Alchemist is a popular coffee spot in Somerset
If you love coffee as much as we do, you’ve likely heard of Alchemist. Founded in 2016, the homegrown roastery and cafe has grown into one of Singapore’s most well-known speciality coffee brands.
Following its humble beginnings in Tanjong Pagar 10 years ago, Alchemist has grown steadily, with several outlets to its name today at the time of writing. We recently visited their popular The Heeren outlet for a quick taste test.
Similar to its other outlets, Alchemist’s Somerset cafe keeps things simple menu-wise, focusing on executing the basics well rather than offering overly complex drinks. Expect the usual black, white, and mocha, available hot or iced, alongside seasonal filter options. Espresso starts at $4.
Our regular-sized White ($6), served hot, was prepared with Dark Matter, the brand’s signature blend. Sourced from Brazil, the espresso is described as bold and velvety, with notes of roasted nuts, chocolate, and black plum.
Surprisingly, I preferred the Iced Black ($6.50), despite usually going for milk-based coffee. I opted for El Carmen, a speciality bean from El Salvador with notes of dried dates, hazelnut, and brown sugar.
The full-bodied espresso held up well against the milk, though I found the latte a touch milkier than I’d prefer. That said, I tend to favour stronger coffees with less milk, so the espresso flavour comes through more clearly. Perhaps I’ll order Dark Matter as an espresso next time.
This brew tasted clean and bright, with a well-balanced and crisp finish that I really enjoyed.
There were four filter options to choose from, priced at $8.50 for hot and $9.50 for cold. Do note that the beans rotate seasonally, so you may not be able to find the same ones we tried.
Being a huge Chiang Mai fan, I went for the Sirinya Mae Suai filter, featuring beans from Doi Chang in Chiang Rai, Thailand. It’s described as having notes of red plum, raisins, and peach. I found the filter very light, almost tea-like, with a prominent peach fragrance—the perfect brew for a hot afternoon.
Saving the best for last, the Iced Mocha ($7.50) was our unanimous favourite. I didn’t expect to enjoy this as much as I did!
It had a well-balanced ratio of milk, chocolate, and coffee. The dark chocolate notes from Dark Matter paired nicely with the chocolate component of the drink, while the milk added a pleasant creaminess. The ice cubes were also large enough that they didn’t melt too quickly—a small but subtle detail I appreciated.
Alchemist’s The Heeren cafe offers a small selection of pastries from Keong Saik Bakery, priced from $4.50. Expect staples such as croissants and danishes, available in both sweet and savoury options.
As with most other Alchemist outlets, the cafe at The Heeren features a clean, industrial aesthetic with plenty of concrete and steel. Located on the ground floor next to a busy Orchard Road junction, footfall is naturally high, and crowds are common on weekends.
Since the space is alfresco, there’s no air-conditioning, so it can get quite warm if you’re dining in.
Nonetheless, Alchemist leans more towards a coffee-first concept rather than a typical cafe with food and drinks—people come here for a quick coffee fix, not long brunches.
Alchemist The Heeren is a five-minute walk from Somerset MRT Station.
With over 10 outlets islandwide, including Bukit Merah and in the CBD, this is one must-visit cafe for coffee lovers in Singapore.
In other food news, the iconic MILO van sachets are back in Singapore, along with new merch! For more food in the area, read our Orchard food guide.
Address: 260 Orchard Road, #01-ORA, The Heeren, Singapore 238855
Opening hours: Daily 9am to 9pm
Website
Alchemist is not halal-certified.
30 Orchard Food Gems To Try—Souffle Pancakes, Michelin-Approved Hokkien Food And More
Photos taken by Nathania Tay.
This was an independent visit by Eatbook.sg.
Alchemist Review: Popular Alfresco Cafe Near Somerset MRT With Coffee From $4
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8/10
Alchemist Review: Popular Alfresco Cafe Near Somerset MRT With Coffee From $4 – 8/10
Summary
Pros:
– Over 10 outlets to choose from
– Affordably priced coffee in Orchard
– Mocha was delicious
Cons:
– White was a tad too milky
– The Heeren’s outlet was too hot to dine at
Recommended dishes: Iced Black ($6.50), Iced Mocha ($7.50)
Address: 260 Orchard Road, #01-ORA, The Heeren, Singapore 238855
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