Kyoto’s 2050 Coffee is now in Singapore with automated coffee and matcha taps, futuristic aesthetics

You know how netizens like to joke that “Japan is living in 2050” when they come across clips of Japan’s many intriguing technological marvels? 

You’ll find that there might actually be some truth to that, when you visit the first Singapore outlet of 2050 Coffee, newly opened at Beach Road.

The brand originates from Kyoto and was started in 2024 by the owner of renowned Japanese specialty coffee brand Kurasu, which also has two very popular branches in Singapore.

Kurasu’s flagship can be found at Waterloo Complex at Bras Basah, while the second outlet, a smaller hole-in-the-wall kiosk, is located near Somerset MRT.

2050 Coffee’s Singapore outlet will be the brand’s second-ever branch in the world. It’s currently in its soft opening phase, but will officially open on January 26.

It’s located right by the main road and is next to Haji Lane and other popular makan spots such as The Coconut Club and Blanco Court Prawn Mee — solid itinerary inclusions for those looking to hit up the new cafe.

While Kurasu is known for its rustic, Japanese-inspired minimalist aesthetics, its sibling brand takes a markedly different and more futuristic approach.

The name arises from “the 2050 problem”, a much-discussed issue in the coffee industry that refers to the impending scarcity of coffee, due to climate change and an unsustainable and exploitative coffee-farming landscape.

To that effect, the brand was created with a vision in mind — to combine a sustainable sourcing ethos with tech, to create a futuristic cafe experience.

All that is reflected in the industrial-inspired interior, a simplistic melange of metal and slate textures that’s jazzed up by soft-glowing swathes of corrugated light panels. 

Maybe it’s right to call this striking sci-fi aesthetic “space-station chic”?

Coffee and matcha from automated taps

The coolest gadget at 2050 Coffee is probably the array of automated taps, where customers can just place a cup under the tap and hold it in place for a few seconds — they can then leave it there to fill up automatically.

There’s an interesting range of tapped coffee, done pour over-style with both hot and cold options, which features beans roasted by the local team behind Kurasu and 2050 Coffee.

The team carefully curates a good spread of profiles to satisfy the diverse palates of coffee drinkers, ranging from simple and light Ethiopia (S$8.50, served hot) natural processed coffee, to the more potent 2050 house blend (S$7.50, served iced).

More discerning coffee drinkers will also notice more unique origins such as the Mexican (S$8, served iced) semi-washed single-origin coffee currently on tap.

Listed with tasting notes of apple, green grapes, iced lemon tea, and poached pear, this one tastes clean and vibrantly fruity, and is underscored by an exquisite tea-like fragrance.

Besides pour over-style coffee, 2050 Coffee’s Singapore selection also includes a tap for iced matcha latte (S$7.50) that’s the same as the popular Kurasu version!

It’s a well-balanced rendition which is earthy and fragrant, but contrasted with a touch of sweetness.

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Besides the tapped coffee, 2050 Coffee also uses a special machine for espresso that is designed to use multiple beans without the need for calibration in between. Even the milk is steamed before being dispensed. 

It’s meant to streamline workflow and ensure all baristas, regardless of experience, can produce tasty cuppas of consistent quality.

For espresso-based drinks, guests get a choice between premium (currently an Ethiopian single-origin) and regular (the 2050 house blend) beans.

Lattes are priced from S$6.50 for the regular, while espressos and americanos are priced from S$5.50 for the regular bean.

If anyone’s hankering for a silky and robust latte, we thought this was pretty damn solid!

Ultimately, 2050 Coffee is a cafe that we see being a hit with coffee lovers. Fuss-free and consistent coffee (and matcha) with a nice vibe — what’s not to love?

This was a hosted tasting.

For more ideas on what to eat, read our stories on the best spots to vibe at in the new Kada and the unique yusheng that you should get for CNY!

Enjoy up to 50% off when you dine with GrabFood Dine Out.

You can also book a ride to 2050 Coffee’s Singapore outlet at Beach Road.