CAFFEINE RUN

Need a quick pick-me-up? Just pop over to these new hole-in-the-wall coffee or tea joints for a quality brew with zero fuss.

- SAMANTHA DAVID

KOHI ROASTERY & COFFEE BAR

"THE IDEA OF A COFFEE CORNER WITH DIRECT ACCESS (AND SERVICE) TO THE ALLEY IS REMINISCENT OF THE STREETS IN KYOTO, MELBOURNE, AND MANY CITIES IN EUROPE."

Housed in one of Joo Chiat’s heritage Peranakan shophouses, Kohi Roastery & Coffee Bar shares its home with Crane Living, a multipurpose outlet that functions as a work and retail space, as well as Cafe Natsu, a Japanese-inspired brunch spot.

Customers make their orders from a window facing an alleyway, framed by bright yellow paint and foliage growing around it. This concept was intentional, shares owner Dr Namthep Sachathep, who brought in the brand from Bangkok.

“The idea of a coffee corner with direct access (and service) to the alley is reminiscent of the streets in Kyoto, Melbourne, and many cities in Europe. This is the type of experience and culture we want to try and cultivate in Singapore,” he explains.

Kohi’s roasts are largely light to medium, with about 60 per cent of the beans hailing from Thailand, including the brand’s original roastery in Bangkok, as well as areas such as Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. First-time visitors can choose to start with the foolproof white coffee ($6). We also recommend the bar’s signature drinks: Kohito ($7), an iced mint black coffee with a dollop of milk, or the Espresso OJ ($7), which is – you guessed it – espresso with orange juice.

Prefer something noncaffeinated? There is the Dark Chocolate ($6.50) crafted with 72 per cent Vietnamese chocolate. This delicious treat is made in collaboration with Embrace, a local chocolatier also situated along Joo Chiat Road.