Asylum Coffeehouse Review: Why This Jalan Besar Cafe Is So Popular

Asylum Coffeehouse is a popular coffee cafe in Jalan Besar

If there’s one thing I can’t live without, it’s coffee. I’m a fan of all kinds—local Hainanese kopi, ang moh-style espresso-based drinks, you name it. Singapore is blessed with a handful of solid coffee spots, including the beloved Asylum Coffee, which has long been an Eatbook favourite thanks in part to its close proximity to our office.

Drinks at Asylum Coffeehouse

The star at Asylum Coffeehouse is their house espresso, the Keluak blend, inspired by the Peranakan dish Ayam Buah Keluak and its earthy, tamarind-forward flavours. Developed over 14 months, this dark roast reveals subtle earthiness, smooth chocolate, floral hints, and a nutty finish.

We tried this in the form of the Iced Black 8oz ($7), prepared with two shots of espresso. You can also get it as a 4oz (from $5) with a single shot or a 10oz (from $7) with a triple shot, depending on how strong you like your coffee.

This black coffee was probably the strongest I’ve had—perfect if you like your coffee bold and dark.

I personally preferred the Hot White ($5.50/$7/$8), as the dark roast really shines with milk. The creamy, full-fat dairy balanced the chocolatey notes of the espresso and mellowed out the acidity, making each sip smooth and indulgent.

Side note: the Iced White ($6.50/$7/$9) is my usual go-to at Asylum, and it still ranks among the best lattes I’ve tried. We didn’t order it on this visit, but it’s consistently solid—always hitting the perfect balance of milk and strong coffee.

If you’re in the mood for something fancier, consider the Mont Blanc ($10), comprising the cafe’s signature cold brew topped with a citrus-infused milk foam.

The fresh orange zest is a clever addition—it not only perfumes the drink but also fills the cafe with a subtle, uplifting fragrance.

We enjoyed the pairing of strong black coffee with the thick cream cap, though the foam could be a little lighter, as it got slightly jelak after a few sips.

Filter coffee enthusiasts will be happy to know that Asylum Coffeehouse offers a rotating list of pourovers. During our visit, there were six options to choose from.

We went for the Gesha ($10), roasted in-house by Asylum Coffeehouse. This filter coffee was light and delicate on the palate, with subtle notes of jasmine and citrus that made it feel almost like sipping tea.

Ambience at Asylum Coffeehouse

Asylum Coffeehouse is a cosy spot that seats around 20 people at a time. Natural light pours through floor-to-ceiling windows, highlighting the clean, minimalist interiors with warm wooden accents. The layout strikes a balance between intimate corners and open seating, creating a relaxed, inviting vibe—though it can feel a bit cramped during peak weekend hours.

If coffee is your main focus, snag a seat by the bar to watch the baristas in action.

Asylum Coffeehouse is a 10-minute walk from Jalan Besar MRT Station.

Asylum Coffeehouse – Eatbook review

Asylum Coffeehouse scores on all fronts: consistently delicious coffee, cosy vibes, and warm service. I’ll definitely be back for their Iced White!

In other exciting food-related launches, check out our guide to the best new restaurants and cafes in June 2026! If you’re planning a getaway across the causeway, save our guide to the best JB cafes for solo trips!

Address: 311 Jalan Besar, Singapore 208970
Opening hours: Daily 8am to 4:30pm
Website
Asylum Coffeehouse is not halal-certified.

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Photos taken by Marcus Neo
This was an independent review by Eatbook.sg