Kafe Utu

Since I was nearby, I decided to go over Utu for breakfast as I saw the high ratings in google. The cafe was beautifully decorated and stylish. The cafe was very empty at 9.30am with only a table occupied. I chose to sit at the bar. I ordered a flat white and their Utu breakfast. The poached eggs were ok - one was done right, the other was a bit overcooked. The pineapple salsa was good. The pork belly was nicely cooked and very tasty. I enjoyed the food and ambience. The cafe was full by the time i left. The staff were friendly. I would like to try their dinner in future. Worth to visit again!

First time visiting this place and we as adventurous eaters were really excited to try out the dishes here as the reviews online seemed to be pretty good. True enough, the food was impressive and we loved everything so much! The coffee is well roasted and special - the rim is coated with peanut and spice, an interesting combination. Appetiser was the sunset cauliflowers and it was good, well cooked and the addition of sunflower seeds was a brilliant idea. We also got Ugandan rolex - a staple in African cuisine and we really liked it too. The most memorable dish was the fiery peppered pork stew, another recommendation by the staff which kindly told us it can get pretty spicy, and we decided to take up the challenge. It was so good, so savory, and the spiciness kicks in slowly, but somehow just leaves you wanting for more. It was really well cooked and we loved every bit of it. Lastly, would like to compliment the staffs' great service. I was impressed by the attention to detail as the staff remembered to decorate the dessert with birthday note without reminders and it came off as a surprise successfully. Had a great time here and would definitely be back again :)

The interior has a welcoming and cultural influence, deformity very cozy and warm. We ordered their famous Goat Curry, but honestly the meat was cooked too tough, and the curry lacked the African touch, and it was slightly underseasoned. The accompanying coconut rice was fragrant and paired well with the spicy kick of the curry. We ordered Mayai Mombasa which is a perfectly smoked pork belly with flatbread. Honestly the flatbread was average, but overall the dish was executed quite well. $3/pax for water is a bit steep…it’s not like it’s bottle water anyway?

An African-theme restaurant cleverly-decorated n lited, coupled with d right music. d ambience is carefully done up. d murals on d wall really sets diners in d mood. Menu offers a selection of foods covering plantain, spices, stews n curries, meat (chicken, lamb, beef n pork) n veg dishes offering sth for everyone who dines in here. We ordered a goat curry, groundnut chicken, fried plantain (starter), snapper (starter) n dough with soft serve (dessert). IMO, groundnut chicken is a must-order. It's a unique dish. fried plantain is served with hot pineapple sauce n this sauce is a bomb - it's v smooth with a tint of spiciness at d end. Snapper starter resembles d local sambal. Soft serve flavour of d day is pistachio n it's sooo good! There's a long list of alcohols to choose fr but we only tried Tusker. Although there's seating upstairs, reservation is recommended. Restaurant opens for dinner @6 punctually when we visited. Toilet is installed with baby changing station. Card payment only. Thank u for d birthday song for both birthday boy n girl. Although they r both shy, they will remember :)))

Kafe utu is a stunning spot the decor is perfectly curated, warm, and full of African vibes. It really feels like a little escape into another culture. The Afrobeat music playing in the background added an authentic and relaxing touch. As for the food, it was good but nothing extraordinary. Still, the overall experience makes it worth a visit.

Deco, ambience and service are superb. Was expecting a totally unfamiliar and unique bold flavour from Africa but seems like the flavours are tweaked to locals. Pulled pork under the brunch section is disappointing, goat curry is good but not great. Overall taste wise is not bold and flavourful

Come here with an open mind! The flavour profile is very distinct, nonetheless a great introduction to African cuisines - very delicious with high quality ingredients. The plantain chips, lamb kebab and donut were the standouts for me, the ingredients tasted so fresh. The big breakfast was not bad - every element was good except the roti was a bit flat and tough. Gave the atmosphere a lower rating because the space is a bit small and loud. Unfortunately there was a rowdy group in the restaurant which made it difficult to have a conversation among ourselves.

Cafe Utu: A Warm and Flavorful Escape to Africa Cafe Utu is a beautiful and inviting spot that instantly transports you to Africa with its rich décor, music, and warm atmosphere. We loved the friendly service, thoughtfully designed setting, and the overall vibe of the place—it’s clear that a lot of care went into crafting an experience that feels both immersive and welcoming. The food was flavorful, showcasing spices and ingredients distinct from Asian cuisine, yet with familiar touches in items like chapati and coconut rice. We particularly enjoyed the cauliflower starter, which was perfectly cooked and enhanced by crunchy sunflower seeds and a tangy Dijon-based sauce—a great way to kick off the meal. The fried chicken and fried plantains were decent, though more standard in flavor and less adventurous than we expected. For mains, the charred aubergine lamb stew stood out with its tender lamb and the silky texture of slow-cooked eggplant. The calamari, on the other hand, was more forgettable, served in a tomato-based sauce that lacked distinction. The recommended chicken in peanut sauce was a pleasant surprise—its earthy richness added a different twist to a dish that could have easily leaned too close to familiar Southeast Asian flavors. We ended with the chocolate dome dessert, which featured spiced custard, dark chocolate, and a milk chocolate sauce. While the use of pepper in the custard was unique and bold, the overall dessert didn’t quite hit the mark for us. Overall, Cafe Utu is a wonderfully atmospheric spot with great service and decent, thoughtfully prepared food. While some dishes could use more refinement or boldness, the experience as a whole is definitely worth a visit—especially for those looking to try something beyond the usual dining scene in Singapore.

Kafe Utu is an excellent spot not only for a great meal but also as a space to recognize and appreciate African cultures. "Utu" is the Kiswahili word for "humanity." The café is owned by a Canadian who spent his childhood in various African countries. For the past six years or so, he has infused the restaurant with vibrant and textural elements inspired by his African experiences, creating a space that reflects his personal journey. The venue was previously a three-level shophouse, similar to many in the area, and has been transformed into a spacious and inviting restaurant, bar, and event space. The first floor features a coffee bar and restaurant area, with an impressive seating bench that runs the length of the interior wall--crafted from a single piece of wood (think: tree trunk). The design details are remarkable and may easily be overlooked if not for the kind staff who take the time to explain them. For example, the coffee machine is custom-made and wrapped in wood, while many design elements are repurposed from materials like oil drums, scrap lumber, and baskets. The second floor includes a communal table, a sofa set, and a back room bar, all ideal for larger gatherings. The third level can be reserved as an event space and is decorated with striking African décor. The food and drinks were delicious, with generous portions. Our dining group of four had varying spice tolerances, and the staff thoughtfully recommended dishes to suit our preferences. We started with the Sunset Cauliflower and Padron Peppers--the cauliflower was the group favorite. For mains, we tried the Calamari Essaouira, Goat Curry, and Kondre. While all were flavorful and well-prepared, none stood out as particularly distinctive. That said, I may not be deeply familiar with African cuisine, and to me, the flavors felt like a fusion of Caribbean, Brazilian, and Asian influences. Overall, I would definitely recommend Kafe Utu for a unique and memorable dining experience. -------- Menu items ordered -- SUNSET CAULIFLOWER (v, gf, df) Cauliflower, house duqqa, Dijon dressing, and sunflower seeds PADRON PEPPERS (v, gf, df) Pimentos and citron sea salt GOAT CURRY (gf) Fresh goat meat, house curry paste, and habanero CALAMARI ESSAOUIRA (gf) Fresh squid, chermoula, brown butter, and sofrito KONDRE (gf, df) Cameroonian plantain and beef brisket stew Drinks Tangawizi, Shauku, Lion Beer Sides Jasmine coconut rice, Homemade chapati

I am kinda mixed with this establishment. Had a meal for Brunch on SUNDAY July 28th 2024. Thankfully I managed to make a reservation coz by the time I was seated with my guest, this establishment is packed to the Brim! The establishment is tiny. The staff invited us, to explore some stuffs upstairs in which I might go the next time I come over this place. From the Menu, we ordered ; * Hot Chocolate * Fried Plantains * Spicy Squid My order comes with a bowl of White Rice. Maybe I ordered the wrong item from here. Though the food came out piping hot, I wish the Plantains and the Spicy Squid can wowed me. But it did NOT. **SIGH** All the Staffs were efficient and answered Ll the questions we had that Morning. May return to have an early dinner during the weekday nights perhaps my review might differ.

Perfect spot to get out of the heat if you're walking around Chinatown. Friendly staff and tasty African cuisine. Sunset cauliflower is a flavorful appetizer- big enough for several to share. Pumpkin kale salad was fantastic with crispy chickpeas. Plantain stew, served with rice, has a nice spice kick. Fresh ginger lime juice is a great way to cool off, though they also offer several coffee options if you want caffeine. The upstairs space is really lovely with tables big enough for groups. Worth checking out if you are in the area and looking for something unique.

Amazing flavors of spice and heat. The Cauliflower, Plantains and Samosas,, just beautiful and delicious!

Updating to five stars. Truly a one of a kind place in Singapore. Their flavors are in point. Excellent cocktail menu to boot. Great ambience as well with all three floors having a distinct vibe. Get the goat curry and any dish which comes with the curried avocado. You won't be disappointed.

Elegant décor (especially the upper floors). Nice African ambient music. Friendly service from a waitress with a brand new iPhone 11 Pro Max. We were the only guests for lunch on a weekday, yet the food took 30 minutes to come out. It is good, but portions are small, for the price (around $30++). Mobutu's heirs can afford to come to Utu, but not Mobutu's mob.

Wonderful breakfast experience! Loved the chicken peanut curry and the speciality coffees. Staff was attentive and polite. Will definite be back again to check out their dinner scene.

This is an absolutely fantastic place to go for breakfast. Their coffee is amazing, so be sure to order some of their specialty ones. I don't remember the name of it, but one had salted peanut butter on the rim of the cup and was really good. All of their breakfast items were excellent. Even if you just go for a coffee, be sure to order the little coconut donuts to go with. It's an easy walk from the main street in Chinatown called Tajong Pagar. Plus, the AC is nice and frosty :)