Checked out the new Cafe Hachi that had very recently opened their doors at 35 North Canal Road — the matcha-centric cafe is located within same stretch as PUNCH which is located just a few units away. Hailing from Fukoka, Japan, this Singapore outpost is also their very first location that is situated outside of Japan. Unlike other matcha-centric spots that we are familiar with locally, the decor at Cafe Hachi does seem to be a little darker than what one would usually associate such places with — dimmer lighting agains concrete walls and furniture with a darker wooden accent, it is actually pretty easy to the eyes and sets a slightly more upscale vibe as compared to the other matcha-centric spots around. Serving up hot food aside from matcha-related desserts, think Cafe Hachi as an establishment closer to the style of Nana Green Tea rather than the likes of Hvala, Matchaya or even Tsukiji — the menu features both vegan and non-vegan mains, as well as vegan desserts and matcha-based desserts. The list of beverages here includes different types of Matcha — something which isn’t too surprising considering their focus here.

Having skimmed through the menu here, we went for the Mentai Pasta since there was quite a list of items that were unavailable during our visit. Being one of the most basic pasta dishes that is listed on their menu, the dish comprises of pasta, cod roe and butter. Based on the description directly quoted from the online menu, the spaghetti used here is said to be “made with aged noodles from Awaji Island” — did not feel much of a difference about the spaghetti here from usual ones; that being said, they were done al-dente, and we really loved how giving the entire dish a good toss brings all the elements together. That savouriness from the butter sauce with the briny notes of mentai — it is nothing short of flavoursome despite its rather plain aesthetic; simple but hearty.

Whilst Cafe Hachi does seem like a fairly promising establishment, it is important to set the expectations right — Cafe Hachi isn’t quite the spot to head to for those who bear expectations of it being an establishment meant for the true matcha lover; at least based on what we have ordered. In retrospect where establishments such as Hvala, 108 Matcha Saro and Matchaya may appeal more towards the matcha purist considering the intensity of their matcha and matcha-related items, Cafe Hachi seems to sit in the category of a matcha specialty shop-cum-Japanese Deli where they are more positioned towards the general market. Do also expect teething issues as well since they are fairly new — prices on their printed menu do not tally with the online menu (they go by the price on the online menu); the online menu also did not display the full range of hot food initially until the staff reset the system. Also of particular note is how the dessert counter does not seem to receive tickets for the hot food orders, so do expect wait staff to come by asking if mains would like to be ordered even though orders have been placed for hot food and dessert. Still, Cafe Hachi does seem like a spot good for a girl’s day out or even for brunch dates — hoping that the teething issues will sort out as they ease into their operations as time passes.