Foodography: A Singapore Food Blog

Aug 15 2026

8 Cafes to Visit in Barcelona, Spain

1. Flying Monkey x Oz Bakery – For a Mediterranean-inspired Breakfast and Homemade Pastries

On my first day in Barcelona, right after landing and storing my luggage in the morning, I hopped over by train to Flying Monkey for breakfast/brunch. Established in 2022 by the group behind Barcelona’s acclaimed La Balabusta, this popular brunch spot serves Mediterranean inspired food, specialty coffee, and house-made pastries (by their own Oz Bakery) in the day, and natural wines in the evening.

The space was warm and inviting when I stepped in, filled with sunlight. What stood out to me was that the open kitchen was literally surrounding the indoor dining space, so you could not only watch the barista and chef/servers in action but also interact with them easily.

My first cup of Cappuccino (EUR3.2, +0.3 for oat milk) in Spain was to my liking – light-roasted, smooth and well-balanced. Just what I had needed to fight the jetlag.

Unfortunately, their Matcha Latte (EUR4.5, +0.5 for oat milk) was below expectation, as I spotted them using matcha syrup, which could not achieve the same taste and quality of using matcha powder whisked on the spot.

From the All Day Kitchen Menu, I had the Scrambled eggs, Challah Bread and Aioli (EUR13.5), adding on avocado for an extra sum. The combination of the fluffy scrambled eggs, soft and fluffy bread, creamy avocado and savoury aioli made a simple yet mean sandwich which I gobbled down in minutes.

When I revisited the café on another day, I tried their Sourdough Toast with Labneh and Marinated Salmon (EUR13), which once again proved to me that their homemade bread dishes were superior.

In the basement was their very own Oz Bakery where pastries are made and displayed on the shelves by a window in the café. I went ahead with my server’s recommendation of the Tahini Cookie (EUR4.5), which was rich with sesame flavour from both tahini and sesame seeds.

Carrer d’Amigó, 37, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, 08021 Barcelona, Spain

Mon 8.30am – 9.30pm

Tue to Fri 8.30am – 11pm

Sat 9am – 11pm

Sun 9am – 4.30pm

2. Raw Studio – For a Scandinavian-inspired Breakfast with a Raw, Minimalist Interior

Just a few minutes on foot from Flying Monkey is Raw Studio, one of the cafes which I’ve most anticipated to visit. The founder used to spend several years in Copenhagen and was inspired to create this space which would blend quality coffee, wholesome food and intentional design, with Scandinavian influences.

With just a few individual tables and a communal table, the minimalist space was constantly packed with patrons throughout the day, though the waiting time was not long as they came and left at a moderate pace. The space was crammed, so I could fully hear conversations from neighbouring tables with little space in between them. Though not in an uncomfortable manner.

I was excited to see that coffee here was supplied from La Cabra, one of my favourite coffee roasteries in the world. My Cappuccino (EUR3, +EUR0.2 for oat milk) was from their Yacuri, a single-origin coffee with delicate flavour profiles like white tea, stone fruit and jasmine.

I’ve had both the Homemade Granola (EUR9) and Overnight Oats with Chia Seeds (EUR11) – both came with seasonal compote (mango, at my point of visit) and Greek yogurt, and were healthy and satisfying. If I had to pick one, I would choose the granola.

For the savoury option, I chose the Soft Parmesan Eggs (EUR12) which came with sourdough, parmesan cheese and whipped butter. The eggs were simple and good while the sourdough and whipped butter were the highlights for me.

Carrer de l’Avenir, 66, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, 08021 Barcelona, Spain

Mon to Fri 8am – 3pm

Sat to Sun 9am – 2pm

3. Pècora – For a Quick Coffee and Bite-sized Pastries in a Whimsy Setting

Pecora, meaning sheep in Spanish, was a petite café I visited in the creative Poublenou district. Rather than a conventional coffee shop, Pècora grew organically from the success of Mas Meriendas, an artisan bakery founded by a pastry chef.

From the terrazzo floor to the retro plastic chairs to the small menagerie of toy animals by a glass mirror-topped table by the front of the café, the interior had a touch of whimsy. As there were no proper tables – just chairs and stools, the café served more takeaway customers rather than a dine-in destination.

From the selection of homemade pastries at the counter from Mas Meriendas which many gluten free and vegan options, I had the Carrot Cake, but found it to be too dry for my liking. Other items available were cookies, brownies, blondies, and sliced loaf cakes.

Coffee here was supplied by Three Marks Coffee, a café and roaster which I reviewed below.

Carrer de Pujades, 113, Sant Martí, 08005 Barcelona, Spain

Mon to Fri 8.30am – 3.30pm

Sat to Sun 10am – 5pm

4. Sin amor no – For a Healthy and Wholesome Greek-inspired Breakfast

After my light breakfast at Pecora, I walked past Sin Amor No – a morning bar that brings together speciality coffee, freshly baked pastries and Greek-inspired breakfast fare.

The interior was small but the combination of white surfaces, exposed brick walls and warm details gave the cafe a casual, welcoming quality, while its location in Poblenou added to the creative, design-conscious character of the café.

There was a scrumptious display of large-sized sweet and savoury bakes by the counter, ranging from Burrata Sandwich to their Canela Twist (which I tried a sample of and was really good).

Since I was café-hopping through the morning, I had limited stomach space so I skipped all the goodies on display and went for the Seasonal Granola Bowl (EUR8) on the menu. It was simple, natural tasting and wholesome, made with fermented chai granola, Greek yogurt and seasonal compote. There was a good balance of tart and sweetness while not being cloying at all.

I paired the granola bowl with the Matcha Latte (EUR 3.9, +0.2 for oat milk), which was apparently made with Japanese ceremonial grade matcha imported by ReqMatcha. However it did not reflect the quality of Japanese ceremonial grade matcha which I was expecting.

Carrer de Pujades, 127, Sant Martí, 08005 Barcelona, Spain

Mon to Fri 8am – 3pm

Sat to Sun 9.30am – 2pm

5. Three Marks Coffee – For the Best Specialty Coffee in Barcelona

If you’re a serious coffee lover visiting Barcelona, Three Marks Coffee is often regarded as one of the city’s standout specialty coffee destinations, operating as both café and roastery. I came by on a weekday morning and the café was visibly packed – with takeaway customers, patrons reading, working, catching up with friends. I patiently waited for the window seat.

Inside, the café extended across two floors, with large windows and the high ceiling creating a wonderfully airy and bright atmosphere. The design combined grey industrial elements with a clean, minimalist aesthetic.

Depending on the day, you could choose between different single-origin coffees and espresso options, with beans showcasing very different flavour profiles. The café offered coffees from origins including Honduras, Rwanda, Colombia, Ethiopia and Brazil, among others.

There was also an impressive selection of brewing methods. Alongside espresso-based drinks, Three Marks is known for its filter coffee, batch brew and pour-over preparations.

I had their Cappuccino (EUR3.5), which turned out to be my favorite cup of coffee from the stay in Spain. The barista was also friendly and made effort to interact with me, despite the constant flow of customers.

To complement the coffee, there was a small display of pastries, from which I chose the Cardamom Bun – unlike the ones I’ve had in Scandinavia, this one was felt too doughy and saccharine.

Carrer d’Ausiàs Marc, 151, Eixample, 08013 Barcelona, Spain

8am – 7pm daily

6. Wanna Place – For a Scandinavian-inspired Breakfast With an Interior Suitable for Working

Tucked in the quieter Sarrià-Sant Gervasi neighbourhood, WANNA place is a relatively new addition to Barcelona’s ever-growing specialty coffee and breakfast scene. The café has a Scandinavian-inspired concept, with its food drawing particularly from Danish breakfast traditions and pastries.Tucked in the quieter Sarrià-Sant Gervasi neighbourhood, WANNA place is a relatively new addition to Barcelona’s ever-growing specialty coffee and breakfast scene. The café has a Scandinavian-inspired concept, with its food drawing particularly from Danish breakfast traditions and pastries.

When I arrived at brunch time, the café was already half-filled with the work-from-café gang, and became fully packed shortly after. Thankfully, unlike Raw Studio, the café interior was spacious and uncluttered, so there was ample space between tables.

As a basic brunch girl, I had the Avocado Toast (EUR11) with came with mashed avocado, chives, lemon, salt and pepper topped on sourdough bread, and added scrambled eggs (+EUR3). It was unassumingly delicious, with every element standing out.

Along with the avocado toast, I also had the Cappuccino (EUR3) which was alright, not necessarily note-worthy.

Carrer de Sant Hermenegild, 2, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, 08006 Barcelona, Spain

Mon to Fri 8am – 3pm

Sat to Sun 9am – 2pm

7. Mooii Matcha – For a Legit Cup of Matcha Latte Beside La Sagrada Familia

Steps away from the Sagrada Familia was Mooii Matcha, where I stopped by for a mid-afternoon drink after admiring the Sagrada Familia from different angles and viewpoints. Founded and helmed by a Chinese couple, the café had a minimalist décor, with a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere despite being close to a major tourist attraction.

The couple brought in ceremonial grade matcha from China, of which there were 3 different tiers (Fresh, Deep +EUR0.5, Pure +EUR1) I could choose from for my matcha latte.

I went with the highest tier for my Hot Matcha Latte (EUR4.5, EUR6.7) with oat milk. Out of all the matcha lattes I had in Barcelona, this was the best, with pronounced earthy and mild bitter notes of matcha.

Most desserts were already sold out when I went, so I settled for the Matcha Mochi (EUR3.8, SGD5.6). Unfortunately, I felt that the matcha cream within was too mild, and the mochi skin too thick for my liking.

For the more adventurous, you can also try their special creations – Matcha with blueberry, strawberry, mango, yuzu or white mocha.

Carrer de Sardenya, 342, Eixample, 08025 Barcelona, Spain

10am – 8pm daily

8. Funky Deli & Eatery – For Yet Another Mediterranean-Inspired Breakfast and Homemade Pastries

Part of the Funky family of venues, alongside Funky Bakers and Funky Deli, Funky Eatery is a contemporary neighbourhood bistro which combines Mediterranean and Turkish influences with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Before catching my flight out of Barcelona, I went early in the morning right when they opened. The restaurant was modernly styled, with a mish-mash of colours and furniture such as steel-top tables, marble tables and wooden chairs and benches. Direct sunlight streamed through the large glass windows.

Coffee here was from Nomad Coffee, a well-established roastery from the city. They had a special blend I had the Cappuccino (EUR3, +0.3 for oat/ SGD4.4, +0.4 for oat), which was light and smooth.

Amongst the 2 items I picked (one from the savoury menu and one from the sweet menu), my favourite was the savoury Green Frittata (EUR13.9, SGD20.5). The eggs were prepared with greens, baby spinach, mint, dill, parsley, basil and Ezine cheese – wholesome and delicious as you can tell from the shade of green.

I ended with the Atlas Favourite Fluffy pancakes (EUR11.9, SGD17.6), featuring buttermilk pancakes with whipped butter, maple syrup and caramelised seasonal fruits. Though the pancakes were decent, there was also nothing notable or memorable about them.

You might also like to try their daily homemade pastries displayed on the trolley by the entrance, and check out the next-door deli which offers a range of artisanal goods imported from around Europe.

Carrer de la Diputació, 347, Eixample, 08009 Barcelona, Spain

8am – 7.30pm daily

Jul 26 2026

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Cafe, Food, Johor Bahru

Brewsmith Coffee Roasters – Best Coffee in JB?

Established in 2017 as a boutique coffee roaster and retailer based in Johor, Malaysia, Brewsmith is a subsidiary of The Brew Orchestra and is led by a Malaysian coffee champion. The company’s mission is to source quality beans, roast them in small batches, and highlight sweetness and clarity in every cup. Beyond operating a café, Brewsmith also provides coffee equipment, training, consulting, workshops, and mobile coffee catering services.

The café was situated near Mid Valley Southkey mall, making it a convenient coffee stop if you are planning to walk/shop at the mall. There was no signage in front of the understated unit.

The uncluttered interior followed a minimalist aesthetic, dominated by white walls, neutral tones, natural wood furniture, and clean architectural lines. One of the striking features was the large tree-branch installation that served as a sculptural centrepiece, creating a calm and artistic atmosphere.

Brewsmith’s core offering was freshly roasted specialty coffee beans sourced from renowned coffee-growing regions such as Ethiopia, Brazil and Colombia.

Their coffee-only drinks menu was simple, with a selection of beans for Black (RM15-20 depending on the beans chosen) coffee, White (RM15-20, +2 for oat milk) coffee and Filter (RM25-65).

I asked the barista for a recommendation based on my coffee preference and he suggested the Ethiopia Sidama Huro, which had tasting notes of tropical fruits, raspberry, lilac, orange. Indeed, the coffee was bright and smooth, well-balanced to my liking.

To pair with my coffee, I picked the Cheesecake (RM20), one out of the 3 desserts on the food menu – the other desserts available were the Tiramisu (RM28) and Chocolate Tart (RM25). The basque cheesecake was rich and creamy without being too gelak.

As a coffee enthusiast, I had a rewarding experience at the café with the quality coffee and tranquil environment.

C-1-12 Block C. The Lakefront, Persiaran Southkey 1, Kota Southkey, 80150 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia

Tue to Thu 9am – 5pm

Fri to Sun 10am – 6pm

Jul 19 2026

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Cafe, Johor Bahru

Weirdough Artisan Bread and Specialty Coffee, Johor – Quality Coffee and Bakes in an Underrated Bakery-Café in JB

Recently, I explored Iskandar Puteri in Johor for the first time, entering through the Tuas Second Link. I took the opportunity to finally tick off Weirdough, a bakery-café that has been on my list of JB cafes since its soft launch last December.

Directions: From Exit B of Jurong East MRT station, walk to Jurong Town Hall Bus Interchange, board CW3 or CW4 at Berth B5 to Tuas Checkpoint. After clearing both Singapore and Malaysia customs, board CW7L to the bus stop opposite Sunway GRID and cross the road to the café.

Stepping into the cafe, we were greeted by a bright, airy interior. The space was clean, spacious, and filled with natural light, creating a calm and inviting atmosphere perfect for enjoying a leisurely breakfast or afternoon coffee. The minimalist aesthetic placed the focus squarely on the bakery’s open display of handcrafted breads and pastries near the entrance.

We thoughtfully selected 4 pastries to share. My favourite was the Strawberry & Blackberry Danish (RM14.9), with flaky and buttery layers of pastries topped with a subtly sweet vanilla cream which complemented the tart and juicy strawberries and blackberries.

For a savoury option, the Rosemary Potato Danish (RM12.9) was noteworthy, with the fragrances of rosemary, potato and butter hitting at once.

The Vanilla Rum Canele (RM9.9) was above expectation, with a crisp outer shell and a soft core with a good balance of chewiness and fluffiness.

Also worth a try was the Almond Croissant (RM14), which was light and nutty without being overly heavy on the palate.

Apart from its artisanal bakes, the café also had a specialty coffee program serving both espresso and filter coffees. Amongst the White (RM15), Black (RM14) and Filter Coffee with seasonal beans (RM20), the filter stood out the most.

The combination of quality bakes and specialty coffee in a welcoming atmosphere left me such a good impression – I believe this is one of the most underrated bakery-café I’ve uncovered in Johor thus far.

G-12, Hab Grid Grid Sunway, Jalan Medini Selatan 3, Bandar Sunway, 79250 Iskandar Puteri, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia

Fri to Tue 9.01am – 4.59pm (Closed Wed to Thu)

Jun 28 2026

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Cafe, Johor Bahru, Malaysia - Johor Bahru

Dona Bakery at Tiara Sport World – New outlet of Dona Bakehouse in JB

Founded in 2023 by the sisters behind Poke Twins, Doña Bakehouse is a home-grown Johor Bahru bakery that has quickly built a reputation for its artisan pastries and French-inspired bakes. I have visited their flagship bakehouse at 14 Jalan Tan Hiok Nee (beside the famous Hiap Joo Bakery) twice, and recently visited their newest outlet at Tiara Sport World.

Previously, the space was solely occupied by Poke Twins, and after the recent renovation, it has been rebranded as Dona Bakery x Poke Twins. Upon entering, I was greeted by a long, open display of pastries and their freshly baked aroma. Gone were the dark and moody furnishings of Poke Twins, renewed by the identity and aesthetics of Dona Bakery. The new design embraced a minimalist Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic, with white brick walls and light wood finishes to create a bright and airy atmosphere.

From the All Day Breakfast menu, I had the Eggs Benedict (RM30, SGD9.5), which came with 2 poached eggs, classic hollandaise sauce, baby spinach and mashed avocados on sourdough toast. I also added smoked salmon for RM4 (SGD1.3). Overall, the dish was substantial in terms of quality and portion for its price.

Both the Latte (RM10, SGD3.2 with a main ordered vs. a la carte price of RM14) and Matcha Latte (RM15, SGD4.7, +RM2 for oat milk) were decent, the matcha tasting better than the other time at the flagship where I had the matcha strawberry latte.

The highlight of Dona Bakery is their pastries, a must order if you’re visiting. This time, I carefully picked the Hazelnut Chocolate Pain Suisse (RM15.9, SGD5) and Strawberry Danish (RM13.9, SGD4.4). If I had to rank the various pastries from Dona, my favourite would be the Strawberry Danish, which had buttery, flaky layers of laminated pastry, a silky vanilla custard with a subtle sweetness and fresh, tart strawberry pieces.

Due to the lack of stomach space, there were sadly many items which I did not get to try – especially their Signature Bowls and Signature Nori Tacos from Poketwins, and Artisanal Cakes from Dona Patisserie. This calls for another visit.

Tiara Sport World, Jalan Pasir Pelangi, Pasir Pelangi, 80500 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia

8.30am – 9pm daily

Jun 20 2026

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Cafe, Food, Johor Bahru

FewLab Coffee – Minimalist Café in JB Housed in a Bungalow

FewLab Coffee is a Muslim-owned establishment, first opened in 2023 as a nondescript café serving both food and coffee. Just last year, they relocated to Kampung Bahru in JB with a new direction and aesthetic. Tucked away in a quieter corner of Johor Bahru (still relatively accessible with just a 15min Grab ride from JB Sentral), the café is housed in a 2-storey ex-residential home with a wide front yard for alfresco dining.

Through the bungalow’s main gate then the house’s door, I entered the café to find myself in a minimally designed space which felt like an interior designer’s living room. All the elements weaved together seamlessly: the orange corner couch, wooden bookshelf, arching lamp, old school floor tiles. The vibe was retro with a touch of modern.

There was a relaxed, almost jazzy ambience, and the overall atmosphere leans towards calm and relaxing.

The food menu offers All Day Breakfast (big breakfast, pancakes, waffles), Asian dishes (wok fried rice, smoky lemak chili padi with white rice), a Main dish (cajun roast chicken), Toasts, Snacks, Pastas and Desserts. Unfortunately, most of the items were not available when I visited, so I made do with the limited choices.

I had the Grilled Chicken Aglio Olio (RM14, SGD4.5) which was pleasantly garlicky with both chicken and spaghetti not overly salted or oily. The dish was not fancy like one you can find in an Italian restaurant, it was more like a comfort homecooked pasta.

The drinks menu has a range of coffees such as espresso, filter, signature coffee drinks, and non-coffee drinks such as soda and matcha. Some of the aesthetic drinks you might want to try are their Matcha Strawberry (RM14) with salty strawberry cream and Matcha Earl Grey (RM15, SGD4.8) with earl grey and salty white cream.

As for me, I stuck with my usuals, i.e. the Hot White (RM11, SGD3.5) and Hot Matcha Latte (RM12, SGD3.8).

The White I had were brewed by Louvre Brewer in JB, using beans from Yunnan’s Lan Chang Tian Hao. It had a flavour profile of raisin, winey chocolate, and orange peel. Meanwhile, the matcha was whisked with Midori matcha powder. Both drinks were alright, though they had a slightly heavier mouthfeel than my preference.

Thanks to the simple yet unpretentious fare and cosy atmosphere, I felt like I was comfortably lounging in a friend’s living room and dining room, idling the afternoon away.

15a, Jalan Mariamah 9, Kampung Bahru, 80100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia

Mon – Thu 12pm to 8pm

Fri – Sun 4pm – 12am

Jun 14 2026

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Cafe, Food, singapore

Visitors Café – New Korean-inspired Café in Tanjong Pagar

Nestled along the bustling Korean enclave of Tanjong Pagar is Visitors, a fresh new Korean-inspired cafe that brings the charm of Se oul’s buzzing coffee culture to Singapore. Located within Tanjong Pagar Plaza, Visitors is the latest concept by Gold Moon Restaurant Group, the team behind popular Korean dining establishments such as Noci Pasta Bar, Noci Bakehouse, Tonshou and Seoul Noodle Shop.

The café interior reminded me of minimalist cafes in one of Seoul’s trendy neighbourhoods such as Yeonnam-dong or Seongsu-dong. It embraced a neutral colour palette, featuring warm wood furnishings, high ceilings and abundant natural lighting, creating an airy and calming environment.

There were both outdoor and indoor seating areas, the former being pet-friendly.

Visitors served an all-day menu that blended Korean café influences with familiar brunch favourites.

From the drinks menu, my favourite one out of those I’ve tried was the Visitors Cream Latte ($8), which was their signature black sesame dirty latte with house-made black sesame cream and espresso. It stroke a good balance between the espresso’s bitterness and black sesame’s nuttiness, with the black sesame flavour being pronounced (but not overly sweet).

I also had their Latte ($6) but found the coffee on its own slightly too bitter for my liking.

Meanwhile, the non-caffeinated Ube Latte ($7), a blend of premium purple yam and milk, delivered subtly sweet and earthy flavour, and the Matcha Cloud ($8), featuring coconut water base topped with a creamy matcha foam, was light and refreshing.

On the food menu, one of the more popular items was the Croissant Butter Selection ($15), where their croissant is split into 2 and you choose any 2 sweet or savoury topping for each half of the croissant. My friend chose strawberry cream cheese and apple & brie (+$1). The croissant on its own was flaky and buttery, and paired well with our toppings.

For Danish breakfast lovers, the Bread & Butter Plate ($17) would be worth a try – this comprised slices of sourdough, soft-boiled egg, seasonal fruit jam, comte cheese and maldon salt.

For something more substantial, the Basil Garlic Chicken Sandwich ($18) made a satisfying meal. Packed with marinated chicken breast, basil garlic mayonnaise, arugula, sun-dried tomatoes between 2 slices of sourdough, the sandwich was well-balanced and not too heavy or dry.

On the dessert menu were 2 flavours of Basque Cheesecake and I tried both. Between the Black Sesame Basque Cheesecake ($11) and Mugwort Basque Cheesecake ($11), my preference was the Black Sesame version, which was rich, creamy and nutty. There was a subtly sweet and creamy black layer of sesame cream topped over it which enhanced the overall black sesame flavour.

Though the mugwort version had very subtle earthy notes complemented with the injeolmi crumble topping, as a fan of mugwort, I felt that the mugwort flavour could be a lot more pronounced, with more crumble to go along.

Overall, Visitors was a welcome addition to Tanjong Pagar, likely to continue drawing in the crowd in the months ahead. While the café can quickly become crowded right from the early morning, its inviting ambience and unpretentious brunch fare made it worth a visit.

7 Tanjong Pagar Plaza, #01-106, Singapore 081007

8am – 10pm daily

Jun 07 2026

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Bangkok, Cafe, Food

Reviewing my Top 2 Matcha Lattes in Bangkok – MTCH and MATCHA PEOPLE

Combining my past visits and most recent visit to Bangkok where the matcha craze is at its peak, I’ve ranked my top 2 favourite matcha lattes, from MTCH and Matcha People.

MTCH – Sathorn

Having visited their Ari branch 2 years ago with great memories of their matcha latte and dessert, I was traveled to their new outlet at Sathorn with high hopes and expectations. It is located on the ground floor of The Step Sathon Hotel, along a narrow passageway.

The exterior immediately caught my eye with its clean architectural lines and large glass panels which allowed natural light to flood the space. Stepping inside, the design remained true to MTCH’s signature minimalist identity. The space was designed with concrete, steel, light wood, reflecting soft muted and neutral tones, where the centrepiece was undoubtedly the sleek matcha bar.

I ordered both the Matcha Latte and Hojicha Latte from the menu. For matcha, I chose the Haru (THB170, SGD6.7 +THB10 for oat milk), which had a vibrant green hue. The flavour was as good as I remembered it to be – smooth and umami, and well-balanced. It shocked me that 75% sweetness was the standard, as I went with 0% sweetness which was my usual way of drinking matcha latte and thought it was perfectly fine. (I would not be able to accept anything sweeter).

For the Cold Whisk Hojicha Latte (THB130, SGD5.1 +THB10 for oat milk), there were 3 options – light, medium and dark roast powder and I went with Uji Todo which was the light roast. It had notes of vanilla, caramel, roasted herbs, just as good as the matcha in terms of the smoothness, umami and well-balanced flavour profile.

Unlike the Ari and Sukhumvit outlets, this Sathorn outlet did not have the full range of matcha desserts, which I wish they offered. Only the Monaka Set (THB90, SGD3.5) was on the menu so I went with it. The sweet red bean and white bean complemented the umami matcha and hojicha lattes.

Note that while there were benches both in and outside the store, there were no proper dine-in tables and chairs, so you might want to consider visiting the Ari or Sukhumvit branches if you prefer to dine-in comfortably.

87 S Sathon Rd, Yan Nawa, Sathon, Bangkok 10120, Thailand

Nearest BTS: Surasak Station Exit 2

8am – 5.30pm Mon to Sat

MATCHA PEOPLE – Ari

Located in the ever-trendy Ari neighbourhood, Matcha People was the passion project of Thai actress Ploy Horwang in collaboration with the team behind popular donut brand Drop by Dough.

The café exterior stood out from its neighbours, with instagrammers frequently posing for photos by the outdoor bench. Inside, sunlight filled the space in the late afternoon, highlighting the warm wood elements, natural stone textures, and stainless-steel accents of the space. At the heart of the café was a large communal round table where I sat.

I had their signature Matcha People Latte (THB220, SGD8.6) – promoted as a drink for matcha lovers seeking something different. The matcha latte was brewed with cashew milk, offering a smooth, nutty tone, then topped with butterfly pea flower foam for added smoothness and to enhance the matcha flavour. The pairing of matcha with cashew milk was a first for me, and I loved how it made the latte more refreshing, with enhanced nuttiness.

I was so impressed with the drink that I decided to get another one – their Coconut Crispy Rolls Matcha (THB220, SGD8.6), which was pure matcha with coconut water, topped with fragrant and creamy black sesame cream and bits of coconut crispy rolls. This drink was heavier than the Matcha People Latte, but still great. The black sesame cream and coconut crisps were subtle and did not clash with the matcha coconut.

One of their recommended desserts was the Matcha & Genmai Burnt Cheesecake (THB220, SGD8.6). I especially loved the use of genmai to provide roasted rice notes and added texture, pairing well with the earthy creaminess of the cheesecake.

Fancy matcha drinks and desserts could be done well indeed.

46/1 Phahon Yothin 7, Phaya Thai, Bangkok 10400, Thailand

Nearest BTS: Ari Station Exit 3

8am – 5pm daily

May 17 2026

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Cafe, Food

Mozmoji – New Aesthetic Café and Ceramic Shop in Chinatown

One of the hottest new café openings in April is Mozmoji, which also serves as a ceramic shop and gallery. Tucked on the second floor of a shophouse in Chinatown with a discreet entrance, the café felt like one of those hidden cafes you stumble upon by chance and immediately want to gatekeep.

Inside, the bustling, touristy atmosphere of Chinatown shifted completely to a peaceful ambiance. At the end of the shophouse facing the main road is the gallery and shop with wooden shelves displaying beautiful, handcrafted ceramics. There were also a few dine-in tables there, where I sat by the window with soft, natural light flowing in through the white curtains. The other end was the main café and dine-in area – with the coffee counter, kitchen and bar seats by the counter.

A unique aspect of the café was that diners get to pick their own ceramic cup for their drinks, and their own plates for their desserts. After scanning the QR code at my table to place my order, the employee at the reception came over and led me to a display of cups and plates from which I chose my desired ceramic pieces.

The menu was kept simple, with a selection of espresso-based drinks, signature drinks, hand brewed coffees and cakes.

I had the Latte ($7.8, +$1 for oat milk) which was made with medium-dark roasted beans from oma coffee roasters – the coffee was smooth and well-balanced.

I also had their signature Matcha Latte ($9.8, +$1 for oat milk) made with Marukyu Koyamaen’s Isuzu matcha powder, which had a smooth and mild flavour profile.

Beyond coffee and matcha, the other signature drinks on the menu were their Viennas, available in variations such as Pistachio ($12.8), Black Sesame ($12.8), and Matcha ($11.8). These were topped with freshly whipped cream.

From the dessert menu, the Cotton Cheesecake ($12.8) which I really wanted to try was unfortunately not available when I went, so I had the Matcha Strawberry Cake ($15.8) and Black Tea Basque Cheesecake ($14.8) instead.

The former, like the matcha drinks, was a cheesecake infused with Marukyu Koyamaen matcha powder. Though I wished the matcha flavour could be more pronounced, it paired well with the layer of fresh, juicy strawberries at the base which adds sweetness and tartness to balance the rich cheesecake.

I preferred the Black Tea Basque Cheesecake, which was infused with selected black tea. The center was smooth and creamy, with a delicate tea aftertaste that was not heavy on the palate. I thought that the tea flavour was brought out well. Both cakes were not overly sweet.

Compared to other cafes, the prices here were on the higher end, though I enjoyed the overall experience and ambiance. As the main dine-in area can get noisy with more patrons settled in, I suggest visiting as early as possible to revel in the calming space.

252 South Bridge Road, #02-01, Singapore 058801

Soft launch period: 10am – 7pm Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun

May 10 2026

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Cafe, Malaysia - Johor Bahru

Niko Niko Onigiri Johor Jaya – Aesthic aquarium themed café in JB with onigiris and strawberry matcha latte

Founded in 2012, Niko Niko Onigiri is built around a modern Japanese café concept combining traditional onigiri, casual Japanese cuisine and Instagram-friendly design elements. Their latest outlet in Johor Bahru is situated in Johor Jaya, about 20-30 mins ride away from Singapore customs.

Typically packed on the weekends, with long queues forming outside during peak hours, I took the chance to visit on a weekday before noon, when the café was still relatively empty and peaceful.

The modern, cutesy aesthetics has undoubtedly attracted lots of Gen Z and millennials to the café – from the aquariums, tiled tables, skylight to the logos and illustrations on the menu. Even I found their branding and concept appealing. I grabbed one of the coveted tables with the vibrant backdrop of the goldfish tank.

Take note that while the café opens early from 9am everyday, only the Breakfast Sets (RM6.9, SGD2.2 for 1 onigiri, miso soup and potato salad, RM11.9, SGD3.8 for 2 onigiris, soup and salad) are served before 11am. Mains and desserts are available from 11am.

I started with the Hot Matcha Latte (RM14.9, SGD4.8, + RM2, SGD0.6 for oat milk), which was just alright, passable compared to better ones I’ve had in JB. For the colourful aesthetics, you could also consider their Strawberry Matcha (RM16.9, SGD5.5), Hojinut (RM13.9, SGD4.5) – coconut water with hojicha foam, or the Ghibli’s (RM17.9, SGD5.8) with blue butterfly pea, coconut milk, yogurt, and shine muscat grape.

I could not skip the Onigiri Set (RM14.9, SGD4.8) given that the café is the namesake of the dish. The set cane with a choice of 2 Onigiris and is served with Miso Soup, Potato Salad and Kaarage. From the variety of onigiri fillings, I picked natto and teriyaki salmon. While the onigiris were decent, I did not think they were especially umami and worth queueing for.

For my main dish, I had the Una Don (RM33.9, SGD10.9) which came with flame torched Japanese eel, homemade tamagoyaki and spring onion topped on okaka rice. It was also accompanied with potato salad and miso soup. Flavour and texture wise, the unagi was sweet and smoky with a crisp torched surface and tender flesh, and the tamagoyaki was subtly sweet and substantial. However, the rice was not well-seasoned (despite its colour), and the entire dish was barely lukewarm, which made me feel unsettled.

I did not have space for their dessert which was their Signature Tiramisu (RM20, SGD6.5) made with espresso-based sponge cake, fresh mascarpone, dark chocolate, sea salt and pure cocoa.

28, Jalan Dedap 7, Taman Johor Jaya, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia

9am – 8.30pm daily

May 02 2026

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Food

Porjai Baking Studio – Bangkok Café with Korean-like Aesthetic Cakes and Drinks

Tucked away in a quiet corner of Bangkok further out from the city (~30 mins – 1 hour drive depending on the traffic), Porjai Baking Studio began as a passion project rather than a full-fledged café. Originally known as a humble home baking venture, the studio was started by an owner with a love for creating delicate, homemade cakes — a craft that gradually gained a loyal following. Over time, the operation evolved into a bakery-cafe along with the cosy studio.

From the outside, the café’s subtle signage is easy to miss, but once you spot it, there is an immediate sense of calm that draws you in. Greenery frames the entrance, which leads to a small outdoor patio with part shade, part natural sunlight.

Inside, the space is partitioned into 2 areas – one with the display and order counter and kitchen at the back, the other area is a studio with interiors out of a design magazine. I was surprised that the owner allowed patrons to enjoy the food and drinks not just in the main seating area of the café but in the studio as well.

The café focuses on small-batch quality bakes, along with a wide range of both coffee and non-coffee drinks.

My friend had the Iced Black Sesame Latte (THB135, SGD5.3), which had a rich black sesame layer which blended seamlessly with the coffee – a mix of medium to dark-brazil santos (natural 50%) and thai (wash 50%).

Meanwhile, I had the Matcha Cloud (THB155, SGD 6.1 +THB15, SGD0.6 for oat milk) which is essentially a matcha latte topped with a layer of cream resembling a cloud. I felt that the matcha could be more intense or could have a higher ratio vs. the milk and cream as it was rather mild.

The matcha powder used was Yame from Fukuoka with tasting notes of roasted nuts, malty, umami salty, mellow, but I could not taste them.

I picked the 2 prettiest cakes among those displayed. The Strawberry Overload (THB390, SGD15.3) was neatly layered with strawberries, cream and sponge cake – each bite was light and fluffy, a mix of sweet and tart flavours dominated by the strawberries.

Cleverly served using the melon rind as a base, the Melon Short Cake (THB250, SGD9.8) was sweet and juicy. The high quality of the fruits used was evident.

Unlike the cafes within the central parts of the city which can feel trendy and more fast-paced, this spot offers a corner to slow down, unwind, and savour the sweetness of delicate drinks and desserts without the crowd.

221 Panya Indra Rd, Bang Chan, Khlong Sam Wa, Bangkok 10510, Thailand

8am – 5pm daily except Wednesdays (Closed)

crystalwee.com

1. Flying Monkey x Oz Bakery – For a Mediterranean-inspired Breakfast and Homemade Pastries

2. Raw Studio – For a Scandinavian-inspired Breakfast with a Raw, Minimalist Interior

3. Pècora – For a Quick Coffee and Bite-sized Pastries in a Whimsy Setting

4. Sin amor no – For a Healthy and Wholesome Greek-inspired Breakfast

5. Three Marks Coffee – For the Best Specialty Coffee in Barcelona

6. Wanna Place – For a Scandinavian-inspired Breakfast With an Interior Suitable for Working

7. Mooii Matcha – For a Legit Cup of Matcha Latte Beside La Sagrada Familia

8. Funky Deli & Eatery – For Yet Another Mediterranean-Inspired Breakfast and Homemade Pastries

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MTCH – Sathorn

MATCHA PEOPLE – Ari

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