If you love katsu sandos, you'll probably have heard of Cafe Natsu, a Japanese-inspired cafe housed in a 1920s Peranakan heritage building in Joo Chiat. Admittedly, there's no shortage of cafes in the neighbourhood, but what sets Cafe Natsu apart from its counterparts is its emphasis on Japanese flavours in its dishes.
The cafe's Japanese influences are now more overtly referenced in their new menu, which was recently overhauled in June. Fans of their katsu sandos need not fear – their signature katsu sando remains on the menu, although the wagyu sando has been replaced with a succulent and tender pork katsu sando ($26). Gone, however, are classic brunch staples like their eggs benedict (which can still be found at the Orchard outlet). Instead, expect more traditionally Japanese mains like cold somen ($16), a teishoku set (seasonal fish served with chestnut mushroom rice and other side dishes, $32), and a wagyu hamburg bowl set (a juicy wagyu beef patty, topped with a soft-boiledegg, served atop a bed of chestnut mushroom rice and various side dishes, $36).
Small plates include crispy karaage ($14) and imo mochi (soy glazed potato mochi, $12), while sides comprise classics like togarashi fries ($8) and a silky-smooth chawanmushi studded with clams and topped with ikura ($8). Make sure to save some stomach for dessert, which shouldn’t be missed. New highlights include a striking and photogenic Uji matcha kakigori ($14) – served, rather unusually, with a small pitcher of gula melaka and a dollop of coconut foam – and zenzai ($12) a warm azuki bean soup with pillowy and bouncy mochi balls. Mochi lovers will be glad to know that the cafe’s popular mochi doughnuts ($12), paired with salted hokkaido milk ice cream, have remained on the menu.
The drinks menu similarly features Japanese inflections; though you can certainly get a great coffee (from the neighbouring Kohi Roastery) or tea, you can also order matcha or hojicha lattes, and refreshing spritzes, which come in flavours like yuzu and ginger umeboshi. Their house brewed kombucha is also infused with Japanese flavours – at the time of our visit, the seasonal flavour being offered was strawberry umeboshi. If you’re leaning towards something that’s more boozy but still Japanese inspired, you can order a glass of yuzu prosecco or umeboshi champagne. Not feeling so adventurous? You can still order a regular glass of wine, although the wine list is rather concise (it is a cafe, after all).