Kumoya Cafe. First of its kind in Singapore, this halal-certified Japanese-French cafe with a pop-up concept introduces a brand new character theme this season. Can you guess which? Following its previous successful collaboration with the Sanrio character Cinnamoroll, another adorable character hops in and takes over Kumoya. It's none other than the Dutch Artist Dick Bruna's cartoon bunny Miffy!
Fans of Miffy rejoice, as from 5th October to 31st December, Miffy x Kumoya Pop-Up Café opens in Singapore. Here, one can expect a wide range of Miffy-inspired dishes and drinks in the menu, meticulously curated and creatively styled by food artist Shirley Wong (@littlemissbento), as well as whimisical interiors decked out in Miffy-themed decor to create an inclusive experience for diners to immerse themselves wholly in the world of Miffy.
Wonderfully Waffles with Karaage Chicken 4.2/5
The first main course I had, also pegged as the most popular main item in the menu, is the Wonderfully Waffles with Karrage Chicken ($21.90). The dish arrived in a tempting pile of bite-sized karrage chicken sitting atop a thick waffle, a side of fresh garden salad, and an array of star-shaped cheese and cute miffy-shaped potato cakes and carrots. Fried to a golden brown, each crispy shell encases juicy and tender pops of chicken meat which goes wonderfully well with the fluffy, buttery waffle. Drizzles some of those house-made sweet shoya glaze in apposite addition to that sweet-savoury combination, and it strikes the perfect balance between flavors, textures and richness that I really enjoyed. Essentially the traditional Chicken & Waffles dish, done cuter but right.
Splashing Good Fun Japanese Seafood Curry Rice 4/5
The next recommended dish that I had was the Splashing Good Fun Japanese Seafood Curry Rice ($24.90). It comes in the form of a huge miffy face-shaped Japanese rice, and served with fish Kamaboko, cheese stars, steamed broccoli, breaded calamari, breaded ebi and scallop, and fresh tempura salmon, all of which swimming in a plate of flavourful Japanese curry. The dish bears a sweeter rendition of its curry, perhaps a hint of spiciness that is barely detectable, yet exudes a subtle aroma of spices that is not overpowering as well. Proceed to mix it all in with their generous portion of fluffy Japanese rice and it suffices as an enjoyment on its own. While the fried toppings are not as greasy, the breaded casing gives a nice crunch to the firm flavorous meat within.
You, Me & Miffy Makes 3 Chicken Katsu Burger 3.8/5
The You Me & Miffy Makes 3 Chicken Katsu Burger ($18.90) comes with a piece of chicken katsu sandwiched in between Miffy face shaped mantou buns, served with fries in BBQ dip, and fresh garden salad with cheese teddy and cheese star. The breaded fried chicken cutlet boasts a plumpier juicy texture within its crispy exterior. When eaten with those soft and fluffy buns, every elements come together as a decent burger which is well executed. I am actually quite impressed with it.
Matcha Moutain Azuki Shibuya Toast 4.2/5
This Matcha Mountain Azuki Shibuya Toast ($23.90) was pegged as the most popular dessert dish in the menu, and rightfully so. Slicing the huge shibuya toast apart reveals several cubes of buttery and crispy toast within. The smooth creamy swirl of Hokkaido softserve atop added a delicious icy milkiness to the warm buttered toast cubes. The other elements - dollops of matcha cream with fruits, dango balls, azuki, matcha sticks and a sprinkling of crunchy pistachio bits proved to be needful supplements that contribute to the entirety of the dish. Complete this with a drizzle of the slightly bitter matcha sauce for maximum pleasure.
Miffy Original Orange Soda 4/5
From the drinks menu, I had the very instagrammable Miffy Original Orange Soda ($14.90). It arrives at my table in a huge fluffy cloud of cotton candy, again Miffy-shaped, perched precariously on top of a glass of orange syrup drink with nata de coco and orange slices. It also comes with a cup of fizzy soda for me to pour and mix in with the syrup, melting the cotton candy in the process as well. I was initially skeptical about its taste but the melted cotton candy adds a sufficient sweetness to the tangy soda drink, giving it a non-cloying, refreshing and balanced taste to the overall drink. Do remember to whip out your camera and snap those photos fast though, as the cotton candy may melt a little too quickly.
Bunny Yuzu Delight 4/5
The Bunny Yuzu Delight ($10.90) is a lovely bunny tangy drink made with yuzu, cold butterfly pea-flower tea and nata de coco. Not as tangy, slightly sweeten with a hint of yuzu aroma, it is a refreshing drink perfect to wash down the food I had. Also, do note that every order of the butterfly pea-flower beverage comes with a limited edition Miffy coaster too (while stocks last!)
While cutesy character-themed cafes may be deemed over hyped with its lovely aesthetics yet mediocre food, the experience at Miffy x Kumoya pop-up cafe did not disappoint. Those irresistibly cute dishes are a feast to the eyes, and fare pretty well tastewise too. Also, do remember to check out the various Miffy merchandise on display at the counter and the Miffy-themed cookbook written by @Littlemissbento while you’re there. Note: The Miffy x Kumoya pop-up cafe collaboration will be ongoing till 31st December, so remember to head down before it ends!
Words and photos by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting
Miffy x Kumoya Pop-Up Café
8 Jalan Klapa
Singapore 199320
Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line, DT Line), Lavender (EW Line)
Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu, Sun: 12pm - 930pm
Fri-Sat: 12pm - 1030pm
Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn right and walk down Victoria Street. Walk to Jalan Klapa. Turn right onto Jalan Klapa. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]
2) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Victoria Street. Walk to Jalan Klapa. Turn left onto Jalan Klapa. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]
