10 local Japanese cafes that'll take your taste buds back to Tokyo

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.

Ingen Kyoto is the latest brainchild of Hvala. But unlike it, Ingen Kyoto, located in Ion Orchard, offers a Zen teahouse setting that includes shoji windows, wooden sliding doors made with washi paper and a tatami room. You will be spoilt for choice here, too, as there are close to 200 types of teas and tea drinks (starting from $12.80) available from across Japan, each brewed in accordance to what will maximise its profile and taste. If you would like to bring your own leaves, there’s a “corkage fee” of $12.80. You can also pay extra for bottled spring water from Teisetsuzan ($2) or Aqua Panna ($6), for example. Like Hvala, Ingen Kyoto also has a list of desserts that change seasonally.
Ingen Kyoto is at 2 Orchard Turn, B3-15/16 Ion Orchard, Singapore 238801. Visit its Instagram for more information

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

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 ($16) and Yakiniku Gyu Sando ($20). If you aren’t feeling up to having 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

If you’re in dire need of full-body pampering and food just doesn’t cut it anymore, head over to Joya Onsen Cafe. There, whisk yourself to Japan as you dip into either their private or public onsens and soak for as long as you want while your stress melts away. Once you’re properly relaxed, head over to the cafe to tuck into one of their meal sets ($18). Choose between donburi, ramen or udon cooked in a variety of ways then pick side dishes and drinks to complete the meal. There are desserts too. Those who want more privacy or couples looking to unwind and reconnect can consider getting private onsen rooms (starting from $88).
Joya Onsen Cafe is at 511 Upper Jurong Rd, #01-06, Singapore 638366. Visit its website for more information

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) and the signature Kyo Coffee made with caramel and milk ($5.90) 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 ($4), mint ($4), chocolate ($5.90) or the Kuro Goma Latte, black sesame latte ($6.90).
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

Walking distance from Outram Park MRT, Pipes by Hattendo specialises in Japanese fusion sando made with nama syokupan, cream buns and speciality coffee. The brand first began in Japan and has locations in Hong Kong and Canada too. Sandwich flavours include Iberico Katsusando ($22), Nitamago Potato Salad Sando ($14) and Hokkaido Wagyu Sando ($20) 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

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), or 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

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 a new dinner menu launching in January that includes the Oden Plate ($14), Hokkaido Hotate Uni Cream ($18.50), Shrimp Ajillo ($13.80), and more.
Japan Rail Cafe is at 5 Wallich St, #01-20 Guoco Tower, Singapore 078883. Visit its Instagam for more information

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 Long 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 in Singapore Women's Weekly