee partners. Their account management, tech support, and encompassing account management services ensure wholesale clients and wholesale partners get the very best outcome. The CMCR aims to communicate true stories and showcase the unique and interesting lives of those involved in creating coffee, uniting us across language and cultural barriers.
Who it’s best for
Brunch lovers who want generous, well-made Western plates paired with expertly prepared specialty coffee
Coffee drinkers who care about specialty coffee done properly by passionate coffee roasters
Groups of friends and casual dates
Tourists staying around Robertson Quay or visiting ION Orchard
Vegetarians and those needing vegan or gluten-free options (the menu remains similar across locations and clearly marked)
Who might give it a miss
Anyone after a quiet, work-friendly café
Diners who hate queues and won’t go early
Folks wanting a roomy table for a big group spread
If I’m rating it simply: the Common Man Coffee Roasters brand has earned its reputation. Go early, order the Full Breakfast or that glorious Ox Cheek Eggs Benedict, pair it with a black coffee, and you’ll understand exactly why this place has been a Singapore brunch fixture for over a decade. The brand’s grown well beyond Martin Road now, with outlets in spots like ION Orchard and Joo Chiat Road, but this original still feels like the heart of it. The journey starts here, and it’s a good one.
If you enjoyed this honest take, head over to SG Dining Guide for more reviews, hidden gems, and shared culinary experiences across the island or if you wanna experience a much different tone when it comes to your beverages; why not click here to discover Singapore’s authentic tea rooms.
Your next great meal is closer than you think.
