We’re all for unique café concepts in Singapore, and this new café in Telok Ayer is definitely on our radar for its one-of-a-kind tatami-inspired experience. Nibbies is the latest addition to the café scene, and they’re said to be the first-ever in Singapore with a unique floor dining experience inspired by the traditional Japanese tatami style.
Located on the second floor of a shophouse, Nibbies occupies a pretty large space and maintains some of the original features of the shophouse, like the wood-framed windows that let in plenty of natural light during the day.
The best part of the café’s interior is probably the “tatami-style” seating area, with low-set tables and chairs placed on an elevated platform, so you can actually sit on the floor as you dine. We’ve never seen this kind of floor seating arrangement in a Singapore café before, and it definitely adds to the relaxing vibe of the place, making it feel like we’re just hanging out at home.
Tamago Sando, $9
Gyukatsu Sando, $18
Tater Tots, $10
Parfait, $9
The Japanese-inspired food items at Nibbies are also kept pretty affordable, starting from $4 nett each, with no GST or service charge. They’ve got sando options like Tamago Sando ($9), Gyukatsu Sando ($18), Shibuya Toast ($12) and more; plus desserts like Overnight Oats ($7), Parfait ($9) and Cheesecake ($8.50). Food wise, the offerings aren’t the most unique, and definitely could be improved in terms of creativity and presentation. The Tamago Sando ($9) is a good ol’ classic, generously stuffed with egg mayo filling and sandwiched between soft milk bread. The Gyukatsu Sando ($18), however, was quite dry, and could probably do with the addition of a sauce—definitely dig into this while it’s hot.
Ube Matcha, $8.50
Matcha Pistachio, $7
Sōvu Blue, $8
They’ve also got a variety of specialty and matcha drinks if you’re a matcha fan. There’s Ube Matcha ($8.50), with the addition of vibrant purple sweet potato powder, though the sweet potato flavour was pretty subtle and could’ve been more pronounced. Pistachio fans will probably enjoy the Matcha Pistachio ($7), that’s much sweeter thanks to the addition of pistachio paste.
Nibbies also makes for a great hangout spot, especially with their games corner where you can play various board games, card games and action games for free when you come and dine at the café. For the artsy folks, they’ve even got a crafts corner offering affordable arts & crafts workshops from just $15. You can make your own DIY shaker display from $15 and pick unlimited charms from the charm “buffet” selection, or make your own custom furry Puppy from $15 by dressing it up with various accessories and ribbons.
While the food at Nibbies was a little underwhelming compared to other café fare in Singapore, you still get a pretty hearty brunch, especially for the pocket-friendly price point. The café is still in its soft launch stage, and we’re told that the menu is being revamped and improved. The vibe and interior of Nibbies is pretty unique, and still relatively quiet for now—we can definitely see ourselves coming back if we’re looking for a chill hangout spot.
Taste: 6/10
Price: $; ~$10 each
Would we come back: Yes, for the cosy vibes & to hang out with friends!
Nibbies
Address: 181A Telok Ayer St, Singapore 068629
Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8.30am-10pm; Friday, 8.30am-11.30pm; Saturday 11am-11.30pm; Sunday, 11am-10pm
