Sip In Style At These Retail Cafés In Asia

Time for retail therapy!

Shopping is undoubtedly the easiest way to unwind. But going around stores and browsing through racks and racks of clothes can also be tiring after a few hours. Good thing for us, various boutiques around the region have been putting up cafés inside their shops. This way, we can rest our feet for a bit while sipping our favourite cup of joe. Not to mention visiting these retail cafés would make it even easier to bring your special someone along while you replenish your wardrobe. What are you waiting for? If you’re travelling around Asia, then check out these two-in-one shops that would bring you the best sartorial and gastronomical finds!

Niko and… COFFEE, Tokyo, Japan

When you find yourself in the streets of Shibuya, make sure to visit this one. Niko and… is a popular lifestyle store where, aside from fashionable clothing items, you can get accessories, general goods and even furniture. In Niko and… TOKYO, their flagship store in Harajuku, there's even a café space where you can get sumptuous desserts after you pick up what you need. Aside from their soft-serve ice creams and cooling smoothies, try their koppepan, a Japanese long roll filled with a variety of flavourful fillings.

Gelato Pique Café, Nagoya, Japan

If you’re looking for cute and comfy loungewear, then Gelato Pique Café is the place for you. They’re best known for their fluffy pyjamas and the cute sugary desserts they serve. If you don't have time to shop and sit down for a bite, they still have a number of creperies around the country where you can get their food to-go. Want to have a taste of traditional Japan? Have their Macha Pique Crepe with Azuki and Macha Creme when you give their cafés a visit.

Vintage 1988, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Once an independent Malaysian brand that purely sold accessories, Vintage 1988 recently opened cosy retail cafés around Malaysia. If you’re into chic accessories, then their Instagram-worthy branches are worth visiting. If you happen to be in Kuala Lumpur, then their Pavilion outlet and café is a must-visit. Enjoy customising your own charms and take a sip of their house-brewed lattes afterwards. Drink coffee differently and try out their Sparkling Long Black coffee mocktail.

Bev C Café, Johor Bahru, Malaysia

On the south end of Malaysia, you’ll find this gem of a store where you’ll score unique finds. In Bev C, you’ll get to sample creatively crafted beverages on the first floor, then find modern clothing pieces to add to your wardrobe on the next. Get creative and be inspired by Bev C’s hip offerings. With drinks like Spicy Mango Espresso Ice Cubes, this retail café will never fail to give you a taste of something new with your every visit.

PAZZION Café, Jewel Changi Airport, Singapore

An entrance of one of the many retail cafés you can find in Asia

PAZZION Café is just one of the many retail cafés you'll find in Singapore.

Fashion enthusiasts in Singapore: rejoice, because footwear brand PAZZION just opened their first-ever café right at Jewel Changi Airport. This would be the perfect place to give your feet a break after walking all day long. Rest them as you try out delectable dishes from the café’s curated menu. For those who love eggs, have a bite of their Stuffed and Flaky croissant that's generously filled with soft scrambled eggs and avocado spread. Before you go, treat your feet to a new pair of quality leather shoes. Now, you can experience a holistic shopping experience and feed both your style and gastronomical needs all in one place.

In Good Company x Plain Vanilla Bakery, ION Orchard, Singapore

In Good Company and Plain Vanilla Bakery collaborated to bring us the best of both worlds. The minimalist boutique is the place to be if you’re in search of fluid and classic staples for every day. Housed in the fashion brand’s ION Orchard branch is a quaint little space for Plain Vanilla Bakery to serve its organic brews and signature confections. Their Earl Grey Lavender cupcake is a must-eat, but be sure to grab a bite early in the day before they get sold out. Despite the name and its minimalist interiors, your shopping experience will be far from plain when you visit this café-in-a-boutique.

Bench Café, Taguig, Philippines

Bench is probably one of the most popular local brands in the Philippines. They’re more known for their clothing stores, but they’ve recently opened their first restaurant. Nestled in their three-storey flagship store in BGC is their first-ever Bench Café branch. After shopping for fashionable streetwear pieces in their retail store and getting a haircut in their salon, enjoy the rest of your day sampling Filipino-fusion delights everyone loves. Hungry for a hearty meal? Try out their savoury Sisig Lettuce Cup, topped with tart calamansi foam.

Harlan + Holden Glasshouse, Makati, Philippines

After getting your much-needed retail therapy in Harlan + Holden’s branch in the nearby Powerplant Mall, why not take your lunch right across the street in their restaurant? In the urban landscape of Rockwell Center, Makati, you’ll find the quaint and minimalist façade of a literal glasshouse. Although technically not a café housed inside a retail space, it’s nevertheless the lifestyle brand’s latest dining venture in the country. Spend the hour just relaxing and basking in their bright and modern interiors as you catch up with your friends. While you're at it, take comfort in their simple yet healthy menu and fill in your tummy with their Bottarga Pasta served perfectly al dente.

Greyhound Café, Bangkok, Thailand

Though they started off as a streetwear brand, Greyhound Café has long been making waves by offering their finger-licking dishes all across Asia. You can have a taste of their Thai-fusion dishes in Singapore, Hong Kong, and even in London. Still, if you ever find yourself flying off to Bangkok, then their branches in J Avenue and other malls are worth a visit. Though Greyhound Cafés are just solely dining locations, you’ll still see the urban style their brand is known for from their interiors and décor. If you’re into European dishes with a Thai twist, then this is a place you must dine in. Try out the Greyhound Famous Fried Chicken Wings — they might look small but they're bursting with flavour you'll definitely love.

NaRaYa Tea Room, Bangkok, Thailand

Lastly, to complete your trip to Thailand, pay NaRaYa Tea Room a visit. The leading bag and accessories brand in Thailand just recently opened its first flagship store late last year. Lucky for us, with it came their first-ever tea shop as well. So for those who enjoy drinking tea more than coffee, their only branch in ICONSIAM is a must-see. The place is even more special as it’s the first Thai-style tea shop in the country. After getting your dose of their cute handbags made from quality fabrics, try out at least one of the many Thai desserts and tea that they serve. If you can't decide what to order, try out their Thai Dessert Set for a comprehensive sample of their local delicacies.

(Cover photo from: @nikoandtokyo)

Complete your foodie trip around Asia by visiting these destinations.