7 Must-Try Japanese Themed Cafés To Add To Your Must-Visit List
Attention café hoppers! Here is a list of top picks of Japanese-inspired cafés in Singapore, from international icons to locally-owned cafés. Satisfy your cravings and create memorable moments at these unique cafes that bring Japan a little closer to Singapore.
1. Usagi Pan
Discover a treasure trove of Japanese treats at Usagi Pan in Star Vista, Buona Vista from the creators of Cafe Usagi Tokyo.
Usagi Pan specialises in Japanese-fusion sweets, such as the Kougin Amann with Rudy Choco & Berries ($5.50) and the Matcha Red Bean Mochi Croissant ($5.90), which is a must-try. The café's name, Usagi (rabbit in Japanese), is reflected in its adorable Usagi Bread ($6.80 - $9.80) and the Usagi Yuzu Cheesecake ($9.80).
For savoury cravings, dive into Bonito Fries with Mentaiko Mayo ($8.80) or the hearty Usagi All Day Breakfast [Drinks Set ($19.80) / À-la-carte ($16.80)]. Additionally, Usagi Pan's Milkshakes ($13.80) with unique toppings are perfect for the meal.
With comfortable chairs and large floor-to-ceiling glass windows that allow plenty of natural light, Usagi Pan is an ideal spot for catch-ups while enjoying delicious Japanese sweets.
Please read our full review here.
Usagi Pan
Location: 1 Vista Exchange Green, #B1-43, Singapore 138617
Opening Hours: Daily 10:00am - 10:00pm (Last order 9:30pm)
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2. Baristart Coffee
Discover Hokkaido-based concept café at Baristart Coffee's latest outlet in OCBC Wisma Atria. The café has a one-of-a-kind interior design that features bookshelves stretching from the floor to the ceiling.
Indulge in the best-selling Hokkaido Cream Puff ($7), which boasts a crispy outer puff, and indulgent BIEI Jersey Milk custard cream. You can find the same BIEI Jersey Milk in Baristart's visually stunning coffee creations.
In addition to the cream puff, the café offers a variety of flavourful dishes. This includes their signature Hokkaido Tontoro Salad ($17.80) and the hearty Hokkaido Zangi ($14.80). They also have delicious mains, such as the Tonkatsu sandwich ($18.80), which is generously smeared with mustard butter, tonkatsu sauce, cabbage, and pickled cucumber on fluffy white bread. Another crowd-favourite is the Wafu Pasta ($19.80), served with a medley of ingredients such as prawns, bacon, and asparagus.
Please read our full review here.
Baristart (Wisma Atria outlet)
Location: OCBC Wisma Atria Branch, 435 Orchard Rd, #04-01, Wisma Atria, Singapore 238877
Opening Hours: Daily, 11am – 8pm
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3. Paaru Café
Source: Paaru Café
Paaru Café at Pearl's Hill Terrace, opened by the team behind Asaru Studio, is known for its Japanese-style dessert and tea experience.
It is the ideal spot for a leisurely afternoon with a cuppa, as the dim lighting and wabi-sabi vibes help create a relaxing ambience. They keep things simple with a straightforward yet enticing menu, starring their Shokupan in iconic dishes such as Chicken Sandwich ($16++), French Toast ($12++) and more! Furthermore, they offer Onigiri in flavours like Ume ($4++), Salmon ($5++), and Mentaiko ($5++). The menu seems to be updated frequently, so check out their Instagram to be on the latest launch!
Other than classic coffee, treat yourself to a refreshing Juice ($8++) or an Iced Chocolate ($8++), especially if you have conquered the uphill climb to get there.
Paaru Café
Location: 195 Pearl's Hill Terrace, #01-61, Singapore 168976
Opening Hours: Weekdays, 9am-7pm, Weekends, 8am - 6pm [closed on Wed & Tues]
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4. Café Kitsuné
Source: Café Kitsuné
Café Kitsuné, the famous French-Japanese café, just landed in Capitol Singapore! No need to fly out for their renowned coffee and pastries as they set up their 22nd global outlet in City Hall.
Indulge in treats like Paris-Brest ($12) with hazelnut praline crèmeabd explore their glass display for unique treats like the Chilli Chocolate Tart ($12). Make sure to check out their signature Fox-Shaped Shortbread ($4) in flavours like Butter, Matcha, Chocolate, and Sesame.
While they specialise in pastries and coffee, they also offer a limited selection of savouries like Chicken Katsu Sando ($15), Caramelised Onion, Sun-Dried Tomato Quiche ($13), and more.
Enjoy your treats with their house roast coffee in a hybrid space with indoor and outdoor seating, seamlessly blending nature into the experience.
Café Kitsuné
Location: 13 Stamford Rd, #01-11, Singapore 178905
Opening Hours: Sat - Thu. 10am - 10pm, Fri, 10am -3pm
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5. Onné Café
Source: Onné Cafe
Head to Onné Cafe at Kampong Bahru Road, for its simple yet delicious Japanese fusion menu! The cafe is named after their daughter Dionne, and is a local spot managed by a lovely husband-and-wife duo.
Onné Cafe offers a minimalistic and classy interior with raw materials like the brick wall peeking out at the entrance. They also have bar seats, which are perfect for solo diners!
Onné's menu is a treat for anyone who enjoys Japanese-fusion dishes, featuring dishes like Shio Kombu Pasta, Carbonara Miso, Hotaté Aglio é Olio, and more. The weekday lunch sets from 11 am to 2 pm are a steal, offering mains like Oyakodon ($10.90), Pork Jowl Donburi ($11.90), and Gyudon ($12.90) with a complimentary miso soup.
For dessert, dive into Mochi Waffles in Dirty Charcoal or Matcha Green Tea flavours ($9 each) – a perfect blend of earthy matcha and sweet mochi pockets.
Onné Cafe
Location: 5 Kampong Bahru Rd, Singapore 169341
Opening Hours: Weekdays, 9am-9pm, Weekends, 11am - 11pm [closed on Wed]
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6. Café Natsu
Source: Café Natsu
Café Natsu in Joo Chiat is calling your name with its straightforward and delicious Japanese menu. The cafe offers a cosy atmosphere and earthy tones along the walls and décor of the café, making you feel zen as you enter.
One of the main highlights of Café Natsu is its straightforward and delicious Japanese menu. Start with the Karaage ($14) and Chawanmushi ($8), which will tantalise your taste buds with their umami flavours. The Pork Katsu Sando ($26) is a must-try for the main course. It features a thick pork katsu with doubanjang aioli, green apples, and fries on the side.
Save room for dessert, as the Zenzai ($12) is perfect for a rainy day with warm azuki bean soup and kiri mochi. Café Natsu is the to-go spot for a peaceful and delicious dining experience.
Café Natsu
Location: 283 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427537
Opening Hours: Tues - Sun, 8:30am - 5:30pm [Tues closes at 4pm]
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7. Café REN
In Farrer Park's bustling café scene, Café REN brings Japanese-inspired dishes to your plate in a cosy, minimalistic setting. After a hiatus with a fresh menu, this spot, born from the renowned KUKI, is a standout choice for brunch.
Start with the flavourful REN Karaage ($13+), perfectly seasoned with Sichuan Five Spice and paired with a dill-infused tartare sauce. Dive into the delicate Oyakodon ($17+) seasoned with Shiitake Dashi, and savour the seafood goodness of the REN White Curry ($24+).
Indulge your sweet tooth with the signature Pistachio REN Lava Cookie ($11+) and quench your thirst with the subtle Sweet Potato Latte ($6+) or the refreshing House Lemonade ($6.50+). Café REN's generous portions and exquisite flavours make it a must-visit in Farrer Park.
Please read our full review here.
CAFE REN
Location: 681 Race Course Road, #01-305, Singapore 210681
Opening Hours: Tue to Thu, 11am - 5pm | Fri to Sun, 10am - 8pm
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