Cata Coffee – a stylish coffee bar in Joo Chiat

The Joo Chiat neighbourhood is a vibrant hub for hip and stlylish cafes. Cata Coffee at Joo Chiat Place is perhaps one of the most interesting. Founded originally as an independent online roastery in 2016 by a local couple, Han and Marian, the brand transitioned to a brick-and-mortar venue to showcase its sourcing philosophy directly to consumers. It operates primarily as a standing coffee bar.

Cata Coffee in Joo Chiat

Located along a traditional shophouse row, the exterior presents a modest white facade marked by a teal square sign. Potted tropical foliage flank the open entranceway.

Inside, the space is long and narrow. The coffee bar sits in the centre. Available space remains heavily constrained, accommodating very few physical seats. There is a narrow metal standing counter for patrons to rest their coffee and small bites while standing. The interior design also incorporates integrated wall-mounted panels that function as bum rests, encouraging patrons to lean while standing.

The interior design features extensive use of textured woodwork and warm, indirect lighting. Overhead, structural timber beams run across the ceiling, interspersed with multi-colored translucent acrylic sheets.

At the rear, a glass partition exposes the dedicated roasting facility, emphasizing the technical focus of the brand.

Menu Highlights

The beverage selection highlights single-origin options with a weekly rotation of beans, sourced with an emphasis on seasonality. The espresso program separates choices clearly into “Black” and “White” categories. Filter coffee selections vary by seasonal harvest, utilizing precise manual brewing techniques.

For food, the establishment partners with Saga Bakeshop to supply fresh savoury and sweet items daily. The compact lineup includes quiches, sourdough focaccia, stuffed brioche buns, and layered teacakes displayed in a glass case on the bar counter.

Recently, Cata has added Toasts and Hot Sanwiches to their food line up.

Food We Tried

Egg & Bacon Brioche

The Egg & Bacon Brioche ($8.50) was a delightful savoury bake.. The circular, laminated brioche base had a distinctly buttery flavour with crisp, flaky pastry layers. The whole baked egg at the centre that provided a luxurious creamy contrast to the other elements. The bacon strips, which curved upward to form an elegant crown, were crisp and flavourful. There was a harmonious balance that made the pastry interesting and satisfying.

BELT Sandwich ($15)

This generously sized BELT Sandwich ($15) impressed with its quality ingredients and overall taste. The heavily seeded artisanal buns offered a firm texture and had an inviting toasted sesame fragrance. The layered filling, comprising crisp bacon, fried egg, lettuce, and fresh tomato slices, delivered a refreshing crunch with great flavours. Each component remained distinct and well-defined, offering a satisfying textural contrast. Overall a very satisfying sandwich.

Black Sesame Marble Cake

The sliced Black Sesame Marble Cake presented a striking visual contrast. The cake retained sufficient moisture, preventing any dryness. The black sesame imparted a distinctive nuttiness that enhanced the flavour profile of the marble cake. It paired well with coffee.

Hot and Cold Coffee

The coffee, prepared with Colombian beans, was smooth and balanced, with subtle sweetness and a delicate citrus acidity. Both the hot and cold versions were very good and enjoyable.

Cata features a weekly rotation of coffees. Each week, patrons will have a chance to try something different from a curated selection of beans sourced from producers around the world.

Overall Impression

Cata Coffee delivered impressive high-quality roasting standards alongside delectable bakes and savoury bites within a distinctive, stylish space. The counter staff provided warm, friendly service throughout our visit. However, the physical environment presented clear trade-offs. The standing bar format, coupled with only a few low, small tables, meant that the venue would not be ideal for relaxed lounging or comfortable dining. We would recommend it for specialty coffee enthusiasts and those seeking excellent takeaway options or a brief, standing caffeine fix.

Ratings:
Food: 4
Service: 4
Value: 3
Atmosphere: 4
Overall Rating: 4 TOPs 

Cata Coffee
56 Joo Chiat Place
Singapore 427780

Opening Hours:
Thu – Mon: 8am – 4pm
Tue – Wed: Closed

Website