Food Review: Okada Coffee & Sweets
Located in the cluster of shophouses in Joo Chiat, one would not expect to find an outlet of the renowned Okada Coffee chain of cafés from Kumamoto, Japan.
Okada Coffee & Sweets (credit: TripAdvisor)
Yes! If you did not already know, there is a franchise of Okada Coffee & Sweets operating in Singapore!
Okada Chain
The Okada chain is famous for their Japanese-style drip coffee – several house blends of which are made available from beans sourced from around the world – as well as confectionery. Their cafe in Joo Chiat serves main courses in addition to their selection of coffees, teas, and desserts.
Japanese-Style Drip Coffee
Okada’s Japanese-style drip coffee is undoubtedly the café’s signature.
“Aromatic, smooth, and with a lingering aftertaste…”
Alfred, the café’s director, shared with us the characteristics of his Japanese-style drip coffee while personally making the batch we tasted, emphasising that its preparation should be akin to the intricacy one experiences in the Japanese tea ceremony.
We had the privilege to taste two of Okada’s house blends: the classic Okada Blend and the uniquely-Singaporean East Coast Blend.
The Okada Blend has a stronger aroma and after-taste. This is the original blend of 7 varieties which Okada has served in its Japanese cafés since 1945. Unquestionably, it is both unique in flavour and for its smoothness. We recommend this blend for Singaporeans who are more accustomed to the bitter and thick variant of coffee we relish from the local Kopitiams.
However, non-Coffee fans or those planning to reduce their caffeine intake would appreciate the uniqueness of the East Coast Blend. This blend is much lighter, slightly more acidic, and is perfect for those who do not wish to be too overwhelmed by the taste of coffee. Not to worry though: this does not compromise its aromatic experience.
Customers have the option of adding brown sugar from Okinawa should they prefer the bittersweet experience. They can also choose to add-on a specially blended buttery fresh cream that’s made in-house. We were pleasantly surprised that a smattering of sugar and cream enhanced the flavour of our coffee without overwhelming its original flavours!
Confectionery
1. Miso Cupcake ($3.50)
The Miso Cupcake was the star of the show. Light and fluffy, the cupcake’s sponge was not the only delight we were presented with – its base was layered with mildly sweet miso crust. These two elements were harmonised into an surprisingly elegant dessert which accompanied our coffee well.
2. Signature Coffee Jelly ($5.50)
For coffee lovers, Okada’s Signature Coffee Jelly is an item not to be missed. Unique for its slight bitterness, the Jelly is accompanied with a scoop of sweet and creamy vanilla ice cream. The resultant combination is neither overly sweet nor bitter, making it an enjoyable treat for a hot afternoon.
3. Dense Chocolate Cake ($7)
As its name suggests, a slice of Dense Chocolate Cake would allow one to savour the richness of or chocolatey content in a bite, certain to impress those with a sweet tooth. It is recommended to consume this densely-packed brownie alongside a cup of Okada’s Kyoto Yuzu Uji Matcha – the usual Kyoto Uji Matcha would be equally perfect.
Mains
Those craving for a full meal would be pleased to learn that Okada offers meals too.
We were pretty impressed with the Saikyo Saba set ($10), which serves one portion of grilled Saba (Mackerel) which has been marinated with Saikyo miso. This is not your usual miso paste. Mildly salty and sweet tasting, Saikyo miso originates in Kyoto and is used in numerous Kyoto-styled cuisine. It is also noteworthy that the dish is served with black rice, whose nutritional benefits are said to exceed even that of brown rice. The Okada homemade 5 colours pickles are served as a side dish which helps to bring some refreshing acidity into the meal.
For those who love Japanese curry-rice, dining at Okada also presents one with the opportunity to try their Chicken Curry Baked Rice Set ($16). Unlike your typical Japanese curry rice, Okada’s curry recipe is mixed with local Indian spices, making it a unique menu item. Singaporeans might find this fusion dish more suited to their palate. This set includes free-flow jasmine green tea, and an ice candy from Japan.
Other items we tried!
Discounts and Access
NTU JAC members can enjoy 10% weekdays dining (dine-in only), as well as Special Coffee/Tea set ($6) comprising a cup of coffee or tea paired with Matcha Warabi Mochi on weekdays (dine-in only). Please bring your NTU JAC membership card to enjoy this discount.
Okada Coffee & Sweets is easily accessible from Dakota Station via a bus ride and short walk amounting to 12 mins (route with least walking distance). Alternative bus and walking routes are available from Paya Lebar and Eunos Stations.
Address
153 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427431
Website
Opening Hours
Tues - Fri, Sun: 10am - 5pm
Sat: 10am - 9pm