AiFOKATO Opens Hanok-Inspired Cafe With New Gelato Shakerato: Here’s a First Look

AiFOKATO opens new cafe on Amoy Street

Image credit: AiFOKATO

Earlier this year, AiFOKATO debuted along Telok Ayer, selling DIY affogatos and other viral snacks from its takeaway bar. The reception was strong enough that the brand is now opening its first proper cafe, where guests can sit down and stay a while.

The new space, located on Amoy Street, aims to provide a calming ambience where diners can wind down. Modelled after a hanok, AKA a traditional Korean house, the cafe boasts a soft garden aesthetic, skylit rooms, and wooden seats.

Fans can also look forward to a new menu item: the Gelato Shakerato ($9). You get espresso, shaken with ice until light and frothy, topped with a scoop of gelato. In classic AiFOKATO style, you can choose from four gelato flavours: Korean Matcha, Madagascar Vanilla, Premium Pistachio, and Dark Chocolate.

We got the Shakerato with a scoop of Premium Pistachio gelato, which added the perfect touch of sweet, nutty flavour and creaminess. 

The cafe will also introduce its first full specialty coffee menu, with prices starting from $4 for a classic Espresso. For something more indulgent, the Matcha Latte ($6.50) and Chocolate Latte ($6.50) are worth a look.

The new menu items are served exclusively at the Amoy Street outlet.

The signature affogato ($10) is what put AiFOKATO on the map in the first place. The DIY affogato lets guests customise their own dessert, with up to 12 possible combinations. Choose from the same four gelato flavours as the Gelato Shakerato, and then pick between three hot pour flavours: espresso, chocolate, and matcha.

Our first combination was the classic vanilla and espresso. The quality of the gelato was apparent here: the vanilla flavour was strong, with specks of vanilla beans visible throughout. Mixed with the bitter espresso, this dessert had just the right amount of sweetness. 

We also got a chocolate-on-chocolate and a matcha-on-matcha combination. The chocolate was incredibly rich and had a consistency that was more like a sauce than a drink. 

The matcha gelato tasted earthy and smooth, but melted incredibly fast compared to the other flavours. 

The butter mochi ($9) is a chewy, Korean-inspired bread worth grabbing. Each box comes with two original flavours, as well as a chocolate and matcha mochi.

The butter mochi was chewy and slightly starchy. The flavours were milder than expected, making them suitable for dipping into the affogatos. 

While you’re there, check out this Amoy Street food centre guide if you’re not sure where to grab a meal. And if you haven’t had enough coffee, Coffee Break is a popular hawker stall that sells affordable cafe-style coffee!

Address: 97 Amoy Street, Singapore 069916
Opening hours: Sun-Thurs 10:30am to 9pm, Fri-Sat 10:30am to 10:30pm
Website
AiFOKATO is not halal-certified.

Feature image adapted from AiFOKATO

Photos taken by Nivian Chiang.
This was a media tasting at AiFOKATO.