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Common Man Coffee Roasters Stanley Street: An In-Depth Review of a Singaporean Brunch Icon
In the heart of Singapore’s bustling Central Business District (CBD), nestled among the historic shophouses of Stanley Street, lies a beacon for coffee connoisseurs and brunch enthusiasts alike: Common Man Coffee Roasters (CMCR). With a stellar reputation that precedes it, this establishment is more than just a café; it’s a cornerstone of Singapore’s third-wave coffee movement. Boasting an impressive 4.4-star rating from over a thousand reviews, CMCR Stanley Street promises an experience that transcends the ordinary.
But what truly makes this place tick? Is it the meticulously brewed coffee, the inventive-yet-comforting food, or the famously warm service? In this comprehensive review, we will delve deep into the elements that define the Common Man experience, synthesising real customer feedback with objective analysis to uncover why this Stanley Street gem continues to capture the hearts and palates of locals and visitors.
The Common Man Philosophy: More Than Just a Name
Before we even talk about the food or coffee, it’s essential to understand the ethos behind Common Man Coffee Roasters. The name itself is a clever play on their mission: to make specialty coffee accessible and enjoyable for the “common man,” demystifying the often-intimidating world of single origins, processing methods, and tasting notes. They are, first and foremost, roasters. This means they have end-to-end control over their primary product, from sourcing high-quality green beans through their partners at Five Senses Coffee Australia to roasting them to perfection in Singapore.
This dedication to the craft is the foundation upon which the entire café experience is built. It’s not just about serving a cup of coffee; it’s about showcasing a journey from farm to cup. This commitment elevates them from a simple eatery to an educational and sensory destination, a place where every item on the menu is crafted with intention. The Stanley Street outlet, with its sophisticated yet welcoming ambience, perfectly embodies this philosophy, creating a sanctuary for those seeking a moment of quality amidst the city’s relentless pace.
Deconstructing the Culinary Experience: What to Eat at CMCR
While coffee is in their name, CMCR has cultivated an equally formidable reputation for its food menu. The kitchen’s output is a masterclass in modern brunch, blending familiar comforts with premium ingredients and a touch of culinary flair. Based on customer experiences, a few key dishes stand out as must-tries.
The Brunch Staples, Elevated
Many cafés offer brunch, but few execute it with the precision and quality found at CMCR. Customer reviews consistently praise their elevated takes on classic dishes.
- The Steak: A standout mentioned by reviewer Luís Cipriano is the steak, which he praised for being cooked to a perfect “medium rare like an ash” and accompanied by “nicely done” fried eggs. This speaks volumes about the kitchen’s technical skill. In a café setting, steak can be a risky menu item, often overcooked or poorly seasoned. CMCR’s ability to deliver a perfectly cooked steak suggests a serious kitchen that respects its ingredients.
- The Croque Monsieur: Thotsaporn Jaroensri described this classic French sandwich as “delicious,” highlighting the thoughtful addition of rocket leaves and balsamic dressing. This isn’t just a cheese and ham sandwich; it’s a balanced plate. The peppery arugula and tangy balsamic cut through the richness of the béchamel and cheese, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of flavour pairing.
- Ox Cheek Eggs Benedict: Specifically recommended by attentive staff member Linus, this dish is a prime example of CMCR’s approach. By swapping traditional ham or bacon for slow-braised ox cheek, they transform a brunch staple into a decadent, savoury indulgence. The rich, tender meat provides a depth of flavour that sets it apart from any standard Eggs Benedict, making it a signature dish worth seeking out.
For the Sweet Tooth: A Balanced Approach
It’s easy for cafés to create desserts and sweet dishes that are overwhelmingly sugary. CMCR, however, seems to practice a more restrained and balanced art.
The Common Man French Toast is a recurring favourite. Reviewer Nazmi Nazri made a crucial observation: it’s “not that sweet.” This is a significant compliment. The sweetness is managed, allowing the other components—the rich brioche toast, the complementary cream, and the bright strawberry jam—to shine. This thoughtful composition ensures the dish is satisfying without being cloying, a hallmark of a well-conceived menu. Another item, the “Cakie,” was also recommended, hinting at a wider selection of quality baked goods that follow this same principle of balanced flavour.
A Savoury Surprise: The Hummus Debate
A particularly insightful piece of feedback comes from Luís Cipriano regarding the hummus, which he found good but “a sweet fan on it.” This comment is more than a simple critique; it’s a window into CMCR’s culinary personality. The choice to add a sweet element to a traditionally savoury dish like hummus is a deliberate one. It could be a touch of honey, date syrup, or roasted sweet potato blended in.
This modern twist won’t appeal to every purist, but it showcases the kitchen’s confidence in creating bold flavour profiles that challenge expectations. It positions the dish not as a mistake, but as a conversation starter. This willingness to innovate, even with a simple side, is a clear indicator of a creative culinary team at work.
The Heart of the Matter: The Coffee Program
A café with “Coffee Roasters” in its name carries a heavy burden of expectation, and CMCR delivers in spades. Their coffee program is diverse, catering to a wide spectrum of palates from the casual latte drinker to the seasoned coffee aficionado.
Espresso-Based Classics and Modern Innovations
For many, the journey starts with an espresso-based drink. Nazmi Nazri described his coffee as “a bit thicker that i thought,” with a “sour kinda like taste” but “not that bitter.” This is an excellent layman’s description of high-quality specialty coffee.
- Analysis: The “thicker” body likely points to a well-dialed-in espresso shot with a rich crema. The “sour kinda like taste” is almost certainly the bright, clean acidity prized in specialty coffee, which is a world away from the flat, bitter profile of over-roasted, commercial-grade beans. The key phrase “not that bitter” is the ultimate compliment, confirming that the beans are roasted and extracted properly to highlight their inherent sweetness and fruitiness.
Further demonstrating their modern edge is the Nitro Honey Oat Latte, recommended to reviewer Kuah Jap. Explaining the difference between a standard and a nitro latte, the staff showcased their product knowledge. Nitro coffee is infused with nitrogen gas, resulting in a velvety, creamy texture and a cascading visual effect similar to a Guinness stout. Combining this with the popular oat milk and a touch of honey shows that CMCR is not just a traditionalist roaster; they are actively participating in and shaping contemporary coffee trends.
The Art of the Slow Brew
For those who want to experience coffee in its purest form, CMCR’s slow brew bar is the main event. Thotsaporn Jaroensri’s experience with a slow brew made from Ethiopian beans is a testament to its excellence. He declared it “incredibly fragrant and probably the best cup of the trip.”
- Analysis: Ethiopia is widely considered the birthplace of coffee, and its beans are celebrated for their vibrant floral, tea-like, and citrusy notes. A slow brew method, such as a V60 pour-over or an Aeropress, is designed specifically to highlight these delicate and complex aromatics and flavours. Unlike the pressure-brewed intensity of espresso, a slow brew offers a cleaner, more transparent cup. The fact that a customer can single out this specific experience as a trip highlight confirms that CMCR’s baristas possess the skill to do these world-class beans justice.
The Unseen Ingredient: Service and Atmosphere
A café can have the best products in the world, but without great service and a pleasant atmosphere, the experience falls flat. This is arguably where CMCR Stanley Street truly excels, turning a great meal into a memorable occasion.
The feedback is unanimous: the service is “quick,” “friendly,” and “polite.” Staff members greet guests “with a smile on their face.” This consistent positivity points to a strong company culture and excellent training. In the high-stress environment of a popular CBD café, maintaining this level of warmth is no small feat.
The review from Kuah Jap provides a perfect case study in exceptional service, singling out a staff member named Linus. The interaction described goes far beyond transactional service. Linus provided a warm welcome, seated the guests at a cosy table, proactively offered cold water after overhearing a comment about the humid weather, and took the time to explain the coffee menu in detail. This is anticipatory, empathetic, and knowledgeable service. It’s what creates regulars and brand ambassadors. This “Linus Effect” is likely not an anomaly but an example of the high standard CMCR sets for its team.
The atmosphere is described as “lovely” and “pleasant.” This, combined with the efficient service, creates an environment that feels like an urban oasis—a place to comfortably enjoy a high-quality meal and coffee, whether for a quick business lunch, a leisurely weekend brunch, or a recovery meal after a gym session.
The Value Proposition: Is It Worth the Price?
With premium quality comes a premium price tag. Nazmi Nazri notes that his French toast and coffee came to “S$30 plus.” This places CMCR firmly in the upper-mid range for café dining in Singapore. So, is it worth it?
The answer, based on the overwhelming evidence, is a resounding yes—for the right customer. CMCR is not competing with the neighbourhood kopitiam or a mass-market coffee chain. It’s offering a specialised, curated experience. The price reflects:
- Sourcing: Ethically sourced, high-grade specialty coffee beans.
- Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality produce, from the ox cheek to the rocket leaves.
- Skill: Expertly trained baristas and a professional kitchen team.
- Service: Attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely friendly staff.
- Location: Prime real estate in the heart of the CBD.
When you factor in these components, the price is not just for the food and drink, but for the entire value chain of quality and care that delivers them to your table. For a discerning customer who values these elements, the cost is justified by the superior experience.
Final Verdict: A Benchmark for Café Culture
Common Man Coffee Roasters on Stanley Street is more than just a highly-rated café; it’s a benchmark for what modern café culture can and should be. It successfully marries a deep, authentic passion for coffee with a culinary program that is both innovative and immensely satisfying.
The consistent praise for its food, the nuanced appreciation for its complex coffee, and the glowing reports of its warm, intelligent service paint a picture of a business operating at the peak of its powers. It’s a place where every detail is considered, from the balance of sweetness in the French toast to the welcoming smile at the door.
Whether you’re a coffee lover eager to try a fragrant Ethiopian slow brew, a foodie in search of the perfect Eggs Benedict, or a professional needing a quality haven in the CBD, CMCR Stanley Street stands ready to deliver an experience that is, by all accounts, anything but common.
Common Man Coffee Roasters – Stanley Street
Address: 11, 12 Stanley St, Singapore 068730
Known For: Specialty Coffee, Modern Brunch, Excellent Service.
