If there’s one food trend that has never died down, it is Japanese Green Tea – Matcha. In every cafe, you’re 90% likely to see a Matcha Latte or a Matcha-infused dessert somewhere on the menu. However, we would like to introduce you to Matcha’s just-as-delicious but less-talked-about counterpart – Hojicha.

Hojicha is kind of roasted green tea that carries a strong toasty, smoky flavour that is super delicious and earthy. It’s a unique flavour that you won’t forget once you try it! So here’s a list of the best Hojicha desserts in Singapore that will get you hooked onto this underrated flavour.

108 MATCHA SARO – HOJICHA MINI PARFAIT

The Hojicha Mini Parfait is our favourite dessert from 108 Matcha Saro! The dessert comes with a swirl of Hojicha soft-serve, a scoop of sweet red bean paste, chewy mochi balls and a generous drizzle of syrup. The toppings paired impeccably with the flavourful soft-serve – especially the mochi balls!

108 Matcha Saro
5 Temasek Boulevard
Suntec City, #B1-K5
Singapore 038985
Tel: +65 6259 4704
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: City Hall/Esplanade

Photo Credit: Creme Maison

CREME MAISON BAKERY – HOJICHA HAZELNUT PRALINE

First on our list is from one of the best cake shops in Singapore, Creme Maison Bakery. If you’re a fan of hojicha and really want a nice fluffy cake to sink your teeth into, their Hojicha Hazelnut Praline cake is the perfect dessert.

The earthy hojicha-infused brown sugar sponge is layered with sweet hazelnut praline and topped off with more hazelnuts; a real sweet treat!

Creme Maison Bakery
30 Tai Seng Street #08-03B
Singapore 534013
Tel: +65 8181 3689
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

DOPA DOPA CREAMERY – HOJICHA ICE CREAM

Located in the heart of the CBD, Dopa Dopa has made many fall for their silky smooth gelato. It’s hard to miss with their bright yellow interior and decor. One of their best flavours would definitely be their smoky Hojicha. It packs a huge punch of flavour without being grainy or too overpowering.

Dopa Dopa Creamery
29 South Bridge Road, #01-01
Singapore 058665
Tel: +65 6535 3539
Mon to Thu, Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

HVALA – HOJICHA CAKE

Hvala’s Hojicha Cake features a light and airy Hojicha-infused sponge, layered with fresh cream, adzuki beans and a generous drizzle of thick Hojicha sauce. We loved how the smoky aroma of Hojicha was amplified by the bitter Hojicha sauce and the adzuki beans speckled through the layers gave a nice textural contrast to the cake!

This is the cake you can pass the time with, with a book in hand and a matcha latte to sip on.

Hvala
111 Somerset Road
TripleOne Somerset
Singapore 238164
Daily: 11.30am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

Photo Credit: Instagram

KATASUMI KOOHII – HOJICHA CHIFFON

Hidden in Bukit Pasoh is a Katasumi Koohii, a Japanese-inspired book cafe serving up fresh bakes and cakes. One of which is a cloud-like Hojicha chiffon perfumed with the fragrant roasted tea. It’s also topped with a fluffy hojicha whipped cream to enhance the flavour!

The cafe is so cosy that you can spend hours with just a cake and cuppa, forgetting about the world for just a moment.

Katasumi Koohii
25 Bukit Pasoh Road
Singapore 089839
Mon, Wed to Sat: 12pm – 8pm
Sun: 12pm – 6pm
(Closed on Tuesdays)
Nearest Station: Outram Park

MIAM MIAM – HOJICHA PANCAKE

Miam Miam is known for their delicious fusion-style pasta and mains but not many know that they have just-as-splendid desserts on their menu as well! One of their desserts happen to be a Hojicha Pancake, consisting of a fluffy pancake, Hojicha whipped cream, azuki beans, mochi and brown sugar syrup.

The fluffy pancake absorbs the thick syrup, making it ultra decadent. Paired with the hojicha cream, red beans and chewy mochi, it’s a great Japanese fusion dessert that you’ll definitely enjoy.

200 Victoria Street
#02-14 Bugis Junction
Singapore 188021
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 10pm
Fri: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Sat: 11am – 10.30pm
Sun: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

3 Gateway Drive
#01-21/22 Westgate
Singapore 608532
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Jurong East

NANA’S GREEN TEA – HOJICHA PARFAIT

What’s better than a scoop of hojicha ice cream? A scoop of hojicha ice cream with mochi balls, tea jelly, whipped cream, hojicha paste and cereal crumble! That’s everything in Nana Green Tea’s Hojicha Parfait. It’s intricately layered to give you maximum satisfaction so if you’re a big hojicha lover, you absolutely have to put it on your list of “must-eats”!

The Atrium @ Orchard, Plaza Singapura
60B Orchard Road
#03-80/82
Singapore 238891
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

SUGAR THIEVES – HOJICHA CROISSANT

With their ever-changing croissant line-up, Sugar Thieves keeps their fans constantly on edge for their new releases. One of our favourites has to be their Hojicha Croissant – a buttery, flaky pastry filled generously with thick, luscious hojicha-infused cream. It’s then dusted with more hojicha powder on top, making it a roasted-tea flavour bomb!

Sugar Thieves
Blk 333, #01-23
Kreta Ayer Rd
Singapore 080333
Tel: +65 9850 4377
Wed to Sat: 12pm – 6pm
(Closed Sun – Tue)
Nearest Station: Outram Park

TSUJIRI – HOJICHA ROLL CAKE

This fluffy, cloud-like cake was packed with so much hojicha flavour, you couldn’t imagine it until you try! Seemingly simple, this roll cake is anything but. The delicious roasted aroma of hojicha is contrasted by the whipped cream and sweet azuki beans it’s served with. Tsujiri is one of Singapore’s “OG”, most well-loved, matcha cafes and when you taste their desserts, you’ll know why.

176 Orchard Road
The Centrepoint, #01-101
Singapore 238843
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

TWENTY GRAMMES – HOJICHA SOFTSERVE ON WAFFLE

Launched for their 2nd anniversary and remaining as a popular menu item, Twenty Gramme’s Hojicha Softserve on Waffle is a must-try Hojicha dessert. The soft serve sits nicely in a cup with bite-sized waffle pieces, and is decorated with beautiful lavender-coloured edible flowers.

We loved the taste of the Hojicha soft-serve and waffle bits. Intense roasted flavours were present but not overpowering; just the way we like it!

Twenty Grammes
753 North Bridge Road
#01-01
Singapore 198721
Tel: +65 6717 1733
Mon to Thu, Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Bugis

Though always lumped together whenever we describe Orchard Road to friends that visit from overseas, Somerset has always held its own, providing locals and tourists alike with a plethora of shopping and dining opportunities.

Though often described by visitors as more of a youth’s hotspot, Somerset is actually home to a number of cafes and restaurants that adults and families can enjoy. We’ve curated 20 of our favourites to bring you this must-try Somerset food guide which you might find handy the next time you’re in that area!

Arteastiq

Though the name might confuse you into thinking that they are a restaurant that is all about art and tea, Arteastiq is not only a great place for you to tap into your creative side but also enjoy a nice intimate dinner with an eclectic range of creative and comforting dishes.

Arteastiq serves up an assortment of appetizers to contemporary mains which include meats, seafoods and pasta, as well as a delectable selection of reinterpreted modern desserts such as their Gaia’s Teardrop Fossil (S$12) – a pandan kaya lava cake that is served with red beans, gula melaka syrup and champagne vanilla gelato, and Old-Fashioned Romance (S$13) – an Oolong lychee sorbet that’s topped with purple crumble and chocolate sauce.

333A Orchard Road
#04-14/15
Mandarin Gallery
Singapore 238897
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest station: Somerset

Blue Label Pizza

Started by the same team behind Luke’s Oyster Bar & Chop House, Blue Label Pizza & Wine offers diners a modern take on the neighbourhood pizzeria with their concise menu of premium salads, snacks and acclaimed stone-fired pizzas.

With just two outlets in Singapore, Blue Label strives to serve quality food which can be tasted in their authentic stone-fired pizzas that are made using long-ferment dough.

Noteworthy pizzas to try are the J-Dog (S$35), The Original Famous (S$28) and the Blue Label Special, which features market ingredients (market price) that are inventively made into a unique Blue Label pizza. As their mains are mainly pizzas, do note that you won’t be able to find any pastas or meat mains here!

333A Orchard Road
#03-02
Mandarin Gallery
Singapore 238897
Daily: 11.30am – 11pm
Nearest station: Somerset

Dancing Crab

If you’re looking for some soulful and good seafood perhaps a night out at one of the best Lousiana restaurants in Singapore might do the trick!

Dancing Crab by TungLok Group serves up a mix of American style seafood together with the distinctive richness of Singapore seafood cuisine to bring you a refreshing take on our local famed preferences for seafood.

You can start off your meal with a Live Crab Combo with World Famous Signature Cajun Sauce (S$98 per bag) that includes 1 Live Sri Lankan Crab (approx. 800g), 350g of fresh prawns, 350g of clams, corn and chicken sausage, or the Dancing Crab Signature Black Pepper Crab (S$112), which includes 2 Live Sri Lankan Crab served with steamed corn.

181 Orchard Road
#07-14/15
Orchard Central
Singapore 238896
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Nearest station: Somerset

Glyph Supply Co

Hidden away from the hustle and bustle of Orchard Road in the recently renovated TripleOne Somerset sits Glyph Supply Co, a fairly new kid on the block which serves up some delicious coffee and pastries that you’ll enjoy.

Despite the seemingly small selection of offerings available, the minimalist cafe offers a smooth cup of Hot White (S$5.30) that may taste slightly acidic but holds no lingering bitter aftertaste. Another notable drink is the Iced Matcha Latte (S$7), which uses hand-whisk ceremonial grade matcha powder for that grassy yet floral tasting notes.

111 Somerset Road
#01-06
TripleOne Somerset
Singapore 238164
Mon to Fri: 8.30am – 7.30pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 7.30pm
Nearest station: Somerset

Hokkaido Marche

Experience a taste of Hokkaido without having to leave the country at Hokkaido Marche! Designed like a marketplace-style food hall, Hokkaido Marche offers diners seven different choices to choose from, all offering authentic and affordable Hokkaido fare that everyone will enjoy.

Using only the best quality ingredients which includes Hokkaido’s nutrient-rich vegetables, fruits and the nation’s best meat and dairy products, you’re guaranteed to enjoy the best of Japanese food right here.

Notable dishes include Kaisen Natsume’s Signature Special Kaisen Don (S$17.50), Ajisai’s Special Ramen (S$14), and Donburi Maruya’s Signature Special Oyako Don (S$10).

181 Orchard Road
#B2-11 to 29, 44 to 48
Orchard Central
Singapore 238896
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest station: Somerset

Honolulu Cafe

Founded in the 1940s in Hong Kong, this age-old HK cafe has been serving up traditional coffee, tea and baked goods for nearly 80 years. Since opening their first branch in Singapore about three years ago, Honolulu Cafe has expanded their presence here, continuously delivering the Cha Chaan Teng experience to locals and tourists alike.

Here, you’ll enjoy savoury and popular dishes such as their Stir-Fried Beef Hor Fun (S$9.80) and Baked Rice with Chicken and Potato in Curry Sauce (S$10.50). But, do remember to leave some room for their delicious and famous egg tarts (S$1.70 each), which you can pair with a cup of hot Yuan Yang (S$3.50).

176 Orchard Road
#01-33F/G
The Centerpoint
Singapore 238843
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest station: Somerset

Hvala

Since their rebrand as an all-matcha lifestyle cafe, Hvala has recently added a second outlet to at TripleOne Somerset that boasts the same chic, zen vibe as their primary outlet at CHIJMES.

The Japanese-style minimalist interior provided for a perfect backdrop to relax and enjoy the food and drinks Hvala has to offer. As matcha is their main ingredient here, Hvala serves all-things matcha from Matcha Lattes to Matcha cakes and Matcha ice cream.

If you’re planning to spend some time here, you could opt to try the Matcha Latte (S$5.80), which is freshly whisked and gently poured over milk to create a beautiful gradient.

111 Somerset Road
TripleOne Somerset
Singapore 238164
Daily: 11am – 9.30pm
Nearest station: Somerset

Imperial Treasure Steamboat

With over more than 20 restaurants under its names and over 50 global accolades, Imperial Treasure has always been synonymous with authentic fine Chinese cuisine.

It’s no wonder that their restaurants, especially Imperial Treasure Steamboat, are usually a little harder to get into without a reservation. In their commitment to serve only the best to customers, Imperial Treasure Steamboat use only the freshest and finest ingredients to serve an excellent steamboat.

Their diverse selection of soup bases such as the popular Sichuan spicy soup and rich Ginseng chicken soup are made daily from scratch, simmering for hours on the stove, ready for you to complete your meal with their choice cuts of meat, fresh vegetables and handmade meatballs.

111 Somerset Road
#02-14/19
TripleOne Somerset
Singapore 238164
Daily: 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest station: Somerset

Izakaya Nijumaru

Tucked at a corner on the second level of Cuppage Plaza is a literal hidden gem which offers hungry diners affordable Japanese food.

Having been around for three decades, this quaint Japanese place features an extensive menu which comprises many Japanese favourites that will have you spoilt for choice. From a hearty bowl of Deep Fried Pork Filet tempura bowl (S$13) to a value-for-money Nijumaru Bento Box (S$21), this is an ideal place to dine at for fans of Japanese cuisine!

5 Koek Road
#02-10/12
Cuppage Plaza
Singapore 228796
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sun: 6pm – 10pm
Nearest station: Somerset

I’m Kim Junior Korean Restaurant

Craving some good Korean BBQ and an Army Stew? Conveniently located at *SCAPE is I’m Kim Junior, a restaurant that effectively satisfies both your cravings in one convenient location!

A sister restaurant to I’m Kim Korean BBQ, I’m Kim Junior features the brand’s popular Korean BBQ with their generous selection of meat, seafood, vegetables, soups and cooked food as well as a D-I-Y Army Stew buffet where you’re the master of your own stew.

The best part about it is you’ll be enjoying two kinds of buffet at a single cost of starting at S$14.90++!

2 Orchard Link
#03-01
*SCAPE
Singapore 237978
Daily: 11.30am – 3.30pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest station: Somerset

Masizzim

Opened by the same team behind the popular Korean fried chicken chain, Chir Chir, comes Masizzim, a Korean restaurant that serves up a variety of mouth-watering Korean dishes.

A play on the Korean words delicious and stew, Masizzim stands out from the other Korean restaurants with their three signature dishes which are the Beef Rib Stew (from S$18), Pork Rib Stew (from S$16), and the Spicy Chicken Stew (from S$16).

In addition to these mains, Masizzim offers an array of scrumptious side dishes which includes the mix grain rice balls which you can mix and mould on your own!

313 Orchard Road
#B3-02
313@Somerset
Singapore 238895
Sun to Thu: 11am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 11pm
Nearest station: Somerset

Nipong Naepong

The local Korean food scene has been on the rise over the last couple of years and one such brand that’s made a name for itself since it first opened its doors is none other than jjamppong specialists, Nipong Naepong.

Dedicated to offering diners the most authentic flavours and food quality, Nipong Naepong takes pride in producing each bowl authentically with their noodles, sauces and soup stocks shipped directly from the franchise’s central kitchen in South Korea.

First-timers of this Korean noodle dish should definitely try the Cha Ppong (S$15.80), which has a flavourful broth that’s made with Korean wheat noodles, mussels, squid, prawn and quail eggs. Though it does have a spicy kick, diners can choose between level 1 or 2 of the spiciness that they can handle!

313 Orchard Road
#B3-03
313@Somerset
Singapore 238895
Sun to Thu: 11am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 11pm
Nearest station: Somerset

Noodle Place Restaurant

If you’re in the mood for some good and authentic Hong Kong noodle and congee, Noodle Place Restaurant is the place to visit.

After relocating to Orchard Gateway from its 31-year home at Centrepoint, Noodle Place Restaurant is now situated at a more prominent spot that’s just a few steps away from the entrance of Somerset MRT.

Satisfy your Cantonese craving here with a plate of the Noodle Place Restaurant’s Signature Shrimp Wanton Noodles (S$9), which uses thin, handmade egg noodles that are served with the plump fresh shrimp wantons.

277 Orchard Road
#01-17
Orchard Gateway
Singapore 238858
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest station: Somerset

NY Night Market

Hailing from Seoul, NY Night Market brings a taste of contemporary Western and Korean fusion in a variety of mouthwatering delights, which are mainly covered with melted cheese, cream or bacon. With an extensive menu where each dish has its own unique quirk and delicious appeal, it is going to be tough settling on the dishes to try.

Not to worry though, you can always opt for popular dishes such as the M.A.C. Feat Bacon (S$10.90), which is a twist on the classic Mac & Cheese, as well as their inventive take on the classic Budaejjigage where you’ll get a heaping mound of bulgogi beef and a jumbo pork sausage atop the usual trimmings.

313 Orchard Road
#01-29
313@Somerset
Singapore 238895
Sun to Thu: 8am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 8am -1am
Nearest station: Somerset

O’Ma Spoon

A good place to unwind after a full meal is at O’Ma Spoon, a contemporary Korean dessert franchise that serves snowflake Korean Bingsu.

Owned and operated by a Korean, O’Ma Spoon aims to give locals an option for high quality healthy Korean desserts by using major ingredients which have been imported directly from Korea. This also helps to ensure that there is still a trace of authentic Korean flavour despite tailoring the dessert to meet the local taste.

Some of their signature items include the Original Injeolmi Bingsu (S$12.90), the Mango Cheesecake Bingsu (S$18.90), and the Very Berry Bingsu (S$15.90).

313 Orchard Road
#04-20/32
313@Somerset
Singapore 238895
Sun to Thu: 11am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 11.30pm
Nearest station: Somerset

Supply & Demand

Inspired by the trattorias and pizzerias in Italy, Supply & Demand serves simple, rustic Italian cuisine in a menu brimming with classic Italian food choices that utilize high-quality ingredients and fresh produce.

Feast on thin-crust pizza such as the Truffle & Egg (S$22 for Regular, S$26 for Large), or turn it into a calzone for an additional S$3. You could also enjoy the meat mains, rich pasta and creamy risotto in addition to your pizza. The diverse drinks list also features cocktails, beers and quality international wines which will make dining here perfect for any occasion!

277 Orchard Road
#02-13/14
Orchard Gateway
Singapore 238858
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun: 12pm – 10.30pm
Nearest station: Somerset

The Alley Luxe

Having just unveiled its first-of-its-kind concept store in Cineleisure Orchard, The Alley Luxe is the famous bubble tea brand’s premium lifestyle cafe where you can unwind with friends and family.

With a line-up that includes a fine collection of beverages and an array of exquisite European bakes, you don’t have to worry about going thirsty or feeling peckish during conversations. Their iconic drinks include the Brown Sugar Deerioca Series, which comes in two flavours namely the Brown Sugar (S$5.30) and Matcha Brown Sugar (S$6.30).

8 Grange Road
#02-06A/B
Cineleisure Orchard
Singapore 819666
Daily: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest station: Somerset

Tonkatsu by Ma Maison

When looking for the real-deal Japanese Tonkatsu, Tonkatsu by Ma Maison over at Mandarin Gallery is hands down, one of the best Tonkatsu restaurants in Singapore.

Besides the usual crispy breaded pork with rice combination, the restaurant also has an expansive selection of innovative Tonkatsu dishes such as their popular Mille Feuille Truffle Katsu (S$26++) which has a massive cult following.

333A Orchard Road
#02-35/36
Mandarin Gallery
Singapore 238897
Mon to Fri: 11am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 10pm
Nearest station: Somerset

TungLok Seafood

TungLok Seafood is a concept created by the reputable TungLok Group who has made quite a name for themselves amongst locals with their exceptionally fresh Singapore-style seafood delicacies.

Known not only for their excellent service and quality seafood, you can expect a satisfying dining experience at this award-winning establishment. Enjoy a scrumptious meal with hot favourites such as the Spicy Curry Laksa Crab with Thick Rice Vermicelli (S$65++/kg), Deep-Fried Prawns with Salted Egg Yolk (S$24++/300gm), Mee Goreng (S$18++/small) and the best-selling TungLok Chilli Crab (S$65++/kg).

181 Orchard Road
#11-05
Orchard Central
Singapore 238896
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 3pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Sun and Public Holidays: 10am – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest station: Somerset

Walking on Sunshine Cafe

As a multi-concept store, Walking on Sunshine provides not only beauty services but also a dining experience with their instagrammable garden-themed cafe. With a comprehensive menu full of Korean-Western fusion dishes, Walking on Sunshine’s cafe offers a variety of Western items that have been reinvented in taste with a Korean twist.

In addition to offering an all-day brunch with dishes such as the Crab & Kimchi Pancake (S$20.50), the cafe also has main signature items which include their Coal Roasted Chicken with Miso Pesto (S$23.50), Korean-style Fried Chicken with Yangnyeom Sauce (S$23.50) and the Iberico Pork Jowl (S$22.50).

If you’re looking to end your meal on a sweet note, you’ll love the cafe’s Signature Souffle Pancake (S$20.50) that’s served with freshly cut fruits, granola and a generous dollop of sweet cream!

181 Orchard Road
#03-07
Orchard Central
Singapore 238896
Mon to Sun: 10am – 10pm
Nearest station: Somerset