Foodography: A Singapore Food Blog

May 17 2026

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)

Apr 04 2026

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Cafe, Daegu, South Korea, Travel

Patrick Kaffe Hus – Minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired Café in Daegu

When I was planning my first trip to Daegu, Patrick Kaffe Hus was one of the cafes I wanted to visit the most. It isn’t just another minimalist Korean café—it’s built around a distinct narrative concept. The café imagines the life and tastes of a fictional character named “Patrick,” said to live in Denmark, and the entire space reflects what he might like: coffee, dessert, furniture, jazz.

The café opens into a soft, Scandinavian-inspired space, with carefully arranged vintage wooden furniture and plants, creating a warm, homely atmosphere that feels more like a living room than a café.

Don’t come expecting heavy dining. The food menu is not complex, with light brunch fare including the PATRICK French Toast (KRW12,000, SGD10.2), Grilled Veggie Sandwich (half KRW6,500, SGD5.5 or full KRW12,000), Grilled Potato Sandwich (KRW12,000) and Banana Bread (KRW6,500).

I was here, though, for their popular Scandinavian buns – unfortunately, I did not get the memo that they were only out around 11am daily so I settled with the Banana Bread and a cup of hot Latte (KRW4,500, SGD3.8 +KRW1,000, SGD0.9 for oat milk) while waiting. There was also a filter coffee line up.

When the buns were finally freshly baked and out of the oven, I got the signature one, which was their Kanelbullar (KRW4,500, SGD3.8), or cinnamon bun. The other 2 options were the Chocolate & Hazelnut Bun (KRW4,800, SGD4.1) and Cardamom Bun (KRW4,800).

Crisp on the outside, fluffy and warm on the inside, with a tinge of saltiness from the salt flakes speckled on top, the cinnamon roll was especially comforting and satisfying on that cold winter morning. I liked how it was not cloyingly sweet, and instead there was a teaspoon of brown sugar on the side for you to adjust the sweetness to your preference. I was so tempted to try the other 2 but had to save space for the next café.

Come for the Swedish buns and coffee, stay for the calm and peaceful ambiance.

87 Jong-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu, South Korea

8am – 7pm Mon to Fri (except Tues closed)

10am – 7pm Sat to Sun

Mar 22 2026

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Cafe, Johor Bahru

Miyakori Coffee Keishoku Kissa – Japanese inspired Café in Taman Melodies, Johor Bahru

Founded in 2013 by 2 branding and design professionals, Miyakori Coffee opened its first outlet in JB, focusing on Japanese fusion food with Japanese-inspired aesthetics. Since then, they have expanded to 3 other outlets.

Their newly minted flagship is located in Taman Melodies – a modern reinterpretation of the classic Japanese keishoku kissa (casual café that serves light meals, desserts and coffee in a cozy, nostalgic setting). The building has a simple and clean façade with rustic wooden architecture and large windows.

Inside, soft neutral tones dominate the space, with light wood furniture and clean lines creating a minimalist design.

The keishoku kissa specialises in coffee (using 100% Arabica from Brazil Columbia), teishoku (a traditional Japanese set meal that includes a main dish such as grilled fish, meat or tempura served with steamed rise, miso soup, and a few side dishes like pickles or vegetables), and desserts such as waffles and cakes homemade daily at their central kitchen.

I had the Caffe Latte (RM13, SGD4.2, +RM4, SGD1.3 for oatside milk), which was creamy and smooth and slightly towards the milky side. Perhaps the more distinctive choices would be their signature Mount Fuji Latte (RM14. SGD4.6), which comes in a glass shaped like Mount Fuji.

For my main course, I had the Unagi Teishoku (RM48, SGD15.6) which came with sweet grilled unagi, tamago, pickled vegetables, sesame salad, miso soup and a bowl of rice on the side. Portion and quality-wise, I thought it was well worth the money.

To end, I had the Matcha Cheesecake (RM24, SGD7.8) which unfortunately was too firm and dry (felt like it was refrigerated for too long and at a temperature too cold) and lacked the bitter, earthy notes of matcha I was expecting.

While the café was still relatively quiet and empty, it did feel like I was transported to a peaceful, traditional coffeehouse in Kyoto.

10am – 10pm daily

382 Tebrau Highway, Taman Kebun The, 80150 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Feb 17 2026

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Food

Shuu Patisserie – New Cottage Café in JB Serving Aesthetic Pastries and Desserts

Shuu Patisserie is a Muslim-owned café which started as a small, humble pastry shop in Johor Bahru with a Korean café-inspired interior. They were known for their signature choux pastries and caneles amongst other desserts like brownies and cookies.

I didn’t have the chance to visit until recently, after they relocated and expanded to a much bigger space at Taman Abad, an area that is also home to many popular cafes. Designed like a cosy brick cottage, both the façade and interior of the café were highly aesthetic, perfect for photos.

While the café has continued to focus on pastries and desserts, they have expanded their menu offering to serve brunch. Expect western brunch dishes such as Shakshuka (RM26, SGD8.4) and Chrysanthemum Benedict (RM29.9, SGD9.7), and Chinese-inspired dishes such as Beef Butter Noodles (RM28, SGD9.1) and Shuu’s Chicken Noodle (RM26, SGD8.4).

I chose the Prawn Toast (RM25, SGD8.1) as I saw strawberry ketchup listed as an ingredient and was curious. Plump and juicy prawn farci was sandwiched between two large slices of crispy fried shokupan, then topped with a thick layer of strawberry ketchup and garnished with spring onions. The tangy-sweet strawberry ketchup paired well with the prawn farci and toast, though I felt the toast was quite greasy and “gelak” towards the end.

I really wanted to try more from the brunch menu but decided to save space for more desserts. Choosing from the different flavours of choux puff, canelé and cakes on display was too difficult – they all sounded and looked appetizing.

In the end, I had the Mango Passion Oolong Choux Puff (RM15, SGD4.9), Matcha Canele (RM12, SGD3.9) and the Christmas Special – Christmas Tree Cake (RM21, SGD6.8). In my opinion, the most well-executed dessert was the choux puff – the choux layer remained airy, thin and crisp despite my extended photo-taking under the harsh sunlight. The generous filling of mango passion oolong was not overly sour or sweet.

Though the outer crust of the Matcha Canele was harder than I expected, I loved the inner filling of gooey, bitter matcha lava. The Christmas tree cake was also fun to cut into, with layers of chocolate fudge and sponge within.

I tried both the Hot Latte (RM14, SGD4.5) and Iced Matcha Strawberry Latte (RM18, SGD5.8), which were just alright.

Though the café is still relatively new to the scene, it has been gaining traction, with queues forming at peak hours especially on the weekends. Slot this brunch spot into your next JB trip as soon as you can, before the Singaporean crowd spots this under-the-radar café.

Do take note that prices stated above have not included service charge 10% and SST 6%, and only cashless payment (via Duitnow QR code) is accepted.

203, Jln Wijaya, Taman Abad, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia

10am – 6pm daily except Wednesdays

Jan 25 2026

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Cafe, Food, singapore

Living Room – New Café Opening in the Late Morning Lifestyle Shop in Chinatown

My first café visit in Singapore for the year was to Living Room – newly opened within a curated lifestyle store, Late Morning. The store has been around for nearly 2 years in Chinatown, bringing in aesthetic tableware, cutlery and home décor items from designer brands all over the world. Some of these boutique brands include APFR and Kinto.

Recently, they received the F&B license to operate the cozy nook at the back of the store as a café which is now in soft opening phase. Maintaining the same minimalist setup as the store, the café features a small coffee and matcha counter where orders are taken and drinks are made, a compact kitchen where simple food is prepared, and wooden chairs and tables in the humble dine-in area.

Though the space was narrow and probably would not fit more than 10, the atmosphere was snug and homely like a living room, a space to unwind.

The drinks menu was similar to what was previously being served from Late Morning. For coffee, I had the White ($7, +$1 for oat milk), made with light roasted beans from Costa Rica, with tasting notes of dried mango, orange and whipped cream. For filter coffee, there were 2 types of Ethiopian beans available.

While for matcha, I tried their Matcha Latte ($7, +$1 for oat milk) in both hot and iced versions. They were using matcha powder from Zhejiang which had a good intensity. Though many preferred the iced matcha, I personally liked the hot one better.

Both coffee and matcha were above average and I could see myself returning for a regular cup.

As for the food menu, it was kept simple, with a roasted capsicum salad, 4 types of open-faced sandwiches and a cheesecake for dessert. I had the Sun-dried tomato, pesto ricotta on sourdough ($13) and Charred chili, ricotta on sourdough ($13) in a Half & half arrangement (additional $3)

The sourdough was sourced from 174bingo, one of my favourite artisanal bakeries in Singapore, while the toppings were homemade in the kitchen. I liked the creamy, savoury pesto ricotta which paired with the sun-dried tomato, and the interesting charred chili which was smoky, sweet, with just a tinge of spiciness.

I ended with the Homemade Basque cheesecake ($8) with salt and pepper and lemon curd on the side. It paired best with the lemon curd (wished there was more!) for me.

Tues to Sun 11am – 7pm

1F, 230 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058779

Jan 12 2026

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Cafe, Food, Malaysia - Johor Bahru

OTTO Café, Johor Bahru – New Aesthetic JB Café in Taman Melodies

Opened in September 2025, OTTO café is one of the latest cafes in JB to check out on your weekend or holiday getaway. It occupies a plot in a private residential area where many other cafes can be found in the vicinity, making it a good addition into your café-hopping agenda.

The walkway leading to the entrance of the café featured brick-red aesthetics with neat landscaping. Stepping into the inviting and spacious indoor dining space, I could see there was an attention to detail in putting together the interior. From the clever use of contrasting curved and sleek lines, brick and terracotta designs, and primarily orange and grey tones, the space was well-designed like a model house featured in an interior webzine.

With a large glass window at the front and an area with a see-through transparent ceiling, the cafe allowed much natural light to fill the space.

From the selection of drinks, I tried both the coffee and matcha. My preference here was for the Latte (RM14, SGD4), followed by the Mocha (RM14, SGD4) and then Matcha Latte (RM19, SGD6).

If I were to pick my favourite item from the dishes I’ve tried, it would be their Soft Shell Crab Toast (RM35, SGD11) which was also one of their signatures on the menu. I loved the distinct but not overwhelming curry flavour in the dish, which paired well with the creamy egg mayo and crispy and substantial soft shell crab. Non-spicy eaters could also enjoy this dish.

Another main course that was recommended was the Mum’s Aglio Olio (RM38, SGD12) comprising spaghetti, vannamei prawns, chili flakes, confit garlic and ginger flower. The al dente spaghetti packed a garlicky punch.

We also had the Golden Salmon Fillet (RM38, SGD12) which was a fusion Thai dish. The coconut toh kha, green pea, and papaya brought a good balance of sweet, tangy and savoury flavours to the dish.

For the appetizers, you could go for a healthy option such as the Summer Garden Salad (RM23, SGD7) which featured an aesthetic plating of mesclun, yogurt honey dressing, seasonal fruits, and crumbled feta, or you could go for the less healthy but more tantalizing Crispy Cauliflower with Sour Plum Dust and Almond Flakes (RM23, SGD7).

Living up to its namesake, the cauliflower had a crispy batter which and made a crunchy dish together with the almond flakes, while the plum dust gave a sweet-sour edge. As sinful and addictive as it could get.

As a dessert, we had the Tropical Acai Bowl (RM24, SGD8) which featured three small scoops of acai with homemade granola, banana, jackfruit, kiwi, mango, peanut cream, and chia seeds. The acai had a smooth and creamy texture, with notes of dark chocolate and berries.

Meanwhile, I found the OTTO’s Brownie with Toffee Sauce (RM26, SGD8) slightly too dry for my liking.

While the cafe is still new to the scene, the owner is a chef and entrepreneur with experience in cafe operations in Singapore, and that was evident from the overall quality of the food, service and ambiance.

81 Jalan Chengai 80250 Taman Melodies, Johor Bahru, 80250 Johor, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia

Mon to Fri 10am – 6pm

Sat to Sun 9am – 6pm

Jan 01 2026

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Cafe, China, Food, Guangzhou

Fulley 馥里 – Japanese-inspired Guangzhou Café with Aesthetic Desserts and Interior

One of my favourite cafes that I discovered in Guangzhou this year has got to be Fulley. Occupying 3 storeys of a residential building, the café operates by a reservation-only system, where reservations can be made 1 week in advance on their WeChat mini program. I didn’t do sufficient research and made 1 wasted trip initially.

You get to choose your table on a first-come, first-serve basis within your reservation time slot. I sat on the third floor, which has good natural lighting with window views of the greenery. The white walls, linen curtains, wooden chairs and tables, and concrete floor made a minimalistic interior with a serene atmosphere.

Their menu boasted an array of Japanese-inspired desserts with pictures – the signature item is the Parfait which changed seasonally. When I went, I had the September – October Parfait Cup (CNY98, SGD17.9). It came with a card to describe the ingredients belonging to each layer of the intricate parfait. Mine featured fig and chestnut as the main fruits, paired with a long, curated list of ingredients – buckwheat crisps, chestnut rum gelato, chestnut puree, candied orange peel, Brittany shortbread, thousand silk cakes, fig sorbet, fig, wuyi rock tea milk jelly, black tea bergamot crisps, fig leaf butter, caramel chocolate chip, lemon jelly, red wine fig jam.

I liked the balance of fruity and nutty flavours, creamy and crisp textures, and that it was only subtly sweet. I finished it easily on my own.

The parfait set also came with a dainty cup of Jasmine Silver Needle Tea – premium chinese white tea made from the unopened buds of the tea plant and scented with fresh jasmine flowers. It was a good palate cleanser.

I was surprised to see a Durian Cheese Tart (CNY45, SGD 8.2) on the menu so I tried it – the overall durian and cheese flavours were not too heavy, and the texture was rather light like a souffle cheese tart.

The Peach Cheese Tart (CNY55, SGD10.1) tasted as good as it looked. I sliced through its glossy pink surface into the layers of juicy peach flesh, peach compote and creamy cheese tart, all of which came together excellently.

For a smaller, lighter snack, there was the Matcha Genmaicha Rice Mousse (CNY48, SGD8.8) – though I wished the matcha flavour could be more pronounced.

There were no non-dairy milk options here for the Hojicha Latte (CNY38, SGD6.9) and Matcha Latte (CNY38, SGD 6.9). Both were sufficiently intense, without much sweeteners.

I haven’t had such good quality desserts in a while and the entire experience truly reminded me of my time spent in cafes in Japan (even the people at the table next to mine were Japanese).

广东省-广州市-越秀区-寺右新马路南二街12号3F

五羊邨站（A口步行4分钟）

3F, 12 Nan Er Jie, Si You Xin Ma Lu, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou city, Guangdong province, China

Wuyangcun Station (4 mins walk from Exit A)

12pm – 7pm Fri to Mon (by reservation only)

Dec 25 2025

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Cafe, China, Food, Guangzhou

Kaa Room – Guangzhou Café Specialising in Filter Coffee

Near the Baiyun International Airport in Guangzhou is the district of Huadu, where I stopped by before heading to the airport to catch my flight back to Singapore. From the Huadu Plaza subway station, I hopped on a Didi to Kaa Room, a café on my list.

Housed along a small street away from the main road, the café stood out from the surrounding older buildings, especially with its bright blue door. Stepping in, it felt as though I was transported to another city, as the atmosphere turned relaxing and peaceful.

There was a group of customers sitting at the coffee bar, engaged in light-hearted conversations with the owner cum barista who brewed each cup of filter coffee from behind the wooden counter. The café serves only hand brewed coffee and a non-coffee beverage according to the season, with no pastries or bakes. The menu had a range of single origin coffee from Panama and Ethiopia, with prices ranging from CNY 58 to 158.

As I was already caffeinated in the morning, I chose the non-coffee beverage – the Green Plum Cold Brew (CNY 45). I loved the balanced sweet-sour flavour profile, making a refreshing iced drink in the heat and humidity.

After the group left, it was my turn to make casual conversation with the owner – we talked about the aesthetics of the café, about how the light and shadows moved in the café.

The café was also pet-friendly – I sat across the table from the owner’s unabashed cat which perched itself on the chair, feeling less lonely.

12pm – 6pm Thu to Fri (check their rednote for the exact schedule of the current month)

13-32 Meigui Road, Huadu District, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China 510813

Nearest station: Huadu Plaza Exit C

广东省广州市花都区玫瑰路 13-32 号

花都广场站C口

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