Nakey: Chio Cafe With Thai Tea Doughnut, Matcha Pistachio Latte And More Near Chinatown MRT

Nakey is a brunch cafe in Chinatown with doughnuts and brunch food

Helmed by the folks behind Sawasdee Thai Restaurant next door, Nakey first opened earlier this year in May. It’s since caught the attention of cafe hoppers for its IG-worthy decor and food. 

The cafe sports a mid-century modern look, featuring warm, woody materials alongside sleek marble and stainless steel surfaces. It makes for a minimalist yet cosy space that’s perfect for aesthetic photos and videos. 

The cafe’s centrepieces are definitely the fluted wood bar counter, and concrete divider with decorative holes that demarcate the indoor and outdoor spaces.

As for the food, Nakey offers a whole lineup of brunch specials, pasta dishes, bagel sandwiches, and bombolone doughnuts. Unlike their O-shaped counterparts, bombolone originated from Italy, and stars a distinct sugary coating with creamy filling on the inside.

Traditionally, these doughnuts are filled with custard, which you can find at Nakey as the Custard Bastard ($5.50+).

During our visit, we found the dough fluffy and slightly chewy, with a nice char on the outside. Tearing into the soft doughnut revealed a creamy, vanilla bean-speckled custard that’s mildly sweet and not jelak at all.

Other popular bombolone flavours include Nutty Praline ($6+) and Thai Ice Tea ($6+), and Lemon Meringue ($6+), served with a dollop of toasted lemon meringue, and garnished with lemon and lime zest. 

For those who want something more filling for brunch, consider the Waffle Fried Chicken ($21+). This showstopping main features deep-fried chicken pieces atop a freshly baked buttermilk waffle that’s light, airy, and crispy all at once.

Make sure you get a little bit of everything on your fork; this is one must-try if you love sweet and savoury combinations!

The waffles were also served with a spiced ranch dressing for dipping, though we preferred them without.

For a side worth sharing, order the Green Curry Cauliflower ($12+), a vegetarian-friendly riff on tempura.

Dip each lightly spiced cauliflower floret into the green curry aioli for extra flavour!

Image credit: nakey

Otherwise, have their Nakey Brekkie ($22+), which is a generous spread of breakfast essentials, including mushroom on sourdough, streaky bacon, chicken sausage, tater tots, guacamole spread, and a garden salad with house-made yuzu dressing.

The specialty drinks at Nakey are not to be missed, too. Quench your thirst with their layered Butterfly Pea Soda ($6+), a refreshingly tangy bevvy, or go for the Matcha Pistachio Latte ($7+) for a caffeinated pick-me-up.

Nakey is located on Trengganu Street, which is a short three to five-minute walk from Chinatown MRT Station.

If you’re looking for more hip cafes nearby, check out Titus Low’s OnlyCreamery or Afterwords. Otherwise, read our Chinatown food guide for hotpot buffets, dim sum and more!

Address: 10 Trengganu Street, Singapore 058464
Opening hours: Daily 9am to 5pm
Telephone: 9449 7176
Website
Nakey is not a halal-certified eatery.

Photos taken by Chew Yi En.
This was an independent visit by Eatbook.sg.