Tanjong Pagar is teeming with coffee houses, but for a midday break that’s a little more special, head to Corner Corner. This new coffee concept breathes fresh life (and light) into the vinyl-clad space that is RPM by Dbespoke – a moody Japanese speakeasy-style cocktail bar by night. For an hour at most, you can immerse yourself in curated tunes handpicked daily by the team while savouring the slow art of drip coffee.
The space is charming from the get-go, reminiscent of Japan’s iconic jazz kissaten (listening cafés). It’s got all the right trimmings: a sweeping counter backed by ceiling-high shelves stacked with vinyls, vintage furniture, and a faint, nostalgic scent of old wood in the air.
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And then there’s the menu, chock full of classic kissaten desserts, specialty coffee (from $8), tea (from $8), and indulgent cream soda floats ($8). Corner Corner’s hand-brewed selection features seasonal, fruit-forward coffee with complex flavours. We had the Benti Halo #3 ($8) from Ethiopia – a light, well-balanced brew with notes of blueberry, lavender, and earl grey. Or, check in with the friendly team for their Brewer’s Choice of the day (market price).
Tea lovers have a few interesting options. The low-caffeine kukicha (Japanese twig tea, $8) offers a grassy, nutty, and slightly umami taste, though it’s not particularly standout. For something more distinctive, go for the Awa Bancha cold brew ($9) – a rare tea from Tokushima in Shikoku with a bright, fruity character. And for a true retro moment, order the melon cream float ($8), complete with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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Desserts (a collaboration with local patisserie Pantler) are limited to three options – caramel pudding, nama cream roll cake ($8 each), and a chocolate gateau with whipped cream ($11). While delicious, they’re on the pricier side, given their portion sizes.
Standard café rules apply – each guest must order at least one item, and there’s a one-hour dining limit. And while this is a listening café, there’s no option to request songs. Still, you’re in good hands with a daily rotation of everything from Japanese synth-pop and bossa nova to exotica and city pop classics.
Corner Corner is open daily at RPM by Dbespoke, 16 Duxton Road, Singapore 089482.
Find out more about Corner Corner here.
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