There’s A New Korean-Inspired Cafe With Monochrome Interiors And Popular Charcoal Buns

NOWAFTER Cafe is a new Korean-inspired cafe in Orchard

Previously occupied by popular homegrown brand Alchemist, Design Orchard now houses the new monochrome-themed, Korean-inspired NOWAFTER cafe. Ever since their grand opening on 8 August 2023, their bakes have been selling like hotcakes. 

NOWAFTER Cafe is said to be helmed by an owner who had previously run a cafe in Korea, which explains the Korean-inspired offerings here. 

The most notable is their Charkey Bun ($13), which features a fluffy charcoal bun packed with gooey mozzarella, truffle sour cream, and garlic herb butter. 

Image credit: @bodorable

If you’re caught up with the cafe scene in Korea, the Charkey Bun might look familiar. At first glance, it resembles famous Korean artisanal dessert brand NUDAKE’s Peak Cake. Over in Korea, the signature pastry features a black layered crust brimming with cream in the centre.

Taste-wise, the Charkey Bun is a savoury treat that can be described as an elevated garlic bread roll with creamy overtones.

Another must-try is the Matcha Basque Cheesecake ($10). Served with a dollop of mascarpone vanilla cream on top, the cheesecake is surprisingly light, with subtle matcha notes blending harmoniously with the cream cheese within.

Image credit: @nowaftercafe

It’s said that only the early birds will catch their Blackmisu ($13), which features a tiramisu made with dark cocoa.

 

If you’d like to follow the cafe’s colour scheme to a T, we recommend getting the Black Sesame Einspanner ($9.50) or Dark Cocoa Vanilla Latte ($8.50), two greyscale drinks that will complete your monochrome tea-time snack.

Enjoy these offerings in the cafe’s spacious seating area with its matching black and white, industrial-themed decor. Do note that the cafe has an ongoing opening promotion, where you get 10% off all beverages for the month of August! 

If you’re interested in more Korean-inspired cafes in Singapore, read our Snap Cafe review, a minimalist cafe in Tanjong Pagar with Korean-inspired pastries. Alternatively, there’s Cafe Margaret, a popular Korean cafe with cube croissants in Bugis. 

Address: 250 Orchard Rd, #03-01, Design Orchard, Singapore 238905
Opening hours: Daily 9am to 6pm
Website
NOWAFTER Cafe is not a halal-certified eatery.

Photos taken by Ke-ian Leong.
This was an independent visit by Eatbook.sg.