A Japanese-inspired cafe run by a husband and wife duo has popped up along Kampong Bahru Road. One foot in, the kissaten-like space feels rustic yet homely with its wooden and rattan textured furniture and vintage leather armchairs. At the back is a loft area that can accommodate larger groups. And the menu follows the Japanese theme closely with a series of Japanese-inspired pasta, rice bowls, desserts, and a range of coffee and tea.
The affable couple knows that classic Japanese fare usually leans towards lighter and cleaner flavours, but to please the heavier local palate, they seek to present fusion twists. They share that they’ve travelled to Japan and even picked the brains of local chefs regarding their recipes before venturing into opening Onne.
The signature miso carbonara ($21) arrives al dente with even coats of savoury-sweet sauce on each strand. The moreish plate is also adorned with cubes of pan-fried pork jowl and pops of ikura. Another signature pasta is the charred hotate fettuccine aglio olio featuring three different types of tobiko ($22). Definitely order a side of mentaiko tamago ($7), where each bite is delightfully fluffy and smoky.
In the desserts section are “crispy on the outside, soft on the inside” mochi waffles ($9) that feature both matcha and dirty charcoal flavours. There is also a well-liked matcha-misu ($7), which is essentially a matcha-dosed tiramisu. But in the end, the simple warabi mochi stole our hearts the most. The glutinous rice snack is both soft and chewy, topped with toasty kinako (roasted soybean powder) and a side of sweet Japanese molasses.
