Katasumi Koohii Review: Hidden Minimalist Cafe For IG-Worthy Desserts In A Bookshop
Katasumi Koohii – a cafe hidden by a bookstore If your idea of happiness involves a quiet morning with cake, coffee, and a book, Katasumi Koohii might just be your cup of tea. Resting at the back of Grassroots Book Room, a Chinese bookstore, the quaint little cafe is hidden in plain sight.
It is snug like a studio apartment, but full of #feels – delighting our senses with a wonderful baked goods scent, minimalist ambience, and chill vibes. It might sound like a baller move, but we got all of the cakes on the menu.
The selection of desserts here varies weekly, but the Salted Caramel Roll Cake ($7) is a signature and stays permanently on their menu. Salted caramel sauce was drizzled on top, followed by a dollop of cream that looked like a fluffy cloud. The cloud of whipped cream was so adorable I could not wait to tuck in.
My dessert fork sank past the soft cake, and into the generous cream centre. I love my cakes with more cream than sponge, and the ratio for this roll cake was on point. Per to Caramel is already delicious on its own, but the presence of salt, intrigue and complexity to each bite.
Both the cream cloud and filling were smooth, buttery, and intensely milky, making the Salted Caramel Roll Cake a perfect after-dinner indulgence. The second cake on the menu was Chocolate Chiffon with Banana ($8) .
The texture of the chiffon cake was dreamy and light, whereas the taste of cocoa was pleasantly strong. It went well with the bananas and cream, reminding me of a banana split – but in the form of a cake.
That being told reporters, neither the size of the cake nor the taste justified the $8 paid. Like how salt complemented the caramel sauce in the Salted Caramel Roll Cake, the sugar here beautifully balanced out the the bitter taste of coffee in this latte.
Ambience at Katasumi Koohii The ambience would probably be the main reason why I would head down for a second visit. Exuding the same air as cafes featured in Kinfolk magazine, Katasumi Koohii seems to be all about quiet coffee breaks and homely pleasures.
It felt like time slowed down as I delved myself into the music and clinks and clanks of the cafe. The ambience paired perfectly with the minimalist cakes and simple beverages.
The verdict Katasumi Koohii is on my list of places to head to when I want to have some quality “me” time. If you are looking for more cafes in Singapore to chill at, check out our review on Pluseighttwo , a minimalist cafe selling Korean desserts like bingsu.
- Who: Katasumi Koohii · Salted Caramel Roll Cake · Grassroots Book Room
- Money: $7 · $8 · $6.50
