Hvala Kissa is a new go-to spot in Singapore to savour the full coffee experience with decaf coffee and sweet treats.
Hvala Group introduces its first curated coffee concept, Coffee without Curfew at Hvala Kissa, in Tanjong Pagar’s 100 AM mall. For many, coffee is usually a daytime affair – one sip too late and you’re up all night. But at Hvala Kissa, you can have it without limitation thanks to the decaffeinated options. I was immediately greeted by the aroma of coffee beans and the warm aesthetics of the cafe (think raw woody tones and Japandi style). It felt like a cosy spot for morning coffee, especially for the CBD crowd. Here’s my review of the decaffeinated drinks, along with other sweet treats. For more new coffee spots, read on for our monthly roundup of new cafes in Singapore.
Hvala Kissa Singapore review: Details at a glance
Best for: Coffee lovers who want to avoid caffeine later in the day
Must tries: Coffee pecan tart (decaf); dirty matcha pound cake; coffee jelly noodles with kuri cream (decaf); dirty matcha gelato (decaf)
Price: Coffee from $7.50; desserts from $8; gelato from $5.90
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 9pm; Saturday to Sunday, 10am to 9pm
Address: Hvala Kissa, #01-05, 100 Tras Street, 100 AM, Singapore 079027
What does Hvala Kissa offer?
We all know Hvala for matcha drinks and desserts, so I was a bit sceptical when I heard about the switch from tea to coffee. At the heart of Hvala Kissa is a mission to reframe how Singaporeans view decaffeinated coffee and prove that decaf can be satisfying and delicious. From what I know, decaf options are less popular in Singapore – they’re often seen as the less flavourful sibling of regular coffee.
However, what intrigued me was the variety of decaffeinated coffee here. Choose from local Singapore coffee beans to beans from Canada, Japan and Hong Kong. For immersion or filtered coffee, you can choose from three filters – Kyūsu, Nel Drip (cloth filter) and Origami (paper filter). Your pick depends on how smooth you want your coffee to be.
Kyūsu is an immersion method with a fuller body and more oils that result in a smoother and nicher mouthfeel with more fines, while Nel Drip is a percolation method with a velvety texture and fewer fines. Lastly, the Origami paper filter method is a percolation method that provides a brighter cup with less oil and no fines.
I went for the Castillo Finca El Paraiso decaf coffee, roasted by Urban Coffee Roasters from Hong Kong and brewed using the Nel Drip coffee filter. The cuppa was smooth and velvety, revealing delicate notes of peach, oolong and strawberry. It was just as dreamy and complex as the real deal.
The barista also let me in on a tiny secret: they use a smart coffee brewer to ensure perfectly consistent water temperature for filtered coffee. Watching the machine light up like a mini Disneyland roller coaster was cool!
Beyond the brew: Sweet treats worth every bite
While decaf is the star at Kissa, there’s also a selection of caffeinated beans gathered from different roasters, both local and overseas. The indulgence doesn’t just stop there, of course. No experience is complete without a sweet companion (or two).
What stood out to me was the coffee pecan tart ($10.90), featuring a buttery and nutty decaf coffee caramel filling paired with crunchy roasted pecans, making each bite irresistible. The coffee jelly noodles with kuri cream ($10.80) had a jiggly texture. It’s a dessert that’s as fun to eat as it is to look at. The dirty matcha pound cake ($4.80) impressed with its rich and dense texture infused with Hvala’s matcha powder and decaf coffee powder, which was the perfect balance of earthy and sweet.
Finally, I couldn’t resist trying one of the decaf gelato options, the dirty matcha ($5.90). It was mind-blowingly good; the matcha taste was very much in my face with a fragrant coffee aftertaste. I’d say it’s the perfect treat after a meal.
Whether you’re team decaf or team caffeine, Hvala Kissa is living proof that coffee can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Give this cosy space a try (there are seats for your one-to-one sessions or communal tables for your office squad) and say goodbye to coffee curfew.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hvala Kissa?
Hvala Kissa is a new coffee concept by the Hvala Group, best known for its matcha cafes. This outlet introduces “Coffee without Curfew” — a curated decaf-focused experience so you can sip your coffee any time of day without losing sleep.
Where is Hvala Kissa located?
You’ll find it at 100 AM, #01-05, 100 Tras Street, Singapore 079027.
What are Hvala Kissa’s opening hours?
Open Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 9pm, and Saturday to Sunday from 10am to 9pm.
What are the price ranges on the menu?
Coffee starts from $7.50, desserts from $8, and gelato from $5.90.
