I almost missed the narrow, worn double doors of this shophouse, but just in time, I spotted the small chalkboard sign that confirmed I had arrived at Strangers’ Reunion, the café home to Singapore’s National Barista Champion, Ryan Tan.

The old doors did an excellent job of masking the buzz inside, but as soon as I pulled them open, a wave of chatter, the rich aroma of coffee, and the sweet scent of maple syrup rolled out into the sweltering afternoon heat.

At first glance, Strangers’ Reunion struck me as a bit eccentric and cluttered, particularly to my neat-freak tendencies. But the quirky, homey vibe is what sets it apart from the usual minimalist cafés. Inside, the décor is a delightful jumble of mismatched tables, colorful carpets, and bold paintings that contrast the neutral grey-and-beige backdrop. I took a seat at a low coffee table, feeling a bit dwarfed and marveling at how the staff navigated the space so gracefully without bumping into anything.

After a bit of indecision, I settled on ordering a Magic (a double ristretto with milk) and, of course, waffles—because how could I resist when a café serves them? It turned out to be a stroke of luck, as I had unknowingly chosen two of the best items on the menu.

I’m not sure what coffee beans were used in my Magic, but it was incredibly smooth and balanced, not too strong, and paired perfectly with the waffles. Speaking of which, these weren’t just any waffles—they were crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and rich with buttery goodness. After countless disappointments with subpar waffles from ice cream parlors, these were easily the best I’ve ever had in Singapore. Absolutely divine.

Though the café can get noisy during peak hours, Strangers’ Reunion has a cozy ambiance that’s ideal for catching up with friends or unwinding with a perfectly crafted cup of coffee after a long day.

Getting Familiar with Strangers

What really sets Strangers’ Reunion apart, beyond the eclectic décor and delicious food, is the warmth of the staff. They regularly stop by each table to chat with customers about their orders, creating a sense of connection that’s rare in most cafés. On my second visit, I had the pleasure of meeting Ryan Tan himself for a brief chat. He explained the philosophy behind Strangers’ Reunion and why it stands out in Singapore’s café scene.

“I wanted this place to really focus on the coffee,” Ryan shared. “I want people to learn about specialty coffee—not just the taste, but the principles behind it. That it’s not mass-produced, it’s self-roasted, it’s directly sourced so that farmers get fair prices.” Ryan added that the staff are trained not only to brew exceptional coffee but also to engage with customers and share the story behind each cup. So if you enjoy your experience at Strangers’ Reunion, take the time to chat with the staff—you’ll leave feeling like you’ve made new friends.

Before I left, Ryan recommended I visit Chye Seng Huat Hardware, a café opened by pioneers of specialty coffee in Singapore. And so, my coffee adventure continues!