Say hello to Kada, a chic new hub at Maxwell that’s all about good vibes, trendy cafes, and wellness spaces.
We all know and love Chinatown and Tanjong Pagar for their array of eateries, cafes, and heritage attractions. In between these two popular districts, Maxwell is an up-and-coming ‘hood for hip hangouts. By now, it’s no secret that those rows of heritage shophouses play host to a smattering of viral cafes. But Kada – located right by Maxwell Food Centre – gives us a whole new reason to visit.
This trendy new lifestyle enclave welcomes cafe-hoppers, pilates girlies, gym-goers, and snap-happy visitors who are dropping by just for the vibes. Nostalgic and chic all at once, Kada evokes an understated coolness that’s unpretentious and inviting. Here’s everything we discovered when we dropped by for an afternoon of exploration…
Guide to Kada at Maxwell: Cafes, workout studios, and more
Best cafes and restaurants at Kada
Cafe-hoppers, you’ll be pleased to know that Kada has multiple options under one roof. Ground floor options include Echo House, which serves almond croissants alongside drinks like matcha and a delicious latte we loved. You can also head indoors for Kit & Kaboodle (#01-07), a bakery and cafe offering sandwiches, pastries, and sips. No seats here, but fret not as there are communal seats within the building.
A charming find that stole our hearts, Pacto by Parchmen (#01-10) is a cosy nook serving matcha lattes and coffee brews out of a window on the ground floor. Pop into Kada and you’ll find an entrance to Pacto by Parchmen on the second level. The space is small, but the inviting owner will gladly welcome you to take a seat on the only bench inside. A compact shelf also stocks coffees and teas for your at-home brews.
He tells us that many of the cafe’s recent customers are from the CBD crowd, and we can see why. With specialty pours like yuzu iced black and coconut matcha ‘cloudy’ priced at just $6, we’d pop by for a takeaway sip if we worked in the area too.
Locating a quiet cafe in Singapore is challenging, but Kyuukei Coffee (#01-04) might be your best bet (for now, before the crowds discover it). Kyuukei means ‘rest’ in Japanese, and fittingly, this cafe features a cosy minimal space ideal for spending a quiet arvo with a cuppa in hand. If you find the name familiar, you might have come across its outlet at Bukit Merah, which is known for its toasties and coffee.
For a laid-back hang, make your way to Alani (level 4), located on the rooftop. This breezy spot is the newest project by Proud Potato Peeler, a Levantine private dining restaurant – so you know the eats will be good. The menu spotlights creations that’ll satisfy any bread lover, like the signature open-fire sourdough, as well as bread and butter pudding.
Fans of a good tea, there’s one cafe you need to check out. By Kada’s entrance, step inside Origin Tea (#01-05A), a new tea store with Instagram-worthy alfresco seats, complete with parasols for weekend lounging.
If you’re craving Asian eats, D’Penyetz Heritage serves smashed kampong chicken, grilled gold pomfret fish, Indonesia oxtail soup and more. For more eats, we’re also keeping an eye out for the new menus that Lavi Tapas Bar and Shou have to offer….
Fitness spaces for the self-care fans
Done exploring the cafes? Head up to the second floor for a workout or wellness sesh. Take the stairs for a photo op with its vibey blue hues, or step inside the electric elevator for a retro ride up. Once there, you’ll find Limitless (#02-05), a new boutique gym; as well as Satori Pilates (#02-02/03), which offers pilates classes, meditation sessions, and more.
There’s also a coliving space, Habyt, that takes up the third floor. Peep their rates if you’re keen to stay in this enclave!
Coffee, artisanal bakes, and fitness options, all under one roof? You bet we’ll be making a return visit. P.S. watch this space for new finds.
Kada, 5 Kadayanallur Street, Singapore 069183
