Elephant Grounds Brings Coffee n’ Chill Philosophy To Singapore

There is something quietly reassuring about a café that understands how people really live. On 10 January 2026, Elephant Grounds makes its long-awaited debut in Singapore, opening at Guoco Midtown’s Network Hub along Beach Road. After more than a decade shaping Hong Kong’s café culture, the award-winning lifestyle café arrives with a philosophy that feels instantly familiar and deeply relevant: slow down, stay present and make space for connection through good coffee, comforting food and thoughtful design.

From a Small Kiosk to a Regional Lifestyle Name

Founded in 2013 as a humble neighbourhood coffee counter by entrepreneurs Kevin Poon and Gerald Li, Elephant Grounds grew from a simple idea of creating a café that mirrors everyday life. Poon, a cultural tastemaker and art collector, continues to shape the brand’s lifestyle and design direction, while Li oversees its culinary development. Together, they have built a brand where culture, craft and daily utility intersect naturally, earning Elephant Grounds a loyal following across Hong Kong and beyond.

The Singapore outpost stays true to Elephant Grounds’ core philosophy while responding to its new urban setting. Set within Guoco Midtown, the space offers a carefully considered indoor and outdoor layout that feels open, airy and grounded in nature, even as the city moves around it. Pet-friendly and family-friendly, the café is designed as a genuine third space, not home and not office, but somewhere in between where you can pause, people-watch and reconnect with friends, family and yourself.

A Bakery That Anchors the Space

At the heart of the double-volume interior sits the bakery, both literally and emotionally the centre of the café. This marks only the second Elephant Grounds location in the region with an on-site production kitchen and dedicated baking team, following the much-loved Hollywood Road outpost in Hong Kong. It is also the first and only food and beverage concept within the development to bake everything from scratch daily.

Throughout the day, breads, pastries and croissants emerge warm from the ovens, shaping the rhythm of the space from early morning coffee runs to long, unhurried weekends. Widely regarded as one of the best croissants to come out of Hong Kong, Elephant Grounds’ version uses a non-traditional lamination technique blending French and Japanese methods. The result is a crisp, flaky, golden-brown pastry offered in classic styles and indulgent variations including chocolate, almond and the crowd-favourite banoffee.

Coffee as the Foundation

Coffee remains the soul of Elephant Grounds. The House Blend is sourced directly from Ijen Lestari, a Cup of Excellence-winning farm in East Java, and roasted in-house to deliver clarity, balance and character. Alongside the signature blend, premium single-origin coffees are calibrated with precision, catering to both casual drinkers and seasoned enthusiasts.

The coffee programme extends beyond the café walls. Elephant Grounds’ OG Blend is available as whole beans, drip bags and coffee capsules, allowing the Coffee n’ Chill experience to continue at home, at work or wherever your day unfolds. A carefully curated drinks menu rounds out the offering, featuring premium matcha, teas and selected alcoholic options that transition effortlessly from morning to evening.

Food Designed for All-Day Living

Food at Elephant Grounds is designed to be enjoyed without rules or rigid timings. Signature brunch favourites include the much-loved shakshuka served two ways. Mr Shakshuka pairs toasted sourdough with chorizo, feta and cilantro, while Mrs Shakshuka offers a vibrant plant-forward version with tofu, zucchini, pumpkin, black olives and spicy tomato salsa.

Pancake lovers can lean into comfort with the original stacks and maple syrup or opt for wild berry pancakes layered with fresh cream, almond flakes and berry coulis. Founders’ Granola, made in small batches using preservative-free rolled oats, dried apricots, nuts, seeds, maple syrup and coconut oil, anchors breakfast bowls and lighter plates throughout the day.

As the day unfolds, heartier options take centre stage. Tuna poke donburi with avocado, spring onion and onsen egg sits alongside steak gyudon topped with chimichurri and crispy shallots. Linguine carbonara with onsen egg and parmesan caters to pasta cravings, while the EG Burger delivers comfort through a wagyu patty, cheddar, rocket and tomato, served with fries. The menu is intentionally versatile, supporting everything from solo laptop sessions to relaxed group dinners.

Weekday Mornings, Weekend Brunch and Beyond

Weekday mornings introduce Good Morning and Chill, a menu designed for those on the move but unwilling to compromise on quality. Options include PB and J toast on milk bread, croissant or sourdough, mango coconut overnight oats, a hearty breakfast burrito and a Florentine Benedict finished with yuzu hollandaise.

On weekends and public holidays, Brunch and Chill brings together a decade of favourites, from the Morning Cereal bowl and Buddha Bowl to the Farmer’s Omelette and corned beef hash. Asian-inspired comfort dishes such as truffle baked pork chop rice with oat-crusted Ibérico pork and black truffle egg fried rice add a distinctly Elephant Grounds twist.

The brand’s cult ice cream sandwiches, launching in Q2 2026, add a playful dimension to the menu, blending nostalgia with bold flavours and textures. A dedicated merchandise corner will also roll out between January and February 2026, featuring reusable tumblers including collaborations with MiiR, apparel for adults and kids, tote bags and the OG espresso blend grounds for those who want to bring a piece of the café home.

A Space Built for Everyday Life

Elephant Grounds Singapore is conceived as a contemporary urban refuge, a place designed for lingering rather than rushing. It invites you and your loved ones to press pause, observe the city at your own pace and find comfort in the familiar ritual of good coffee and well-made food.

Located at 124 Beach Road, Guoco Midtown, Unit 01-04, Elephant Grounds Singapore opens daily from 8:00am to 8:00pm, welcoming Singapore into its evolving Coffee n’ Chill story.