Always hanging around the City Hall area? You should have chanced upon the Japanese-inspired Waga Waga Den by now.
From the founders behind yakiniku specialists Black Cow and Shatoburian comes this sleek and sophisticated (peep the monochrome hues) glasshouse cafe concept in South Beach.
The word “waga” stands for wagyu beef and wagashi (Japanese sweets), while “den” in Japanese means house, haunt, or hangout. Waga Waga Den thus aims to be a “happy place for delicious bites crafted with intention, and your favourite coffee made with care”.
If you’re familiar with the now-defunct Omotesando Coffee, Waga Waga Den offers a very similar offering — an IG-worthy Cloud Iced Cappuccino (S$8). It’s topped with a layer of milk foam bubbles and cocoa powder, with chocolatey notes that can be attributed to single-origin beans from Brazil and Guatemala.
Another espresso-based beverage, the Bottled Cold Brew (S$7) is bottled in batches based on availability. Stocks are very limited, so don’t hesitate to snag one for yourself.
As for the non-coffee options, the Matcha Latte (S$8) is not to be slept on — it’s prepared using single-origin, single-estate, and single-cultivar tea leaves cultivated in Uji, Kyoto.
The food menu here is driven by a minimal-waste philosophy inspired by the Japanese term “mottainai” (or “wasteful), featuring “less than good ingredients” from their sister restaurants.
Expect seasonal baked goods like the Ham & Cheese Croissant, Scrambled Egg & Chive Brioche Bun, and Lemon Curd Cruffin, perfect for a midday pick-me-up.
Savoury items include the likes of the signature Wagyu Beef Sandwich (S$15), Garlic Sage Butter Brioche (S$6), and the Kurobuta Pork Sandwich (S$12).
Be sure to keep an eye out for seasonal specials like the Egg Salad Brioche and Wagyu Korokke Brioche. Corn, carrot, and minced wagyu croquette with onion tartare on toasted butter brioche — what’s not to like?
But if you’re here for sweets, go for the pillowy Warabi Mochi (S$8), that’s tossed in kinako powder and drizzled with kuromitsu. Alternatively, the Azuki Butter Brioche (S$5), charcoal brioche stuffed with tsubuan (chunky red bean) and echiré (Deux-Sèvres) salted butter, is another unique and aesthetically pleasing treat.
Just one visit is all it takes — you may very well start going gaga for Waga!
Waga Waga Den
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???? 38 Beach Rd, #01-14 South Beach Tower, Singapore 189767
???? 8.30am–3.30pm (Tue to Fri), 9.30am–4.30pm (Sat), Closed on Sun & Mon
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I'm always feelin' either boozy or boujee ✨????