Haus217 – An Experiential, Reservations-Only Japanese-Style Cafe at Lavender

It is a feast for the senses: Haus217 at Lavender Street is a novel, multi-concept space that plays home to weddings, art installations, and fresh brews.

The space – created by the same people behind Asylum Coffeehouse (and Restaurant Absurdities) – is conceived to function as a versatile venue. Wood-washed fixtures help create a warm, minimalist, Japanese-tinged backdrop that can suit any occasion – from wedding ceremonies to private events.

But on days when the celebrations are put on hold (typically the weekends), the location is transformed into an exclusive cafe – aptly named Open Haus. Entry to dine at Haus217 is available strictly by reservations; tickets ($8) have to be pre-purchased from the website, and the value then gets turned into dining credits that you can use to offset the bill of food and drinks.

What comes as part of the package is a front-row seat to an artistic display. Titled ‘Fleeting Spaces’ by Isaya Mizakuza, a curious overhanging mix of metal, fabric, rope, and wood anchors the space; its juxtaposition of soft and hard materials brings to life “humanity’s will to live even when situations seem fixed”.

After feeding your sight, sip on a lean beverage menu that features espresso-based drinks (from $3.50), made using a haus (house) blend of Brazil and Columbia beans with hints of dark chocolate and strawberry. And for those looking to skip the caffeine, look forward to cold-pressed orange juice ($7) and refreshing grape soda ($10).

There are just three mains to choose from. The Bolognese ($16) is a no-frills rendition of beef pasta, and the Salad ($12) of kale and lettuce comes tossed in honey miso shoyu dressing. But most interesting of all is the Fennel-Scented Meatballs ($18). To enjoy, have the rounds of Italian sausage sandwiched between accompanying Hokkaido milk buns, or use the soft bread to mop up every last bit of the piquant sauce.

Desserts ($5.50 – $10) are an exciting affair; on display is a rotating selection of sweet treats and bakes. Depending on when you visit (and what is available), options might include well-stuffed doughnuts, lemon meringue tart, and layered cakes. If we are being critical, the cardamom pistachio cake felt a little too dense, and heavy on the chocolate. Snag the canelé if possible – the addictive pastry comes with a custard-like middle, and is finished with luscious matcha sauce.

Do note that tickets for Open Haus are fully booked for the month of April. Keep a lookout for the next batch of tickets on its Instagram page.

MissTamChiak.com made an anonymous visit and paid its own meal at the stall featured here.