When you talk about one of the best coffee shops in Singapore, Kurasu should be a shoo-in with its stringent roasting practices, aromatic coffee, and minimalist lifestyle approach.
It has attracted quite a good following among artisanal coffee lovers in Singapore, despite being quite well-hidden in its previous location at Odeon Towers.
So yes, it has moved from Odeon Towers to nearby 261 Waterloo Street. People are showing their love quite immediately, so much so that during Day 1 of operations, its new space at Waterloo was already considered moderately packed.
While the new Kurasu is of walking distance from Bugis+ and Albert Food Centre, navigating to the café with construction works going around this HDB block may be tricky for first timers.
Kurasu, which means “to live” or “lifestyle” in Japanese, started off as a Japanese homeware store in Australia.
Upon walking into the new outlet, you get that simple-homely and Japanese-style minimalist (better if it is not so crowded and thus echoey), with a coffee table to witness the hand pour process, and several sofa seats for a cozy feel.
The menu is entirely coffee (with no food options) as Kurasu seeks to stay true to its passion for coffee.
Offerings include Black ($5, $6 for iced), White ($6, $7 for iced), Single Origin Hand Drip Coffee ($7) and Single Origin Cold Brew ($5). (Prices have gone up from when we first wrote about them.)
The coffee beans used is roasted in their Fushimi Inari roastery at Kyoto, with the freshly roasted beans shipped over weekly (on a express package which reaches in 2 days).
Using a blend of Brazil and Guatemala, the Flat White I had ($5) was smooth, full-bodied with a nutty and chocolatey tone.
While sometimes I find some other latte in Singapore on the acidic side, Kurasu’s take was quite well-balanced.
For non-coffee drinks, available are Matcha Latte ($6.50, $7.50 for iced), Matcha Latte Espresso ($7.50) and Hojicha Latte ($6.50, $7.50 for iced).
The Matcha Latte was made using Morihan matcha powder from Kyoto – Morihan is one of well known, long established green tea shops over in Japan.
It was smooth, rich and milky, with distinct matcha notes while some may find this a tad on the sweet side.
Another popular drink is the Matcha Latte Espresso ($7.50, same price for hot and iced) otherwise known as “Dirty Matcha” is a combination of sweet matcha and latte – so there is a good balance of both.
Compared to the previous location, there are more corners for intimate conversations or a quiet time. Those who are in the know will take time to find this place.
Kurasu
261 Waterloo Street #01-24 Singapore, Singapore 180261
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 5:30pm (Mon – Sun)
Other Related Entries
Nylon Coffee Roasters (Everton Park)
Kings Cart Coffee Factory (Joo Chiat)
Daizu Café (Rangoon Road)
Coffee Plus (Queen’s Road)
Double Up Coffee (Jalan Klapa)
* Written by Nicholas Tan @stormscape and Daniel @DanielFoodDiary. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.