Japanese-style cafe Hvala is a regular fixture on most Instagram feeds thanks to its delicate cakes, as well as matcha and hojicha lattes. It currently has two outlets, in 111 Somerset and Chjimes, and since 5 October, a third outlet has joined the mix with Hvala Keong Saik opening.
The focus at Hvala Keong Saik is slightly different from its sister outlets. Sure, you’ll still have its jaw-dropping menu of over 30 different Japanese tea drinks, from lattes to slushies. The minimalistic decor has gone nowhere. Their beautiful ice creams, tarts and cakes remain too, but the outlet will have a more vegan-friendly direction across its menu.
Image credit: @tuna.mochi
In their Facebook post, Hvala calls its Keong Saik cafe “an important experiment for us”, referring to the increase in their plant-based menu items. At the cafe, all 12 signature gelato flavours they offer will be vegan-friendly, along with their crowd favourite cinnamon waffles, as well as their fudgy brownies.
Also, on the beverage end, drinks can be swapped to non-dairy versions, to be made with oat milk for no extra charge — quite a standout move given that many other cafes make patrons pay more for plant-based milk in their coffees and teas.
While Hvala Keong Saik has these cool new incentives to broaden plant-based dessert options in Singapore, their core menu of cakes will remain non-vegan for now.
“Our team is trying their best to come up with vegan-friendly alternatives that meet our taste expectations,” said the Hvala crew, so stay tuned.
Do note that the outlet is currently in its soft opening phase, so small tweaks here and there to its offerings could occur when you head down.
Check out our guide for more matcha cafes in Singapore. Also, a couple of new Japanese concepts are popping up around the city, including affordable tempura eatery, Tempura Tendon Tenya. There is also Flipper’s, the world-famous souffle pancake cafe which will make its Southeast Asian debut in Orchard come November 2020.
Address: 34 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089141
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 9:30pm
Website
Featured image adapted from @tuna.mochi, @_jessssyyyy and Hvala Singapore.