Top 12 'Reverse-Happy-Hour' Breakfast Spots to taste for a dinner party that flips the script. - Goh Ling Yong
Tired of the same old dinner party routine? The frantic search for a complicated recipe, the pressure to create a three-course masterpiece, the polite but predictable conversations over roast chicken. It’s easy to fall into a hosting rut. What if you could throw a party that instantly feels more relaxed, more fun, and completely unforgettable?
Let's flip the script. Imagine a dinner party where the dress code is "comfy-chic," the vibe is "laid-back weekend," and the menu is a glorious celebration of the best meal of the day: breakfast. Welcome to the concept of the 'Reverse Happy Hour'—a dinner party centred around breakfast food, or as the cool kids call it, 'brinner.' It’s about trading fancy for fun, swapping formal for familiar, and serving up pure, unadulterated comfort food that everyone loves.
This isn't about pouring a bowl of cereal for your guests. It’s about curating a feast of fluffy pancakes, savoury egg benedicts, artisanal toasts, and gourmet coffee. To help you host the ultimate brinner party, we’ve scoured the island for the best breakfast spots that offer incredible takeaway and delivery options. Here are our top 12 picks to help you create a 'Reverse Happy Hour' that will have your friends talking for weeks.
1. Wild Honey
If you want to host a brinner party with an international flair, Wild Honey is your undisputed champion. Famous for their all-day breakfast menu inspired by travels around the globe, their dishes are both beautiful and incredibly satisfying. The sheer variety means you can create a spread that caters to every palate, from the sweet-toothed to the savoury-obsessed.
The beauty of Wild Honey lies in its ability to elevate classic breakfast dishes. Think less greasy spoon and more gourmet experience. Their portions are generous, the ingredients are top-notch, and the presentation is always on point, even for takeaway. This makes it incredibly easy to plate their food beautifully at home, making you look like a culinary genius with minimal effort.
- The Dinner Party Stars: You can’t go wrong with ‘The English’—their signature full English breakfast that’s hearty enough for any dinner. For something more adventurous, ‘The Tunisian’ offers a spicy, flavour-packed shakshuka that’s perfect for dipping crusty bread into.
- Pro-Tip: Order a mix of sweet and savoury. Pair ‘The English’ with an order of their Canadian pancakes, which come with candied bacon and maple syrup. Decant the syrup into a nice jug, stack the pancakes high, and let guests build their own perfect bite. Their online ordering system is a breeze, making party planning seamless.
2. Common Man Coffee Roasters
For the host who believes great coffee is the heart of any gathering, Common Man Coffee Roasters (CMCR) is the perfect choice. While they are masters of the bean, their food menu is equally impressive, offering thoughtful, complex dishes that are far from your average cafe fare. This is the spot for a sophisticated brinner party that still feels warm and inviting.
CMCR’s menu is a masterclass in balanced, flavourful cooking. They take brunch classics and give them an innovative twist, incorporating fresh herbs, unique spices, and unexpected ingredient pairings. A while back, Goh Ling Yong and I were discussing tired dinner party tropes, and the idea of a CMCR-catered 'brinner' came up as the perfect antidote to boring meals. It’s food that sparks conversation.
- The Dinner Party Stars: The ‘Common Man Full Breakfast’ is a no-brainer, featuring artisanal sausage, perfectly cooked eggs, and sourdough toast. For a showstopper, get the ‘Umami Mushroom Avocado Toast.’ It’s a work of art and tastes even better than it looks.
- Pro-Tip: Don’t forget the coffee! Order a bag of their signature beans and brew a fresh pot for your guests. Or, go the extra mile and make coffee-based cocktails like espresso martinis to fully embrace the 'Reverse Happy Hour' theme.
3. Tiong Bahru Bakery
When you think of Tiong Bahru Bakery (TBB), you probably think of their legendary, life-changing croissants. But their menu offers so much more, making it a fantastic and surprisingly versatile option for a brinner party. TBB brings a touch of Parisian chic to the table, perfect for a casual yet elegant evening.
The genius of a TBB-themed dinner is its focus on high-quality baked goods. You can build an entire meal around their pastries, sandwiches, and quiches. It feels indulgent and special without being overly heavy. Plus, the iconic TBB takeaway boxes are so well-designed they add to the party aesthetic themselves!
- The Dinner Party Stars: The ‘Smoked Salmon Squid Ink Roll’ is both visually striking and delicious. For a heartier option, their ‘Roast Beef Croissant’ is a crowd-pleaser. And of course, you must have a platter of their classic Kouign Amanns and croissants for a sweet finish.
- Pro-Tip: Create a "build-your-own-croissant-sandwich" bar. Order a dozen plain croissants, then set out bowls of high-quality ham, cheese, jams, and smoked salmon. It’s interactive, fun, and takes the pressure off you as the host.
4. Clinton St. Baking Company & Restaurant
If you want to bring a taste of New York to your dinner party, look no further than Clinton St. Baking Company. This spot is legendary for its American comfort food classics, done to perfection. We're talking melt-in-your-mouth pancakes, crispy fried chicken, and buttery biscuits. It’s the ultimate comfort food feast.
This is the food you serve when you want your guests to feel completely at home and ready to indulge. The portions are generous, the flavours are bold, and every dish evokes a sense of nostalgia and pure satisfaction. It’s the perfect menu for a cold, rainy evening or a celebration where calories simply don’t count.
- The Dinner Party Stars: The ‘Chicken & Waffles’ is non-negotiable. The combination of crispy, juicy chicken and a fluffy waffle, all drizzled with their signature warm maple butter, is pure magic. Their ‘Pancakes with Warm Maple Butter’ are also consistently voted among the best in Singapore for a reason.
- Pro-Tip: Order the pancakes plain and create a toppings bar with fresh berries, chocolate chips, whipped cream, and extra maple butter. For the chicken and waffles, consider cutting the waffles into quarters so guests can easily grab a piece.
5. Ya Kun Kaya Toast
For a brinner party that’s deeply nostalgic, uniquely Singaporean, and incredibly budget-friendly, you can’t beat Ya Kun Kaya Toast. This is the 'Reverse Happy Hour' that celebrates local heritage. It’s a theme that’s both charming and unexpected, guaranteed to bring a smile to your guests' faces.
Hosting a Ya Kun party is about more than just the food; it's about recreating the comforting ritual of a kopitiam breakfast. The smell of kaya and freshly brewed kopi, the sound of spoons clinking against ceramic cups—it’s a multi-sensory experience that transports your guests to a simpler time.
- The Dinner Party Stars: The classic ‘Kaya Toast with Butter Set’ is the main event. Order plenty of it, along with their French toast and steamed bread (kaya balls) for variety. Don’t forget the soft-boiled eggs, perfectly runny and ready for a dash of dark soy sauce and white pepper.
- Pro-Tip: Go all-in on the theme. Serve the kopi and teh in traditional ceramic cups. Provide small bowls for guests to mix their own soft-boiled eggs. You can even create a small "kopi-making" station with condensed and evaporated milk for a fun, interactive element.
6. Symmetry
Located in a hip corner of Jalan Kubor, Symmetry brings Australian cafe culture to your dining table. Their brunch menu is robust, creative, and perfect for a dinner party that aims for a cool, laid-back vibe. The food is hearty and satisfying, with big flavours that are perfect for an evening meal.
Symmetry excels at creating substantial brunch dishes that can easily double as dinner. Their plating is rustic yet refined, and they use high-quality ingredients that shine through in every bite. This is a great choice for a younger crowd or anyone who appreciates a good Aussie-style brunch.
- The Dinner Party Stars: The ‘Symmetry Big Breakfast’ is a monster platter that’s great for sharing. For something a bit different, the ‘Truffle Mushroom Fricassee’ on toast is luxuriously decadent and a real crowd-pleaser for any truffle lover.
- Pro-Tip: Their dishes pair surprisingly well with craft beer or a crisp white wine. Lean into the Aussie theme and grab a few bottles of Little Creatures or a Sauvignon Blanc from the Margaret River region to complete the experience.
7. Tolido's Espresso Nook
This charming cafe is a hidden gem beloved by those in the know for its fantastic coffee and even better food. Tolido's is unpretentious and consistently delicious, making it an excellent choice for a low-key, high-quality brinner. Their menu features comforting classics with a unique local twist.
What makes Tolido’s special is the heart they put into their food. It feels like a home-cooked meal, but elevated. Their pancakes are legendary for their fluffiness, and their savoury dishes often incorporate local flavours in a way that feels both innovative and familiar. This is my personal go-to for a reliable, soul-satisfying meal.
- The Dinner Party Stars: The ‘Pandan Pancakes’ are a must-try, served with gula melaka syrup and vanilla ice cream. On the savoury side, the ‘Rosti with Smoked Bratwurst’ is a hearty and satisfying dish that everyone will love.
- Pro-Tip: Their specialty lattes, like the Sea Salt Caramel Latte, are fantastic. Order a few for your guests as a post-dinner treat instead of a traditional dessert. It’s a simple touch that shows you’ve thought about every detail.
8. Heap Seng Leong
Step back in time with a brinner party catered by Heap Seng Leong. This is one of the last remaining old-school kopitiams in Singapore, complete with marble-topped tables and an abacus-wielding owner. Getting takeaway from here is about capturing a piece of history and serving it with a side of kaya toast.
The charm of Heap Seng Leong is its authenticity. The menu is simple: toast, eggs, and coffee. But it’s done the traditional way. The coffee is brewed with a sock filter and often served with a pat of butter melting on top (‘Kopi Gu You’), and the toast is grilled over charcoal for an unbeatable smoky flavour. This is a brinner theme that is 100% about the story.
- The Dinner Party Stars: The charcoal-grilled ‘Kaya Toast’ is the undisputed hero. Order it alongside their 'Kopi Gu You' for the full, authentic experience. The soft-boiled eggs are, of course, essential.
- Pro-Tip: The experience is the key. When your guests arrive, share the story of Heap Seng Leong. Explain what ‘Kopi Gu You’ is. This turns a simple meal into a cultural exploration and a memorable dinner party.
9. The Populus
For a brinner party that feels modern, chic, and a little bit fancy, The Populus is your answer. Their menu is a fusion of different cuisines, resulting in breakfast dishes that are complex, beautifully presented, and packed with flavour. This is the choice for the foodie host who wants to impress their guests with something new.
The Populus isn't afraid to experiment. You’ll find Japanese, French, and local influences throughout their menu. Dishes are layered with different textures and tastes, making each bite an adventure. It’s the kind of food that looks incredible on Instagram but, more importantly, delivers on its promise of deliciousness.
- The Dinner Party Stars: The ‘Populus Scramble’ is a must-order, featuring creamy scrambled eggs with truffle oil and a crispy croissant. For a heartier, dinner-appropriate option, the ‘Spring Pancake & Fried Chicken’ is an absolute winner.
- Pro-Tip: Many of their dishes are quite rich. Plan a light, acidic salad to serve alongside to cut through the richness. A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette would be the perfect counterpoint.
10. Earlybird
As the name suggests, Earlybird is all about breakfast, but their specialty lies in a pairing that’s perfect for dinner: fried chicken. This friendly cafe serves up some of the best bird-and-carb combinations in town, making it an ideal choice for a fun, casual, and utterly satisfying brinner party.
This is soul food at its best. The fried chicken is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and seasoned to perfection. When paired with their sweet pancakes or savoury waffles, it creates a flavour explosion that is the very definition of comfort. It’s a simple concept, executed flawlessly.
- The Dinner Party Stars: The ‘Chicken & Pancakes’ is their signature dish. The combination of sweet and savoury is addictive. Their ‘Tom Yum Prawn Pasta’ is also a fantastic, less conventional breakfast-for-dinner option if you want to add some variety.
- Pro-Tip: Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty! Provide plenty of napkins. Serve with a side of hot sauce or a spicy honey dip to let guests customize their heat level. This is a meal that’s meant to be enjoyed without fuss.
11. Five Oars Coffee Roasters
With its industrial-chic interior and a commitment to quality, Five Oars Coffee Roasters (FOCR) offers a brinner experience that is effortlessly cool. Their menu is a well-curated selection of brunch favourites, all made with a keen eye for detail and a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients.
FOCR is a solid all-rounder. Whether you’re in the mood for classic eggs benedict, a hearty grain bowl, or a decadent waffle, they have you covered. It’s a reliable choice that guarantees a delicious and aesthetically pleasing meal, which is exactly what you want when hosting. It's a favourite brunch spot for a good reason, one that Goh Ling Yong also appreciates for its consistency.
- The Dinner Party Stars: The ‘Mentaiko Mac & Cheese’ is a wonderfully indulgent option that blurs the lines between breakfast and dinner. For a classic, their ‘Sea Salt Ricotta & Avocado Toast’ is always executed perfectly.
- Pro-Tip: Create a mini "coffee tasting" flight for your guests. Order a few of their different single-origin filter coffees and serve small tasting portions. It’s a great way to start the evening and get the conversation flowing.
12. Atlas Coffeehouse
Part of the same family as The Populus and Apollo Coffee Bar, Atlas Coffeehouse is a stalwart of the Singapore cafe scene. It's known for its welcoming atmosphere and a menu that delivers consistently delicious and comforting food. This is your go-to for a no-fail brinner party that everyone will enjoy.
Atlas strikes the perfect balance between comfort and creativity. Their menu features familiar favourites but often with a unique twist that elevates them beyond the ordinary. Their waffles are particularly famous, providing the perfect canvas for both sweet and savoury toppings.
- The Dinner Party Stars: The ‘Butterscotch Banana Pancakes’ are the stuff of legend and make for an incredible dessert course. For the main event, the ‘Summer Chicken Stew’ is a hearty, wholesome dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner.
- Pro-Tip: Order a mix of their savoury and sweet waffles. The ‘Candied Bacon Waffles’ can be a main, and the ‘Mixed Berries Compote Waffles’ can be the grand finale. Waffles are easy to share and always a hit.
Throwing a 'Reverse Happy Hour' or 'brinner' party is about more than just serving breakfast food at night. It's about breaking routines, embracing comfort, and creating a relaxed atmosphere where your guests can truly unwind and connect. By choosing one of these incredible spots, you take the stress out of cooking and get to focus on what really matters: enjoying a memorable meal with the people you love.
So, which of these spots will you be trying for your next get-together? Do you have another favourite breakfast-for-dinner gem that we missed? Share your thoughts and brinner party ideas in the comments below! We’d love to hear them.
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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