12 Japanese Cafes In Singapore That'll Transport You To Japan

For many of us, a core travel memory is enjoying a cup of matcha with some food at a cafe in Japan. But if heading to Japan isn't on the cards at the moment, we can head to one of the many Japanese cafes in Singapore to luxuriate in the food and drinks we love so much from the country — think matcha, coffee, sandos, parfaits and more. Here, 12 Japanese cafes and teahouses in Singapore to swing by.

1. Koko Cafe & Patisserie

Koko Cafe & Patisserie on Tras Street is helmed by the team behind izakaya Gyutan-Tan, which is located right next door. Here, you’ll find a Japanese-inspired menu featuring artisanal coffee, speciality drinks, and delightful bakes. The 16-seater offers a quaint space in minimalist Japanese fashion — think light wood, sandy and peach hues that invite you to linger.

The only savoury item on the menu (for now) is the signature Curry Doughnut ($5) with a moreish sweet-savoury Japanese curry chicken and a chewy dough. Other flavours include Pistachio and Chocolate Raspberry. Also try the Choux Puffs (from $4) with a crackling top and thick, luscious custard filling. The Matcha option ($5) is satisfying, though matcha lovers may prefer a bolder matcha hit. Its repertoire of cakes includes the Yam Mont Blanc ($7) with a tangy mixed berry centre that balances the rich yam paste, and the Okinawan Rum Chocolate Sand — a decadent treat with thick dark chocolate ganache and hazelnut praline layered between crumbly biscuit crusts, and a boozy kick.

For drinks, there are speciality coffee and beverages, including several matcha creations like the Rose Matcha, delicately perfumed with floral notes.

Koko Cafe & Patisserie is at 43 Tras St, Singapore 078982. Closed on Mondays. Visit its website for more information.

2. Cafe Wabi Sabi

Cafe Wabi Sabi draws inspiration from the Japanese “Wabi Sabi” concept of finding beauty in imperfection, serving a solid range of Japanese-inspired dishes like the Teriyaki Chicken Sando ($16.90) and the Matcha Burnt Cheesecake ($7.90). Other than their matcha ($6.50 for hot, $7.50 for iced), they also offer a variety of coffee options for the coffee lovers. If you are looking for a place to laze away an afternoon, this is it for you.

Cafe Wabi Sabi is at 283 Joo Chiat Rd, #01-00, as well as at 3 Everton Park, #17-09. Visit its Instagram for more information.

3. Paaru Cafe

A dimly lit space with a subtle intimacy, Paaru Cafe’s speciality is its ability to transport guests straight into Japan. The ambience of the cafe is distinctly Japanese, and feels like a Kyoto hideout with its overhanging paper lanterns and darkwood furniture. Paaru has Japanese cafe offerings: Matcha or Houjicha Lattes ($7.50 for hot, $8.50 for iced), and an Udon Carbonara ($14 to $16 depending on toppings). For those longing to experience Japan, this cafe is the ideal spot!

Paaru Cafe is at 195 Pearl's Hill Terrace, #01-61, Singapore 168976. Visit its website for more information.

4. Hvala

We can't talk about Japanese-style teahouses without giving Hvala a mention. The brand aims to create a cosy space for people to gather, spark conversation and exchange ideas while drinking a cup or two of their tea offerings. If pure Matcha (starting from $5.50 per cup) is too potent for you, consider the Tea Latte (from $5.90), Ice Blend (from $8) and Cold Brew (from $7) instead. Hvala also offers tea from other parts of the world as well as a slew of tea-infused desserts to complete the experience.

Hvala has multiple locations in Singapore. Visit its website for more information.

5. Cafe&Meal Muji

A purveyor of chic, minimalist stationery, household products and food items, Muji needs little introduction. Cafe&Meal Muji continues the brand's simple, down-to-earth approach with its food and drinks made with seasonal ingredients sourced from Japan. The menu ranges from mains such as Braised Grain Fed Beef Oyster Blade with Red Wine ($5.50) and Prawn Couscous Salad with Yuzu-sesame Dressing ($3.50) to desserts and drinks such as Hokkaido Burnt Cheesecake ($8.90) and Hot Matcha Latte ($6.50). The Deli set (starting from $14.80) that comes with at least one hot deli and cold deli item is another healthy, well-balanced option.

Cafe&Meal Muji has multiple locations in Singapore. Visit its website for more information.

6. Hello Arigato

Founded by three men in their 30s, Hello Arigato has become known for its Japanese-inspired food and drinks. Their signature item is the sando, or sandwich, which comes in iterations such as Wagyu Hamburg Gyu Sando ($28), Tamago Sando ($14), Spam & Egg Sando ($18) and Yakiniku Gyu Sando ($20). If you aren't up for bread, there are various starters, pasta and donburi (rice bowls) choices available too. For drinks, Sencha Yuzu Cold Brew Tea ($6.50) and Lavender Hojicha Lemonade Cold Brew Tea ($6.50) are popular options.

Hello Arigato has multiple locations in Singapore. Visit its website for more information.

7. Joya Onsen Cafe

If you're in dire need of full-body pampering and food just doesn't cut it anymore, head over to Joya Onsen's Tatami Cafe. There, whisk yourself to Japan as you dip into either its private or public onsens and soak for as long as you want while your stress melts away. Once properly relaxed, head over to the cafe to tuck into donburi, ramen or udon cooked in various ways. Think Black Truffle Beef Steak Don, chirashi bowls, and Curry Udon. There are desserts too. Those who want more privacy or couples looking to unwind and reconnect can consider getting private onsen rooms (starting from $96).

Joya Onsen Cafe is at 511 Upper Jurong Rd, #01-06, Singapore 638366. Visit its website for more information.

8. Kyo Kohee

For those working in the CBD, Kyo Kohee is a place for respite while tucking into speciality matcha and coffee. They focus on providing quality coffee and tea, which includes anything from espresso ($4.50) and the signature Kyo Coffee made with caramel and milk ($7.90) to various types of matcha and single cultivar matcha made with or without milk (from $5.90). Those particularly sensitive to caffeine can consider options such as chamomile ($5.90), mint ($5.90), chocolate ($7.90) or the Kuro Goma Latte, black sesame latte ($7.90).

Kyō Kohee is at 144 Robinson Rd, #01-01, Singapore 068908 and 8 Marina View, #01-K1 Asia Square Tower 1, Singapore 018960. Visit its website for more information.

9. Pipes by Hattendo

Within walking distance from Outram Park MRT, Pipes by Hattendo specialises in Japanese fusion sando made with nama syokupan, cream buns and speciality coffee. It also has outlets at Great World and Momentus Hotel Alexandra.

The brand first began in Japan and has locations in Hong Kong and Canada. Sandwich flavours include Iberico Katsusando ($22), Nitamago Potato Salad Sando ($14) and Hokkaido Wagyu Burger ($19) while the cream buns ($3.80) contain fillings such as custard, whipped cream, matcha and chocolate. Complete the meal with a coffee from its extensive list of selections.

Pipes by Hattendo is at 331 New Bridge Rd, #01-02 Dorsett Residences, Singapore 088764. Visit its website for more information.

10. Daizu Cafe

Daizu Cafe offers Japanese-Western fusion food set in a minimalist setting. A popular item on the menu is the Chirashi Don (from $18), which comes in various combinations of protein toppings. For an impressive, 'gram-worthy dessert, get the Fuji Kori Amann ($12), a kouign amann with vanilla ice cream, matcha powder and crushed pistachio. Daizu's outdoor seats are also pet-friendly.

Daizu Cafe is at 129 Rangoon Road, Singapore 218407. Visit its website for more information.

11. Japan Rail Cafe

An experience one shouldn't miss in Japan is to take a ride onboard the Japanese rail system including the famous Shinkansen bullet train. Japan Rail Cafe, which is operated by East Japan Railway Company, wants to celebrate that culture through its concept and food. The menu seemingly changes from time to time, with some of the latest items including Hotate Pasta with Uni Cream ($22++), Crab Cream Croquette and Curry Rice.

Japan Rail Cafe is at 5 Wallich St, #01-20 Guoco Tower, Singapore 078883. Visit its website or Instagram for more information.

12. Suzuki Cafe and Roastery

Need a new coffee spot in Singapore worth travelling for? Check out Suzuki Cafe and Roastery. The brand has over four decades of history in Japan and has been in Singapore for over thirty as a roastery. It later created a cafe right next to the roastery to meet consumer demand. Coffee is a must-try here clearly, with traditional options ranging from Black ($6 for hot, $7 for cold) to Flat White ($8 for hot, $9 for cold) as well as various types of filter coffee and blends to pick from. There is also a selection of pastries and baked goods.

Suzuki Cafe and Roastery is at 8 Chin Bee Ave, Singapore 619932. Visit its Instagram for more information.

This article was originally published on Mar 31, 2024, and updated on April 13, 2025.