Matcha & Mochi: The Soul of Cafe Usagi
If your dessert cravings lean toward pillowy mochi and earthy matcha instead of over-the-top sugar bombs, Cafe Usagi TOKYO at 111 Somerset might be your kind of reset button. Tucked on the ground floor (#01-42) just steps from Somerset MRT , this compact cafe brings a distinctly Tokyo sensibility to Orchard. Think handcrafted mochi ice cream, chewy mochi waffles, daifuku and dorayaki, all anchored by Uji matcha drinks. It's bright, minimalist, wood-toned, the kind of calm corner you slip into between shopping rounds when you need a cool-down that isn't just air-con.
Why People Keep Coming Back
To be honest, Usagi's real hook is texture. The mochi ice cream uses a thin, supple skin that gives way instantly, no icy core, no overly sweet finish. Flavors rotate, but you'll usually spot Uji Matcha, Hokkaido Milk, Chocolate, and seasonal picks like Lavender Hojicha or even Durian. Fruit flavors pop up too, which makes it easy to build contrast if you're sharing.
Then there's the mochi waffle. Crisp along the edges, satisfyingly chewy in the centre, and sturdy enough to hold a scoop (or two). It's that chewy–crisp bite that makes you pause mid-conversation. If portability matters, daifuku and dorayaki offer classic snackable formats, neat, photogenic, and easy to bring along.
A First-Timer Game Plan
If it's your first visit, build something balanced rather than ordering randomly. Start with the Matcha Mochi Ice Cream to benchmark the matcha intensity and creaminess. Then add a mochi waffle with a sea-salt or chocolate scoop for that sweet–salty contrast and signature chew. End with a seasonal fruit daifuku, strawberry when it's in season is always a safe bet so you finish on a brighter, fresher note. Sharing works well here. Two people can barely split one waffle, two scoops, and one mochi item without spiraling into a sugar slump. Portions are moderate, and flavors are layered rather than loud.
The Space & What to Expect
The 111 Somerset outlet is compact and aesthetic more “quick catch-up” than “three-hour café hang.” Counter service keeps things moving, and while peak dessert hours can bring a short queue, turnover is fairly brisk. It's easy to pop in via the MRT link bridge, refuel, and be out in under half an hour. It's not the place for a long laptop session. It's the place for a short, satisfying sweet fix.
Practical Notes Before You Go
The address is 111 Somerset Road, #01-42, Singapore 238164. Post-lunch and mid-afternoon tend to be calmer; evenings get livelier but are still manageable. The menu contains no pork or lard, and Uji matcha is very much the star ingredient. Flavors change with seasonal drops, so checking their Instagram before heading down is truly useful.
Turn It Into a Somerset Dessert Loop
If you're already in the area, you can stretch it into a mini crawl. Go full fluff-stack mode at Pancakes & Friends before circling back to Usagi for something chewy to finish.
Final Take
Cafe Usagi TOKYO is all about texture, chewy waffles, silky matcha, pillowy mochi and that's exactly why it works. It doesn't try to overwhelm you; it just does its niche very well. My usual order? Matcha Mochi Ice Cream, a mochi waffle with a sea-salt scoop, and a seasonal fruit daifuku to wrap it up. Simple, balanced, and very Somerset-convenient.
By: Samuel Lim