NANI?! なに - Singapore's Japanese Food & Lifestyle Guide

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15 Must-Try Japanese-Themed Cafés To Add To Your Must-Visit List

Japanese-themed cafés in Singapore offer an enchanting blend of cultural immersion and culinary delight, bringing the essence of Japan to the heart of the city. With thoughtfully designed interiors, meticulously prepared Insta-worthy beverages, and delicious Japanese-inspired foods like Miso Cheesecake and Omu Soufflé Curry Rice, these cafés "transport" you to Japan, offering a perfect escape from the everyday hustle and bustle in Singapore.

Whether you're seeking a serene vibe, whimsical decor, or a sophisticated ambience, take your pick from our curated list of 15 Japanese-themed cafés.

(1) Baristart Coffee
(2) Paaru Café
(3) Café Kitsuné
(4) Onné Café
(5) Café Natsu
(6) Café Ren
(7) ToMo Café
(8) Japan Rail Café
(9) Kizuna
(10) Daizu Café
(11) Hoshino Coffee
(12) Sun With Moon Japanese Dining & Café
(13) Suzuki Café and Roastery
(14) Café Ma Maison
(15) Café Usagi Tokyo

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Source: 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.

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 – 9pm
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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). Other than classic coffee, treat yourself to a refreshing Orange Juice ($7), Mixed 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: Fri-Mon (Walk-In) 12pm - 5pm
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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 Road, #01-11, Singapore 178905
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm daily
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Source: Onné Cafe

Head to Onné Café 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 Café
Location: 5 Kampong Bahru Road, Singapore 169341
Opening hours: Mon-Tue, Thu-Fri 9am - 9pm, Sat-Sun 11am - 11pm
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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 Tori Karaage ($14) and Chawanmushi ($6), which will tantalise your taste buds with their umami flavours. The Pork Katsu Sando ($25) 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 unique desserts like Mochi Doughnuts ($12) and Miso Cheesecake ($12). Café Natsu is the to-go spot for a peaceful and delicious dining experience.

Café Natsu
Location: 283 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427537
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 8:30am - 5:30pm
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Source: 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.

Café Ren
Location: 681 Race Course Road, #01-305, Singapore 210681
Opening hours: Tue-Fri 10am - 5pm, Sat-Sun 9am - 5pm
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Source: ToMo Café

ToMo Café offers a delightful fusion of Japanese and Western influences in a comfy, stylish setting. Renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and exceptional coffee, it features a carefully curated menu of speciality espresso drinks like Iced Honeycomb Latte ($7) and Iced Tiramisu Latte ($9), artisanal teas, and matcha beverages. It also serves a range of delicious pasta and brunch, such as Crab Linguine ($24) and Avocado Burrata Toast ($19).

ToMo Café
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Source: Google Maps

A unique and immersive destination that celebrates the charm of Japanese rail travel, Japan Rail Café offers a distinctive experience inspired by the elegance and efficiency of Japan’s renowned railways. The menu features a variety of Japanese comfort foods, including Watashino Curry Rice ($17) and Kaisen Avocado Don ($17), and speciality coffee like Original Drip Coffee ($5) and Kuromitsu Kinako Latte ($6), all served in a setting that evokes the ambience of a traditional Japanese train station.

Japan Rail Café
Location: 5 Wallich Street, #01 - 20 Guoco Tower, Singapore 078883
Opening hours: Mon-Wed 11am - 9pm, Thu-Sat 11am - 9:30pm, Sun 11am - 8pm
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Source: Kizuna

With its name meaning "bond" or "connection" in Japanese, Kizuna is a vibrant café that embodies the spirit of Japanese warmth and hospitality. The perfect spot for a casual coffee break or a relaxing meal, it offers a range of speciality espresso drinks like White Coffee ($4) and Irish Coffee ($12), matcha beverages, and carefully crafted dishes like Mentaiko Udon ($15.90) and Ankimo Kaya Toast ($20). The modern yet cosy interior features stylish décor that complements its friendly service.

Kizuna
Location: 148 Potong Pasir Avenue 1, #01-37, Singapore 350148
Opening hours: Wed-Sat 5pm - 11pm, Fri 9am - 3pm, Sat-Sun 9am - 4pm
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Source: Daizu Café

Daizu Café offers a delightful blend of Japanese charm and contemporary café culture. Known for its focus on quality ingredients and a serene ambience, it specialises in crafting artisanal coffee like Strawberry Latte ($7) and Espresso Macchiato ($4.50), matcha beverages, and a selection of light, Japanese-inspired fare. The menu features beautifully presented dishes, such as the signature Tsujihan Don ($25) and Daizu Beef Don ($20).

Daizu Café
Location: 129 Rangoon Road, Singapore 218407
Opening hours: Mon-Thu 11am - 9pm, Fri-Sat 11am - 9:30pm, Sun 11am - 8pm
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Source: Hoshino Coffee

Hoshino Coffee is a renowned destination for lovers of Japanese-style coffee and relaxing ambience. Originating from Japan, it is celebrated for its Hand-Drip Coffee ($6.20), expertly brewed to highlight rich, complex flavours. The menu also features a variety of traditional Japanese coffeehouse treats, including fluffy Pancake Soufflé Style (from $9.80), light and airy cakes, and savoury dishes like Omu Soufflé Curry Rice ($18.50). Its interior combines elegant simplicity with a peaceful atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely coffee break or a casual meal.

Hoshino Coffee
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Source: Sun With Moon Japanese Dining & Café

Sun With Moon Japanese Dining & Café offers a refined dining experience that combines Japanese culinary artistry with a comfy café ambience. This elegant establishment serves a diverse menu featuring both traditional and contemporary Japanese dishes, including the signature Kamameshi (from $25.80) and Aust Ribeye Steak Jyu ($36.80), alongside a selection of matcha beverages and speciality coffee like Moka Pot Coffee Oro Blend ($10.80) and Café de SUN ($10.50) with Okinawa brown sugar. Its sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere, complemented by stylish décor and attentive service, creates an inviting space for enjoying a leisurely meal or a casual coffee break.

Sun With Moon Japanese Dining & Café
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Source: Suzuki Café and Roastery

A unique haven for coffee enthusiasts, Suzuki Café and Roastery blends artisanal coffee roasting with a warm, inviting café atmosphere. It focuses on crafting exceptional coffee like Cappuccino ($8) and Yugen Black ($6) using meticulously sourced beans roasted on-site. The menu features a variety of espresso drinks, pour-overs, and cold brews, complemented by a selection of delectable pastries and light bites like Naruto Kintoki Chewy Rustick and Caramel Roll. Its chic yet cosy interior, emphasising quality and craftsmanship, creates a perfect setting for savouring expertly brewed coffee.

Suzuki Café and Roastery
Location: 8 Chin Bee Avenue, Singapore 619932
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 8:30am - 5pm
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Source: Google Maps

Offering a charming blend of French and Japanese influences, Café Ma Maison creates a relaxed and elegant dining experience. The menu features delectable dishes, including classic French bistro fare and Japanese-inspired creations, all prepared with quality ingredients. With its stylish, intimate décor and warm, welcoming atmosphere, you can also enjoy expertly crafted coffee like Americano ($5.50) and Honey Cappuccino ($6.80), tea, and a selection of delightful cakes and light meals like Fresh Fruit Cake ($8.80) and Katsu Sandwich ($14.80).

Café Ma Maison
Location: 333A Orchard Road, Mandarin Gallery #02-33/34, Singapore 238897
Opening hours: 11am - 9:30pm daily
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Source: Café Usagi Tokyo

Café Usagi Tokyo offers a delightful escape into the whimsical world of Japanese kawaii culture. Named after the Japanese word for "rabbit," the café features a charming and playful rabbit theme throughout its decor and menu. You can enjoy Japanese beverages, such as Uji Matcha Latte and Hojicha Latte, along with a selection of sweet treats like Dorayaki and Strawberry Daifuku. The cosy, inviting atmosphere, complete with cute rabbit motifs and warm lighting, creates a perfect setting for a relaxing coffee break or a fun outing with friends.

Café Usagi Tokyo
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Each café, whether it’s the tranquil ambience or the chic, modern aesthetic, provides a welcoming environment for you to enjoy expertly crafted beverages and delectable meals. Embracing both traditional and innovative approaches, these Japanese cafés in Singapore are a must-visit for those seeking a memorable experience.

*This article was originally published on 28 November 2023.


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