Miffy x Kumoya Pop-Up Café @ Jalan Klapa – The First Miffy Café Opens In Singapore

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
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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]

Joyden Treasures @ Leisure Park Kallang - Celebrates 2nd Anniversary With New Menu Line-Up

Time flies and Joyden Treasures has opened at Leisure Park Kallang for 2 years. In celebration of its 2nd anniversary, Joyden Treasures introduces over 20 new dishes to its already extensive menu. I have been back to Joyden Treasures a couple of times and even introduced my friends to the restaurant. We have enjoyed the food at Joyden Treasures and it is great to know that they have created new dishes, providing more reasons for me to revisit the restaurant.

Chilled Yellow Roe Crab 4.2/5

Being a Teochew, I love having chilled crab. I always feel that this is the best way to appreciate the natural sweetness of the crab. I was glad to see the Chilled Yellow Roe Crab (market price) on the new menu. The yellow roe crab is poached in a broth redolent of ginger and spring onions. It is then cooled to room temperature and chilled in fridge. The creamy, golden roe is a delicacy on its own, bursting with unami. Guests can also choice to enjoy the succulent crab flesh together with the sweet plum sauce or homemade ginger and vinegar mix.

Poached Flower Clams with Mustard Greens in Superior Broth 4.2/5

The weather was rather cold during my visit and the Poached Flower Clams with Mustard Greens in Superior Broth ($20) was perfect to warm up the body. I was told that the mustard greens have health benefit such as cooling and cleansing the body. It is a painstakingly process to cook them. It needed to be soaked, brushed and washed repeatedly in cool water to lighten the bitterness. The milky white broth is sweetened by cooking the flower clams in the seafood broth. Chinese rice wine and crumbed sole fish are added to accentuate the flavour.

Steamed Minced Pork with "Mei Cai" 4/5

A homely dish on the menu is the Steamed Minced Pork with "Mei Cai" ($18). The patty used a combination of hand-chopped pork loin and shoulder. Preserved vegetables are also added into the patty for a sweet finishing. The diced water chestnuts provided the additional crunch.

Steamed Young Threadfin with Chinese Pickled "Olives" 4.2/5

For a change, we had the Steamed Young Threadfin with Chinese Pickled "Olives" (market price). Instead of the usual soy sauce or minced ginger style, the delicate and tender flesh of the young threadfin is steamed with tofu, slivers of shitake mushroom, mustard greens, tomatoes, ginger and slices of pork belly fat. There is a special ingredient in the dish, pickled Chinese "olives" which is known for its health and nutritional properties. I rarely see it used in Chinese restaurant. The first time I came across it was at Chef Kang's Kitchen. It has a olive-like flavour which lifted the deliciousness of the dish.

Crispy Homemade Yam Ring with Vegetables and Pork 4/5

Good for around 4 pax is the Crispy Homemade Yam Ring with Vegetables and Pork ($20). A crispy exterior encased the soft, soft and fluffy yam paste within. This is paired with slivers of julienned baby corn, turnip, red and yellow peppers, celery, carrots, shittake and shimeiji mushrooms and pork. Diners can also request for a vegetarian version.

Crispy Chicken Skin Stuffed with Seafood $24

A dish that requires skill and lots of effort is the Crispy Chicken Skin Stuffed with Seafood ($24). The chef skillfully removed the skin of a whole chicken, ensuring it remains intact as a whole piece. Next the chef has to remove the fats underneath the skin and air-dry it to to further remove any excess moisture. A seafood paste is spread across the underside of the skin and flash fried. The addition of almond provided the extra crunch and nutty aroma.

Lobster Claypot Porridge with Crispy Rice Puffs 4.2/5

Something luxurious and comforting on the menu is the Lobster Claypot Porridge with Crispy Rice Puffs (market pricing). A whole huge pipping hot claypot of porridge is rolled out on a trolley tableside. The pot of porridge uses a variety of rice grains to achieve the perfect texture the chef wants. This is cooked in a heady seafood and lobster shell broth. The lobster porridge also comes with condiments such as deep fried rice puffs, shallots, fried garlic and cilantro.

Overall I have enjoyed the new menu at Joyden Treasure. The refreshed menu has definitely given their customers and me more reasons to visit again. In fact, I am already planning to celebrate my parents' birthday at Joyden Treasure, as well as trying the rest of the new creations.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Joyden Treasures
Leisure Park Kallang
5 Stadium Walk
#02-42
Singapore 397693
Tel: +65 64468488
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Website
Nearest MRT: Stadium (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun and PH: 1030am - 3pm, 530pm - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Stadium MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]