20grams Coffee Roastery Review: A Paya Lebar Hideout for Serious Coffee Lovers
Tucked away in an unassuming industrial building near Paya Lebar, 20grams Coffee Roastery is a sanctuary for those who take their coffee seriously. Far from the bustling cafe crowds, this roastery-cafe hybrid has cultivated a loyal following, earning a stellar 4.4-star rating. It’s a place that prioritizes the bean above all else, offering an experience that’s both refined and intensely focused on the craft of coffee.
But is this hidden gem the right spot for your next coffee run? We’ve delved into the reviews and details to give you an honest look at what to expect.
The Vibe: An Industrial-Chic Coffee Sanctuary
The first thing you’ll notice about 20grams is its unique location in the LTC Building C. This isn’t your typical high-street cafe. The slightly “random” setting contributes to a feeling of discovery, as if you’ve stumbled upon a well-kept secret. Inside, the atmosphere is described as “cool and peaceful,” with a cozy vibe that invites you to slow down.
One fascinating detail noted by a visitor is the powerful air-conditioning, kept low to aid in the bean fermentation process. This isn’t just for customer comfort; it’s a functional part of their craft, giving you a literal taste of their dedication to quality before the coffee even reaches your lips.
The Coffee: The Star of the Show
At 20grams, coffee is the undisputed main event. This is not the place for flavoured syrups or overly complicated concoctions. The focus is on highlighting the unique characteristics of their carefully selected beans, which are roasted in-house.
Reviewers consistently praise the coffee as being among the “strongest and cleanest tasting” in Singapore. The staff are noted for being knowledgeable and helpful, guiding patrons through their selection of single-origin beans to find a profile that suits their palate, whether they prefer something fruity and complex or strong and non-acidic.
One visitor was “blown away” by a long black made with natural-processed beans from Bolivia, describing it as “complex, rich in body, and yet very fruitful, with quite long aftertaste.” This is a testament to the roastery’s ability to source and prepare exceptional coffee. Be prepared to wait a little longer than usual for your cup, as each order is made with precision, often starting from grinding the beans fresh.
What to Order: Food & Drinks at 20grams
Coffee & Drinks:
Given their expertise, you can’t go wrong with their black coffee, either as a Long Black or a Pour-Over, where the nuances of the beans truly shine. If you prefer milk-based drinks, reviewers suggest the Hot Latte is superior to the iced version. The roastery also has a strong focus on Cold Brew, which the staff may recommend as an ideal way to experience certain beans.
Food:
This is a critical point to manage expectations: 20grams Coffee Roastery is not a food destination. One of the most common points of negative feedback is the lack of food. While some older reviews or photos may show croissants, their availability is inconsistent at best. You should visit 20grams with the primary intention of enjoying world-class coffee. If you are looking for brunch or a meal to accompany your drink, you will likely be disappointed.
An Honest Analysis: The Highs and Lows
The Good:
- Exceptional Coffee Quality: The beans are expertly sourced and roasted, resulting in a clean, complex, and memorable cup.
- Knowledgeable Staff: The baristas are passionate and can help you discover a coffee you’ll love.
- Focused Atmosphere: The quiet, industrial-chic vibe is perfect for true coffee appreciation.
- Excellent Beans for Home: It has become a regular spot for enthusiasts to purchase high-quality beans at a reasonable price.
Points to Consider:
- Premium Price Point: With coffees priced around $8, it sits at the higher end of the market. This reflects the specialty-grade beans and craftsmanship, but it may not suit every budget.
- Limited to No Food: Do not go expecting a meal. This is a roastery first, cafe second.
- Passionate (or Pushy?) Service: One visitor felt they were being pushed to order a cold brew over their preferred iced flat white. This can be seen in two ways: either as inflexible service, or as a passionate barista wanting customers to experience their coffee in its optimal form.
- The Iced Coffee Debate: Feedback on iced drinks is mixed. While the cold brew is a highlight, some find other iced beverages to be filled with too much ice for the price.
Final Verdict
20grams Coffee Roastery is a haven for the coffee purist. It’s for the person who wants to discuss processing methods with their barista, who savours the subtle tasting notes in a single-origin pour-over, and who values quality over convenience. If you are a “serious coffee” person, the journey to its industrial location and the premium price tag will feel entirely justified by the liquid in your cup.
However, if you’re looking for a bustling brunch spot, a quick and cheap caffeine fix, or a place with a wide food menu, you would be better served elsewhere. For an unadulterated, high-quality coffee experience, 20grams is one of Singapore’s finest.
20grams Coffee Roastery
14 Arumugam Rd, #01-05 LTC Building C, Singapore 409959
