Cafe Natsu: Popular Japanese-Inspired Cafe In Joo Chiat Has New Brunch Menu

Cafe Natsu has Japanese-inspired brunch in Joo Chiat

Katong is home to numerous cafes and delicious local eats, including Supernova Cafe by Apollo Coffee Bar and popular Nyonya kueh shop Kim Choo Kueh Chang. If you live in the area, here’s another one to add to your list: Cafe Natsu at Joo Chiat Road.

Cafe Natsu is a beautiful Japanese-inspired cafe by Ebb & Flow Group, the same folks behind Chin Mee Chin Confectionery. They’ve just rolled out a new brunch menu, with mains all under $30!

The space is brightly lit and open, with cosy nooks and spacious seatings that’ll make you feel right at home. The main colour schemes are pink and teal, as seen consistently throughout the cafe’s furnishings.

The Hiyayakko ($6++) is a great way to start brunch on a high; this cold appetiser comprises tofu with sesame dressing, topped with crispy egg floss and chives.

For something more sinful, get the Camembert Mentaiko Mochi ($16++): deep-fried camembert-stuffed mochi rounds slathered in torched mentaiko mayo and heaps of tobiko.

The combination of creamy cheese with chewy mochi, complete with bursts of umami from the tobiko and mentaiko, was to die for.

For mains, there’s the hearty Sliced Wagyu Beef Sando ($28++), where toasted shokupan slices are paired with sliced Wagyu, mayo, and togarashi (Japanese spice mix) fries.

Do note that this beef sando is remarkably different from the one at Cafe Natsu Dhoby Ghaut, which is now defunct. Here, you get thin strips of Wagyu instead of thick-cut chunks.

Cafe Natsu’s new brunch menu includes a small range of Japanese-inspired pastas too, including the Arabiki Carbonara ($18++).

Here, spaghettini and Japanese sausage chunks are tossed in a creamy sauce, and then finished with an onsen egg and shaved parmesan. We found this pasta on the lighter side, so if you prefer richer flavours, order the sandwich instead.

The Miso Cheesecake ($12++) gives the classic burnt cheesecake a fun twist; the sweet-savoury dessert comes with a thin layer of sugar that’s blow-torched to order.

The Matcha Chocolate Tart ($10++), which features dark chocolate mousse, berry coulis, and matcha powder, is another popular pick, though we found the green tea flavour overpowered by the chocolate.

You’ll also find the cult-favourite Mochi Fried Doughnuts ($12++), which thankfully, remains on the menu. Served with salted Hokkaido milk ice cream, these bite-sized doughnuts boast a thin and crispy exterior that’s lightly coated with cinnamon sugar, revealing a chewy mochi middle upon biting.

This drink is labelled Nutri-Grade C.

For a kick of caffeine, we recommend the Iced Dirty Hojicha Latte ($10++), where earthy hojicha powder is met with strong espresso and creamy dairy milk.

For more drool-worthy eats in the area, read our Katong V food guide. Otherwise, check out our full list of where to eat in Joo Chiat, including otah banh mi and legit laksa!

Address: 283 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427537
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 8:30am to 5:30pm
Tel: 9827 7860
Website
Cafe Natsu is not a halal-certified eatery.

Photos taken by Anthia Chng and edited by John Lery Villanueva.
This was a media tasting at Cafe Natsu.

Anthia Chng

As the Associate Editor of Eatbook, Anthia survives on a steady diet of cake and coffee. With a decade of writing experience in food, fashion, and beauty—including six years at Expat Living Singapore—she’s passionate about sharing stories that excite and inspire, whether it’s discovering the latest restaurant opening or shining a light on a heritage hawker stall.