Cafe Kitsune Review: Famous Cafe Opens In Capitol Singapore With French Pastries, Sandos And More

Cafe Kitsune opens in Capitol Singapore

There’s no debating the fact that Cafe Kitsune is one of the world’s most famous cafe-bistros. With 21 outlets globally to date, the bistro is set to finally make their mark in our city with its opening in City Hall’s Capitol Singapore. Currently, the cafe is in its soft launch phase, with only beverages and pastries on the menu. Its official launch is slated for 1 December 2022, but don’t expect any hot food items here.

The French-Japanese chain was first established in Paris by music and fashion label Maison Kitsuné, in 2002. The cafe’s stylish, minimalistic interior, and its distinctive logo soon became an Instagram sensation, skyrocketing the brand to its current cult status.

Since then, Café Kitsuné has opened outlets across Europe, and then made its way to Asia, with establishments in Bangkok, Tokyo, Indonesia, Seoul, and Manila. Finally, Singaporeans won’t have to board a plane to get a cup of their famed coffee for social media flex.

Food at Cafe Kitsune

Their Paris outlet has a menu packed with viennoiseries, French desserts, and bistro-style mains, and fans will be happy to know we’re getting some of the same in Singapore. The pastries are all made by a local bakery, baked exclusively for the cafe.

If you prefer lighter, fruity flavours, consider trying Yuzu Pistachio Strawberry Entremet ($13), a dainty dessert that’s neither too tart nor sweet, tempered with the addition of nuts, and a touch of chocolate.

There’s also Paris-Brest ($12), where a light choux pastry sandwiches a luxurious centre of piped hazelnut praline crème. Dig into this quickly, because the pastry does get a tad soggy if you don’t.

There are only two sandos on the menu here: Egg Sando ($13), and Chicken Katsu Sando ($15). Like the konbini egg sandwiches you see online, these feature a whole jammy-yolked egg within, plus more egg mayo, and fresh lettuce.

I did wish there was more egg mayo though, in the same way I would have liked there to be a wider selection. Your alternative savouries here are limited to another two options: Caramelised Onion and Sun-Dried Tomato Quiche ($13), and Smoked Salmon and Spinach Quiche ($16).

Check out their glass display for more pastries, such as extra-large Chocolate Chip Cooke ($6), Croissant ($7), Genmaicha Financier ($5), and slices of Banana Bread ($7).

Other Japanese-inspired bakes are available too, ranging from Melon Pan ($7) to Matcha Croissants ($13), and other unique sweet treats, including a Chilli Chocolate Tart ($12).

You can’t say you’ve been to Café Kitsuné if you haven’t had their signature fox-shaped shortbread—it comes in four variations: Butter, Matcha, Chocolate, and Sesame—and is priced at $4 each. It’s pretty fragile, so handle it with care when you’re balancing it on the side of your cold drink, such as the Iced Sesame Latte ($8.50) for that ‘gram-worthy shot.

Café Kitsuné’s house roast is also available for sale in the shop; otherwise let them do the work for you and enjoy a cuppa Espresso ($4.50), Cortado ($6.50), or Flat White ($7) in-store. There’s also quite a range of cold drinks in generous serves, including an Iced Dirty Matcha ($9.50), Iced Earl Grey Dark Chocolate ($9.50), and an Iced Sparkling Spiced Apple ($8.50), the latter being akin to a non-alcoholic cider. 

Ambience at Cafe Kitsune

The decor is all warm wood, with accents that nod to Parisian cafes, especially in the form of their woven-back café seats in classic navy, red, and white. Check out the tiled floors inside the store, and spot the subtle fox head tiles there! The enclosed outdoor seating area is also lined with botanicals, so there’s a lush, tropical vibe as well.

Located at Capitol Singapore, Café Kitsuné is directly accessible from City Hall MRT Station via the underpass.

The verdict

Without the impending crowds that surely will descend on the cafe now, Singapore’s very own Café Kitsuné is actually a pretty addition to our bustling cafe scene, with a set of aesthetics that’s theirs alone. I’d definitely hang out here on a weekday morning should I find myself in the area and needing a place to hunker down for a bit. I’m not usually a dessert fan, but I finished almost everything I ordered—so that’s saying something.

In the meantime, check out our best cafes in the East, and best cafes in the West guides if you’d like to check out other famous Singaporean cafes. We’ve also got our guide to the best cafes for coffee!

Address: 13 Stamford Road, #01-11, Capitol Singapore, Singapore 178905
Opening hours: Daily 10am to 10pm
Website
Café Kitsuné is not a halal-certified eatery

Photos taken by Michelle P, edited by Chew Yi En.