Kurasu Singapore Review: Long-Queue Bugis Cafe With Quality Coffee From Kyoto

Kurasu Singapore is a minimalist Kyoto cafe in Bugis

If you’ve spent time in the Bugis cafe scene, chances are you’ve already heard of—or even queued for—Kurasu Singapore. Some cafes I’ve visited once for the ‘gram and never returned to, but Kurasu is not one of them. I’ve been a regular for the past three years, dropping by at least once a month for their rotating seasonal blends.

For the uninitiated, Kurasu hails from Kyoto, Japan, and serves the same lineup of coffee as its Japan outlets, sourcing from speciality roasters around the world. If the name rings a bell for another reason, it might be because the team is also behind 2050 Coffee at Beach Road—the viral futuristic cafe with matcha and coffee on tap.

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Drinks at Kurasu Singapore

On our visit to Kurasu, we tried three drinks: Iced Cold Brew ($5.50), Hot White ($6.50), and Iced Matcha Latte ($7.50).

Kurasu’s cold brew uses their Haru Kochi blend, a medium roast that pulls from three origins— Colombia, Rwanda, and Ethiopia—using both washed and natural processing methods.

On the first sip, the red apple aroma hit immediately. The coffee tasted bright and fruity, with hints of Delaware grape and nutty cashew notes. It also had a delightful, caramel-like finish with a lingering sweetness. At $5.50, I found this to be a solid, easy-drinking cup of coffee. 

For the white, we went with their FAF Medium Roast, featuring single-origin Brazil coffee that’s naturally processed. The first thing I noticed was the latte’s sweetness, rich with a pleasant fruitiness that became more pronounced as the drink cooled. Plum candy and orange notes came through clearly, with a clean acidity that kept the drink from feeling heavy.

I also liked how the milk was smooth and well-steamed, complementing the espresso without overshadowing it. Overall, Kurasu’s hot white made for an easy, everyday cup.

As a matcha girlie, I thoroughly enjoyed Kurasu’s matcha latte, made with ceremonial-grade matcha sourced from Kyoto. If you wish to enjoy the matcha in its purest form, go for the Ceremonial Matcha (from $8.50) instead, served as an usucha—a traditional bowl of matcha whisked with water, served without milk.

The latte leaned on the sweeter and milkier side, with a muted bitterness. Those who prefer a grassier, more umami-forward matcha may find Kurau’s version too mild, but if you’re new to matcha, this is a good place to start. Fans of 2050 Coffee may also recognise this blend, as it’s the same matcha used in their on-tap concept. 

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Ambience at Kurasu Singapore

Part of what keeps me coming back to Kurasu is the space itself. The cafe is anchored by warm yellow lighting, with seating to suit every mood—counter seats right at the bar if you’re up for a chat, small tables by the entrance for solo visits, and cosy nooks tucked away for couples who want more privacy.

The cafe fills up fast on weekends, with waiting times of up to 30 minutes for a seat. After a few too many weekend visits, I’ve learned to make peace with taking my coffee to go.

Kurasu is a three-minute walk from Bras Basah MRT Station and a five-minute walk from Bencoolen MRT Station.

Kurasu Singapore – Eatbook review

I’ve never left Kurasu disappointed. Whether you’re a seasoned coffee drinker who geeks out over seasonal blends or someone who just wants a reliable, well-made cup, there’s always something here for you. Cafes in Singapore do come and go, but I’m glad to have one that I keep coming back to. 

For more good coffee nearby, check out Narrative Coffee Stand, just a short walk away at Bras Basah Complex. If you’re more of a traditional kopi person, we’ve got you covered with our best kopi guide, too. 

Address: 261 Waterloo Street, #01-24, Singapore 180261
Opening hours: Daily 10am to 6pm
Website
Kurasu is not halal-certified.

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Photos taken by Nivian Chiang.
This is an independent review by Eatbook.sg.