Ah, Japanese cafes and their wabi-sabi approach to food and decor. While Korean cafes are known for their distinctly modern and minimalist styles, there is an undeniable charm about the rusticness and tranquility that defines their Japanese counterparts.
Looking for the spot in Singapore to satiate your cravings before your next, long-awaited trip? Here are 10 Japanese, or Japanese-inspired cafes, bars, and eateries that will transport you to your favourite Japanese city, albeit temporarily.
1. Waga Waga Den – Monochromatic-themed kiosk selling Instagram-worthy bubble foam coffee
Waga Waga Den is a takeaway concept known for its Cloud Iced Cappuccino, whose bubble foam topping resembles Omotesando Koffee’s iconic cuppa.
Based at Southbeach Tower, Waga Waga Den is also known for its sleek, minimalist interior and alfresco sitting area that is ideal for people-watching on a breezy afternoon. This sophisticated cafe is operated by the same group behind Japanese fine-dining restaurants, Black Cow and Shatoburian.
Read more here.
Address: 38 Beach Road, South Beach Tower, 01-14, Singapore 189767
Google Maps
Nearest MRT: Esplanade CC3
Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Friday: 8.30am – 3.30pm
Saturday: 9.30pm – 4.30pm
Closed on Sunday and Monday
2. Dashi Master Marusaya – Wagyu Hotpot Specialist with an Improved Dashi Broth
Whenever I’m asked for recommendations for Japanese restaurants, my first choice is always Dashi Master Marusaya. Its signature dashi shabu is one of the best in town, with housemade dried bonito flakes that can be bought to recreate the shabu experience at home.
The interior is classically Western and has a distinct charm that sets the restaurant apart from the other cafes and bars dotting Robertson Quay. As it is situated in a pretty laidback neighbourhood, it’s a great spot to escape to for some wholesome shabu.
Dashi Shabu ala carte with A5 Wagyu ($98++)
Read more about their improved dashi broth or set lunch menu.
Address: 86 Robertson Quay 01-01
Google Maps
Nearest MRT: Fort Canning DT20
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 5pm – 11.30pm (last order 11pm)
Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays: 12pm – 11.30pm (last order 11pm)
Contact: +65 6732 0383/ info@marusaya.sg
3. Dosukoi x Donpachi Sake Bar – Hole-in-the-wall Japanese bar tucked away in Cuppage Plaza
This one’s such a precious spot that I almost wanted to gatekeep it. Dosukoi x Donpachi is the literal definition of “hole in the wall”, with its unapologetically simplistic setup and atmosphere. It’s very easy to forget you’re in Singapore, especially if you’re seated in the inner room.
Umeshu lovers will find themselves at home with seven types of homemade umeshu, each with varying intensity. For a treat of the non-alcoholic variety, go for the kakigori which is made using an old-school ice shaver. Perfect for refreshing yourself amidst the summer heat!
Matcha Kakigori by Fuwa Fuwa ($16)
Address: Cuppage Plaza B1-23/24/25, 5 Koek Road, Singapore 228796
Google Maps
Nearest MRT: Somerset NS23
Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Saturday: 2pm – 12mn
Sunday and Monday: 4pm – 10.30pm
Contact: +65 6733 6847
4. The Bar Kakure – Get a taste of the high life at this sophisticated bar
The Bar Kakure has a special spot on this list as one of the best bars I’ve visited in Singapore. From its intimate interior to luxurious cocktails, The Bar Kakure embodies everything a perfect wining and dining experience should be. The Omakase Dinner that we tried is also a reasonable entry point if you want to experience Japanese fine dining for a fraction of the price of a full omakase.
Full review here.
Address: 29 Scotts Road Singapore 228224
Google Maps
Nearest MRT: Newton DT11/ NS21
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Saturday: 6pm – 10.30pm
Closed on Sunday
5. Soba Kappo Reiwa – Authentic, 100% buckwheat soba
Following a successful start in Singapore’s heartlands, Japanese-run Reiwa Soba has upgraded to a space of its own, named Soba Kappo Reiwa.
Soba Kappo Reiwa is packed with customers, and dinner-time queues can get pretty long. It’s highly recommended that you make a reservation before going down to enjoy its homemade dishes made with care and finesse.
Address: 107 Killiney Road, Singapore 239547
Google Maps
Nearest MRT: Somerset NS23
Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Sunday: 11.30am – 2.30pm and 5.30pm – 10pm
Closed on Monday
6. Paaru Cafe – Not so-hidden Japanese-style cafe by Asaru Studio
Paaru Cafe is that hot new kid on the block that everyone just has to meet. The crowds show no sign of slowing down here, as waiting times have gone up to a whopping two hours on weekends.
That said, Paaru Cafe delivers welcoming vibes and attentive service, just like its sister concept, Asaru Studio. Former regulars of the now-defunct RONIN will be delighted to find its iconic scrambled eggs on toast replicated in Paaru Cafe’s menu, too.
Currently, the menu comprises simple brunch dishes, most of them featuring soft, fluffy shokupan that is made in-house by sister bakery, Paaru Bakery.
Full review here.
Address: 195 Pearl’s Hill Terrace, 01-61, Singapore 168976
Google Maps
Nearest MRT: Chinatown DT19/ NE4
Opening Hours:
Thursday and Friday: 9am – 7pm
Saturday to Sunday: 8am – 6pm
Closed on Monday and Tuesday
7. Paaru Bakery – Savour freshly-baked shokupan and financiers at Paaru’s sister bakery
Around the corner from Paaru Cafe, is Paaru Bakery, an understated bakery that has also garnered as much attention since its opening.
Helmed by Chef Yuki Kaneda, Paaru Bakery churns out shokupan that is snapped by the loaves, as well as decadent shortcakes and other light desserts. If you find yourself contending with the notoriously long queue at Paaru Cafe, Paaru Bakery is a decent alternative where you can sit back with your favourite cakes and baked goods.
Address: 195 Pearl’s Hill Terrace, Singapore 168976
Google Maps
Nearest MRT: Chinatown DT19/ NE4
Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Monday: 9am – 6pm
Closed on Tuesday
8. DAWN Kissa – Rustic and understated cafe by two veteran baristas
Having encountered founder Jane during her time at RONIN, I was truly happy to find out she had started her own cafe in the same neighbourhood.
DAWN Kissa, or DAWN as it’s more commonly known, is an unassuming cafe that serves up the perfect respite for busy office workers in the CBD. It has seen a steady stream of regulars since its opening a little over a year ago, unsurprisingly considering the quality of the bakes and brews by its co-founders, who are themselves experienced baristas.
Step in, and lose yourself to the tranquility and coziness that permeates DAWN.
Address: 78 Southbridge Road, TKH Building, Singapore 058708
Google Maps
Nearest MRT: Chinatown DT19/ NE4, Clarke Quay NE5, Raffles Place EW14/NS26
Opening Hours:
Monday to Saturday: 8am – 5pm
Closed on Sunday
9. Tokyo Soba – Authentic soba shop that serves lesser-known flavours
A known rule of thumb when determining if a food place, especially Japanese, serves genuinely authentic food is to check if its clientele is comprised mainly of Singaporeans or expat families.
Located at Icon Village, Tokyo Soba is supposedly an off-shoot of Japan-based noodle stand, Yomoda Soba. The eatery caters to office dwellers on weekdays, and Japanese families and groups of friends on weekends.
Aside from the classic tempura and kitsune soba, you can find other lesser-known flavours such as tororo (glazed white yam) and even natto. Definitely give it a try if you’re looking for quality soba!
Read more here.
Address: 12 Gopeng Street, Icon Village, 01-12/13/14, Singapore 078877
Google Maps
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar EW15
Opening Hours: 11.30am – 10pm daily
10. Asaru Studio – Experiential retail space embodying the Japanese ideals of omtonoashi
The last one on this list is technically a retail space but, it’s worth a mention for its Japanese tea and coffee experience, named uchi sessions.
Run by a couple of owners whose shared love for all things Japanese brought them together, Asaru Studio was first set up to house numerous bespoke clothing and lifestyle brands, each of them painstakingly curated and hand-sourced.
The Uchi Session ($30) lasts an hour, with two pairings of light refreshments and can be used to offset purchases over $50. The tea and coffee are sourced from Japan, incuding Ippodo Tea in Kyoto, while the sweets are made entirely in-house.
If you find this place familiar, well – that’s because they’re the same team behind Paaru Cafe and Paaru Bakery, which launched last month.
Read my review here.
Address: 195 Pearl’s Hill Terrace 01-07, Singapore 168976
Google Maps
Nearest MRT: Chinatown DT19/ NE4
Opening Hours:
Thursday to Sunday: 12pm – 6pm (last appointment at 5pm)
Closed from Monday to Wednesday
chueonit.
Chue On It 
Hi There, just like to say that Reiwa Soba has since moved out of Chinatown and is now at 107 Killiney Road. 😀
Thank you for the heads-up!