We have all experienced that dreaded 3:00 PM wall. Your lunch has worn off, your energy is flagging, and your brain is practically screaming for a pick-me-up. While Sunshine Plaza is often celebrated for its printing shops and late-night dinner spots, it is also quite a goldmine for quick, comforting afternoon snacks that go far beyond your generic convenience store options.
Without further ado, here is your ultimate guide to the five best snack spots in Sunshine Plaza to conquer the midday slump.
1. GCB
If your idea of the perfect afternoon snack involves melted cheese and perfectly toasted bread, GCB is an absolute mandatory stop. This homely, hole-in-the-wall cafe specialises in all things bread, and they do it with an extraordinary level of care.
THE CRUST FACTOR:
The owner bakes the bread entirely by hand, creating a signature house-baked loaf that feels like a brilliant hybrid of sourdough and brioche.
The texture is absolutely spot on, delivering a perfectly buttered, beautifully toasted exterior that yields to a rich, molten cheese centre. GCB offers a variety of crunchy bakes and sandwiches that you can customise exactly to your liking. For the ultimate comfort snack, pair your grilled cheese with one of their fresh, heartwarming soups—their classic Tomato Soup, the Greek, or the Caprese are highly recommended. You will be hard-pressed to find a superior, more satisfying grilled cheese anywhere else in Singapore.
GCB
Location: 91 Bencoolen St, #01-24 Sunshine Plaza, Singapore 189652
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday: 10 AM – 8 PM | Saturday: 10 AM – 4 PM
2. The Big Cheese
There are days when only an indulgent bowl of pasta will do, and that is where The Big Cheese steps in. This highly popular joint has carved out a dedicated niche with its incredibly popular “build-your-own” mac and cheese concept, turning a beloved classic into a highly personalised snack.
- The Customisation: Diners can customise their bowls with a wide range of cheeses and toppings, crafting combinations that range from simple and creamy to heavily loaded.
- The Texture: The cheese sauce is remarkably rich and smooth without feeling overly cloying or heavy, while the pasta retains a perfect al dente bite.
- The Signature Pull: Every cup delivers that highly satisfying, photo-ready “cheese pull” that makes the experience feel special.
The Verdict: Let’s be clear: this is not the most sophisticated, fine-dining mac and cheese in the city. It tastes and feels delightfully homemade—and in our opinion, that is exactly how genuine comfort food should be. Thanks to the incredibly speedy service and friendly staff, it is the perfect spot when you are short on time but craving something warm and filling.
The Big Cheese
Location: 91 Bencoolen St, #01-59, Singapore 189652
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday: 12 PM – 9 PM | Closed on Sundays
3. EPIKebabs
Sometimes, a sweet pastry simply won’t cut it, and your body demands a substantial hit of savoury protein to power through the rest of the day. Operating proudly in Singapore since 2012, EPIKebabs serves up incredibly innovative, handmade kebabs with a local twist.
They are famously unapologetic about their food, guaranteeing the most actual kebab meat for your dollar in the industry. That means you get zero vegetable stuffing or filler to pad out your snack.
Every single day, their premium cuts of meat are prepared by hand and tossed in a top-secret marinade featuring 12 herbs and spices. Furthermore, their sauces, hummus, and falafels are crafted entirely from scratch every single morning.
If you are looking for a quick bite, grab their classic Kebab Roll, or tuck into a portion of Meat and Chips—their legendary local take on the Halal Snack Pack (HSP). If you are sharing with a colleague, you can even sample their famous “Indomeeat,” a glorious crossover of instant Indomie noodles and heavily piled kebab meat.
EPIKebabs
Location: 91 Bencoolen St, #01-55, Singapore 189652
Opening Hours: Open Daily 11 AM – 9 PM
4. J Smile Cafe by Souper Salad
If you prefer to keep things light, clean, and healthy, make your way to J Smile Cafe by Souper Salad. This quaint, clean, and incredibly welcoming little cafe serves up a fantastic selection of fresh salads and baked goods, managed by super friendly staff who instantly make you feel right at home.
THE HEALTHY HIT:
You can completely customise your own salad, choosing your favourite greens, proteins, toppings, and dressings. Everything is exceptionally fresh, beautifully prepared, and incredibly generous in portion size.
Even better, each salad comes with a complimentary drink, making it an exceptionally high-value, quick meal.
If you are visiting for a traditional tea break, their Pastry Sets are an absolute steal. You can choose from a delightful range of freshly baked pastries paired with your choice of beverage. Despite the highly reasonable, student-friendly prices, the cafe does not skimp on beautiful presentation.
- Pro-Tip: The indoor seating is highly limited, so if you plan to dine in and enjoy the cosy atmosphere, try to slip away slightly before the peak afternoon rush to secure a table.
J Smile Cafe by Souper Salad
Location: 91 Bencoolen St, #01-58 Sunshine Plaza, Singapore 189652
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Friday: 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM | Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays
5. Freshio Gelato
No snack guide would be complete without a sweet treat, and Freshio Gelato is arguably one of the most highly rated dessert spots in Singapore. Stepping into this brightly lit, relaxed space—complete with adorable, quirky astronaut decor—feels like a breath of fresh air compared to the chaotic hustle of the surrounding arts district.
The moment you cross the threshold, the incredibly enthusiastic staff will greet you and hand you hefty, generous samples of their most popular house-made flavours.
- The Pancake Gelato: Inspired by a classic breakfast of maple-syrup-slathered hotcakes, this flavour features an intense, authentic maple sweetness that kids and sweet-tooths will absolutely adore.
- The French Vanilla: Made using authentic vanilla bean paste rather than cheap, artificial extracts, giving it a beautifully complex, timeless flavour.
While their fluffy waffles are excellent, the ultimate afternoon snack here is their unique Gelato Panini. This sensational creation places a cold scoop of your favourite gelato inside a warm, freshly pressed panini bun, resulting in a spectacular hot-and-cold contrast that you won’t soon forget.
The space is relatively small and intimate, making it the perfect cosy alcove to catch up with a close friend.
Freshio
Location: 91 Bencoolen St, #01-60 Sunshine Plaza, Singapore 189652
Opening Hours: Thursday-Tuesday: 12 PM – 10 PM | Closed on Wednesdays
Final Thoughts
The next time your energy levels begin to dip and your stomach starts to rumble, skip the generic, mass-produced snacks from the local convenience store. Sunshine Plaza may have a dated façade, but the passion of its independent food owners shines through in every single bite.
Whether you are pulling apart a perfectly toasted GCB grilled cheese, customizing a warm bowl of macaroni, or enjoying a pressed Gelato Panini under the watchful eyes of astronaut decor, this quirky plaza has everything you need to fuel the rest of your day.