Hey, Faithfuls! I have been going crazy with cafes recently, and I've been trying to visit all the new cafes that have been sprouting up. My most recent find is Nibbies Cafe, which is nestled on the second floor of a Telok Ayer shophouse.

Nibbies Cafe feels like you’ve stepped into a cosy Japanese living room, complete with Godzilla posters and an assortment of low chairs, bookshelves, and neutral tones. The space is bright, airy, and lined with large windows perfect for natural light (and people-watching).

This minimalist yet welcoming vibe makes Nibbies a hidden gem for relaxing and unwinding in the CBD.

If you'd like, you can even check out some of the cafe's cheeky Japanese magazines!

While coffee and toast are the cafe's staples, Nibbies has expanded its menu to include hearty Japanese-inspired mains.

Starting with light bites, they have Tater Tots (S$8). These crispy bites come with a generous dusting of furikake, paprika, and seaweed and are served with a side of maple syrup for a hint of sweetness. Add mentaiko and tobiko for S$3, which I highly recommend—it elevates the dish with an umami richness.

Also known as Japanese chilled tofu, this Hiyayakko (S$6) is delicate and refreshing. The silken tofu is topped with seafood and tomatoes, with a drizzle of ponzu sauce that brings a light citrus zing to every bite.

If you’re a fan of natto, you’ll appreciate their Natto With Rice (S$10). The rice is topped with gooey natto, egg yolk, and a sprinkle of furikake and seaweed and served with their signature sauce. Mixed together, it’s a savoury, slightly funky bite for the adventurous palate!

My fave dish at Nibbies Cafe was the Curry Don With Hamburg Steak (S$18). The Japanese-style curry is rich and comforting, with chunks of potato, carrot, and onion that melt into the steamy rice topped with a sprinkling of furikake. The star is the hamburg steak—a juicy, tender patty with a slightly smashed texture, adding to its rustic appeal.

I did enjoy the Egg In A Basket Toast Set (S$12) too. Served with your choice of black or white coffee, this dish is perfect for a simple, filling breakfast or light lunch. The egg sits within the toast, and cutting into it reveals a satisfying flow of yolk, which soaks beautifully into the bread.

Moving on to drinks, we had the Matcha Pistachio (S$6.50) and Ube Matcha (S$8.50). The Matcha Pistachio is best enjoyed hot, where it is smooth and rich, topped with earthy matcha balanced by nutty crushed pistachios. The creamy texture and toasty flavour make it the perfect matcha experience for colder days.

If you love purple yam, you may enjoy the Ube Matcha (S$8.50) more than I did. Mine was an iced drink featuring a swirl of earthy matcha and a subtly sweet tube, giving it a thicker, creamier texture with a touch of sweetness.

What I like about Nibbies Cafe is that it's a relatively quiet oasis in the busy CBD. Spacious, with a relaxed vibe, it’s ideal for solo meals, meet-ups with friends, or unwinding with a coffee by the window. Plus, with seasonal specials (I’ve got my eye on the upcoming Strawberry Matcha) and a peaceful weekend atmosphere, there’s plenty to look forward to at Nibbies Cafe!

Address: 81A Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068629  

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am to 6:30pm, Sat-Sun 9am to 9pm  

Telephone: +65 8281 6324