Rogs Race: CBD cafe serving matcha by day, beer by night

Tanjong Pagar is always buzzing with new openings, including Visitors and Tsujiri Premium, but Rogs Race, tucked away in Icon Village Altez, has definitely caught our attention. 

But it comes with a twist: The space operates as a cafe by day, before switching gears to serve wine and beer at night.

For owner Bryant Tan, 28, opening Rogs Race was several years in the making. He had been mulling over the idea for three to four years before finally deciding: “If not now, then when?” 

It eventually opened on July 27.

Even the cafe’s name holds a personal story. Bryant named his first cafe in tribute to his mum and grandmother — his biggest inspirations for starting the business — with Rogs Race forming an anagram of their names.

To set itself apart from the cafe-dense neighbourhood, Bryant wanted Rogs Race to pique curiosity — an approach that runs through its branding, space, and menu.

The space

With fewer than 20 seats, Rogs Race keeps things intimate with its dimly lit and minimalist interior that offers a respite from the concrete jungle, whether you’re stopping by for a quick cuppa or winding down after work.

Bryant designed the space to feel laidback and comfortable, a philosophy that extends to the menu. Inspired by drinks he enjoys, it pairs familiar flavours with unexpected combinations, while catering to CBD regulars with fuss-free drinks for a quick start to the workday.

What we tried

We dropped by on a weekday afternoon, when much of the surrounding area had already quietened down.

We started with two house signatures, beginning with the On The Rogs (S$8.90). Much like the cafe itself, the drink is designed to spark curiosity, bringing together coffee, tea, and blood orange in a cuppa.

Made with Rogs Race’s Morning Assembly espresso blend, blood orange, and earl grey-lavender cream, it is aimed at adventurous drinkers.

We could see why — it is an unusual combination, with the blood orange coming through strongly and our espresso tasting particularly acidic that day. It might not be one we’d order again, but adventurous drinkers may enjoy it more than we did.

The Daybreak (S$7.90) was more up our alley. Ceremonial-grade Ajisai matcha, which leans nutty and umami-forward, meets a tart yuzu slushy in a combination that sounds unusual on paper but works surprisingly well. The icy citrus element keeps the drink refreshing without overwhelming the matcha — and this is one we’d happily return for.

We couldn’t leave without trying the classic iced strawberry matcha latte (S$8.50). While its price sits on the steeper end, the seemingly straightforward drink had more depth than we expected.

The strawberry puree brings sweetness and acidity that complement the matcha’s savoury-forward notes, while the tea itself remains distinct rather than getting lost beneath the milk. Compared with some matcha lattes that can taste diluted, this was balanced, full-bodied, and easily our favourite drink of the afternoon.

Matcha fans can also keep an eye out for a possible new addition: A mango matcha cloud foam that Rogs Race is working on.

For a quick bite, we had the cinnamon swirl (S$4.90), a warm Danish layered with caramelised sugar and cinnamon. It’s straightforward, but does the job if you’re after something small to accompany your drink.

Rogs Race after-dark

Come evening, Rogs Race shifts from coffee to booze.

From 5pm to 8pm daily, beers go for S$10 — and the Heineken flows straight from a Blade dispenser, a countertop tap that seals out air to keep every pour fresh. Not a beer person? Wines are on the menu, too, so ask the staff what’s pouring that day.

With its low lighting, intimate space, and its alcoholic offerings, Rogs Race feels less like a place to grab a quick drink and more like somewhere to settle in after work.

Rogs Race feels like the sort of “if you know, you know” spot that doesn’t reveal everything at first glance.

But don’t let its nonchalant exterior distract from its offerings. As devoted coffee drinkers ourselves, we didn’t expect the matcha offerings to take centrestage, yet they ended up being the highlight of our visit.

If you’re in the CBD and looking for something beyond your usual coffee run, Rogs Race is worth a shot — no pun intended.

Finding more ideas on cafes to go? Read our stories on Marymount Bakehouse’s newest outlet in Upper Thomson and Maison Paul bistro reopening at Paragon.