In 2 days time, Gudetama Cafe is opening (soft launch) at Suntec City.

You would have read my earlier post about my collaboration with the cafe and the menu highlights.

I helped in the co-creating the menu and food styling for the cute dishes featuring Sanrio’s lovable egg – Gudetama.

You must be excited about how the cafe is like and the menu.

Gudetama cafe is divided into 2 sections, one is decked up in warm wood and many gudetama designs while the other has a garden feel, well suited for Singapore.

Walking into the larger section of the cafe, a cute Gudetama with mint leaf greets you at the door. Holding a mint leaf, Gudetama is shielding himself from heat in sunny Singapore :P

Some of my favourite features include this super super hilarious and cute egg crate table.

SO CUTE LAH! I want to hug all the eggs and bring them home.

Another favourite spot of mine in the cafe are these egg shaped booth seats and the egg shell chairs with sunny side up table tops.

If you love natural lighting, then the smaller section of the cafe will cheer you up with its vertical greenery, oh yes there is also a cute gudetama figurine for the best photo opportunities.

Want to see what they serve and the super cute Gudetama menu?

Check out my earlier post about Gudetama cafe Singapore collaboration here.

Gudetama Cafe Singapore
Soft Opening 30 Nov 2016
Address: 3 Temasek Boulevard, #01-361 Suntec City Mall, Singapore 038983
Opening hrs: Mon-Thur 9am to 10pm | Fri-Sun 8am to 10pm, *Last Order 930pm

Facebook http://ww.facebook.com/gudetamacafesg

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gudetamacafesg/

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Recently Taiwan treats seem to be in the trend.

I got to know of this popular souvenir from SUGAR & SPICE in Taiwan and was told that their sweet treats were a must buy.

SUGAR & SPICE were even the designated souvenir by the Taiwan Tourism Festival Celebrations 2016 and has been voted as a must-eat snack and top souvenirs in Taiwan and Taichung.

The popular treats include their nougats and Cheese pineapple cake.

They also retail a myriad of sweet delights including Sun Cake, feuilletage, crepe cookies, sandwich cookies and peanut candy!

Their nougats come in a variety of flavours, including the original French nougat, strawberry nougat and toffee nougat.

My favourite has got to be their French nougat, especially its fragrant milky aroma and that soft chewy texture coupled with the crispy almond nibs.

My parents enjoyed their Cheese pineapple cakes. :)

Taking this traditional popular pastry to a different height is their Cheese pineapple tart. A wonderful spin of the traditional Taiwanese flavour by encasing the sweet sour pineapple filling in a buttery parmesan cheese added crust.

Yummssss…. Seriously who leaves Taiwan without trying their pineapple cakes?

So my friends in Singapore, don’t worry if you can’t find a good friend to help you carry back these goodies or if you are not travelling to Taiwan, you can order online at their website; they provide overseas shipping service to HK, Macau, Mainland China, Japan, Singapore, Korea, Australia, and Malaysia (WOW!).

If you are heading to Taiwan, remember to check out their stores including:

Official website: www.sugar.com.tw/en/

SUGAR & SPICE Flagship Store

No.357, Sec. 3, Wenxin Rd., Xitun Dist., Taichung City 407, Taiwan (R.O.C.)

TEL：04-2293 5558

Super pretty store right? So large and spacious!!

SUGAR & SPICE Dunhua S. Store

No.158, Sec. 1, Dunhua S. Rd., Da’an Dist., Taipei City 106, Taiwan (R.O.C.)

TEL: 02-27522188

Another popular area for shopping and sightseeing, good to stock up on some nougats and pineapple cakes!

SUGAR & SPICE Taipei Ximending shop (Basement 1)

Address: No.32, Baoqing Rd., Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei City 100, Taiwan, R.O.C.

TEL: 02-23810668

Definitely a good spot for the young and trendy visiting Ximending area.

SUGAR SPICE Taipei 101 (Basement 1)

Address: No.45, Shifu Rd., Xinyi Dist., Taipei City 110, Taiwan (R.O.C.)

TEL: 02-81017758

Ah, how can we forget the symbolic Taipei 101? Yup they have a store here too!

If you get your hands on these popular snacks, let me know which is your favourite! :)

The post Popular Souvenir from Sugar & Spice in Taiwan appeared first on Little Miss Bento.

NEW OPENING – I am so excited that BAKE CHEESE TART from Hokkaido will  be opening here in Singapore.

Now there is no need to travel all the way to Japan and I can have these tarts as often as I wish.

My first time trying BAKE CHEESE TART was at their Jiyugaoka store in Tokyo. I spotted the queue before I saw the store and decided to join in to see what the fuss was about.

After eating their cheese tart, I finally understood why the Japanese loved their tarts.

In fact, so much so that 10 million of these cheese tarts were sold within Japan in 2015!

Using only the freshest ingredients, the branch here in Singapore will follow the exact recipe in Japan where the cheese mousse is created by blending three different types of cream cheese together – two from Hokkaido and one from France.

Their tart pastry goes through a two-step process where the tart shells are baked first, then with the cheese mousse piped in, they go into the oven again.

The result is a amazing crunchy cookie tart shell with a fluffy soft cream cheese filling, a combination that is uniquely BAKE’s.

BAKE currently has a total of 13 stores, nine stores in Japan and four stores in the rest of Asia including Hong Kong, Seoul and Bangkok. Singapore will be the fifth store outside Japan.

BAKE CHEESE TART’s freshly baked cheese tarts will be available at ION Orchard, #B4-33, 2 Orchard Turn Singapore starting 29 April 2016. Each cheese tart will sell for $3.50, and customers can buy six at $19.50.

BAKE CHEESE TART

Address: ION Orchard, #B4-33 Orchard Turn Singapore

Opening day – 29 April 2016, 10am

Instagram @bakecheesetartsg (Singapore) @bakecheesetart (Japan)

Website http://bakecheesetart.com/STORY/index_en.html 

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[Review] Popular Japanese restaurant Hokkaido Izakaya opens in Singapore

Nestled in one of the shophouses along Tanjong Pagar Street, HOKKAIDO IZAKAYA serves quality and reasonably-priced Hokkaido food within a friendly and casual atmosphere.

Hokkaido is a city renowned for brimming with the freshest seafood and prime cuts of beef, fresh vegetables and dairy produce. HOKKAIDO IZAKAYA promises to create an authentic dining experience, and so the ingredients are specially imported from 4 cities in Hokkaido: Yakumo town, Akkeshi town, Furano town, and Kamishihoro town.

Thanks to Food News PR, I was invited to HOKKAIDO IZAKAYA’s Grand Opening Party. There, I was given the chance to sample a variety of dishes from their dinner menu.

The meal started with Shirako. For those wondering, Shirako, otherwise known as milt (fish sperm), is a Japanese delicacy. Here is a steamed version of milt in a light dashi broth. It had  buttery, custard-like texture and a mild sweetness. Who’s up for some adventurous eating?

Assorted sashimi, five kinds (S$35++). Always a crowd pleaser, the sashimi, sea urchin, and ikura were all freshly prepared. No stinge-cutting of the sashimi – just look at those thick and gelatinous slices of heaven. I could lap up plates of these at one go.

Marinated saury (S$8++). This fish was perfectly grilled and nicely seasoned, served with a lemon wedge and some grated daikon. The flesh, encased by the blistered skin, bore a nice sweetness from the marinade and remained moist after grilling.

Hokkaido Wagyu Roast beef (S$25++). Generously portioned for the price, this tender and almost melt-in-your-mouth cold dish won the hearts of many.

Fish tempura. Like how the batter is light and the entire fish is used, but feel like it lacks some seasoning.

Maze Niku soba (S$15++), available for lunch. For those working around the CBD and looking for lunch options, HOKKAIDO IZAKAYA’s lunch menu is worth considering. The lunch menu includes their signature sobas that is made using 100% Hokkaido soba powder. Priced below $10, their small donburis, such as negitoro and ikura don, won’t burn a hole in your pocket.  

For dinner, I’d imagine it to be a nice place to chill with friends over grilled dishes, fresh sashimi, and Japanese draft beers.

Hokkaido Izakaya

95 Tanjong Pagar Road

Singapore 088516

Tel: (65)62217118

Mon – Sat:

Lunch: 11:30 – 14:30 (last order 14:00)

Dinner: 18:00 – 00:00 (last order 23:00)

Sun & PH:

Lunch: 11:30 – 14:30 (last order 14:00)

Dinner: 18:00 – 22:30 (last order 21:30)

Nearest station: Tanjong Pagar (Exit A)

This post is contributed by guest writer Vickii Ma, a Singapore-based blogger. She runs Vickii Ma, a site that documents her recipes, travels and various beauty and lifestyle content.

The post New Opening: Hokkaido Izakaya appeared first on Little Miss Bento.

My 2015 ended on the sweetest note thanks to one of the best (and so shockingly affordable) kaiseki menu I had at Akari Japanese Dining Bar.

Helmed under the hands of renowned Chef Hirotaka Murata, the kaiseki dishes came wonderfully plated featuring some of the best winter season ingredients and flavours of Japanese cuisine.

Where washoku (traditional Japanese cuisine) is concerned, kaiseki is considered as the most refined form. There is huge emphasis on elements including the freshest ingredients, culinary methods, presentation and taste.

With more than 20 years of experience under his belt, Chef Murata is a connoisseur when it comes to kaiseki cuisines. Snaking queues are also a common sight outside Ginyu Ryokan, his restaurant in Japan.

His skills were apparent in the well thought through and well executed dishes I had at Akari. They offer two types of 9 course kaiseki choices, priced at $100++ and $150++ per pax respectively.

We started the 9 course meal with on a high note. with a seasonal appetizer. I was pleasantly surprised by the taste of slightly charred cooked Shirako – Milt, cod fish sperm sac. Shirako is a winter delicacy and can be harvested from various fish, the one that was served came from cod fish.

Just don’t think too much when you eat it. It tastes much better than it looks.

Slightly sweetish with a distinct (but not fishy or overpowering) flavour of the ocean, I finished every bit of it, including all the rest of the appetizer items.

A warm bowl of soup quickly followed to prepare the tummy for more good food.

Their sashimi cuts which are flown in twice a week from Japan was evident in the fresh sashimi items we enjoyed that night.

This was followed by a comforting (and huge) pot of Braised Tilefish with Yuzu Flavour. The yuzu really gave that zest as you savour the sweetness of the soup and the fish.

Just look at that glorious slab of Grilled Wagyu Beef with Hoba Miso. Served with hoba miso, a type of paste that orginates from Hida Takayama, and it is made from the large leaves of the ho (magnolia) tree.

For the $100 set, instead of the Grilled Wagyu Beef, you will be served with the Wagyu Sushi.

True to its winter roots, another comforting dish is the Japanese Unagi Eel Porridge Earth-pot. The delectable, generous servings of unagi is bound to delight and satisfy.

The Deep-fried Japanese Oyster was perhaps the only one that missed the mark that evening. The oysters were so fresh, but a litle heavy handed on the salt in the seasoning of this fried item.

Nevertheless, my spirit went right back up the moment I was served with the pickles with Japanese vinegar and crab. Presentation was of course flawless. the scallop, freshly picked crab meat, seaweed and Japanese cucumber work together like magic, with a nice constrast in textures and taste. Sweetness of the crab, and that light tangy flavour from the vinegar – heavenly. 

Even though I was super stuffed by this time, I cleaned up the homemade dessert item – which was a sweet potato swiss roll.

The choice of sweet potato was a nice surprise. The earthy flavour a the natural sweetness of the sweet potato worked to perfection and the cake was so soft and moist. Even the whipped cream was so light and worked in harmony with the cake.

Do note that Akari’s kaiseki set menus are available during dinner service daily. Reservation must be made one day in advance.

Akari’s a la carte menu, which boasts over 70 traditional and contemporary Japanese dishes, will still be available throughout the day.

Akari Japanese Dining & Bar Akari Japanese Dining & Bar (Akari) 

Operating hours: 12pm – 3pm; 6pm – 10pm
Address: 8A Marina Boulevard #01-02 Singapore 018984
Tel: 6634 0100
Email: info@tomoizakaya.com Website: http://www.akaridiningbar.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Akari.MarinaBoulevard
Instagram: @AkariJap.DiningBar

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More than 10 Character Cafes in Tokyo, Japan to visit! *updated 21 Dec 2015

Featuring some of the cutest food served in Japan.

If you love kawaii food like me, you must take the opportunity to visit these super cute and fun character cafes in Tokyo, Japan.

After lots of eating and travelling, I have finally compiled this list of character cafes to visit in Japan. Some of these are permanent stores (yay!!), short term cafes, or limited time/pop up  cafes which I have also indicated.

I have visited some 11 character cafes this time, the last two (no. 12 and 13) I didn’t manage to catch them cause one was opened on the day I was leaving and the other was located a little far off at Odaiba. Save for next trip!

Stay tuned for my next upcoming post, Character Cafes in Osaka and Kyoto.

Have fun!

1. Character Foodcourt @ Sanrio Puroland

(Permanent *menu may change seasonally)

Address: Japan, 〒206-0033 Tokyo, Tama, 落合1丁目31番地

Website (English) Website (Japanese)

Nearest train station: 5mins walk from Tama Center Station on Keio Line (http://en.puroland.jp/access_en/)

One of the best places to visit (and for Sanrio fans) for cute character food is at Sanrio Puroland. Plus not only can you eat cute food, you can go do loads of shopping at the stores as well as meet the Sanrio mascot characters, watch their parade shows etc.

The menu at their Character Food Court (located at Level 1) is also very extensive, unless you bring a huge group, or seriously can eat a lot, it is quite impossible to try out all the cute food.

I ordered their My Melody Curry, Cinamonroll Curry, Gudetama Omu Curry Rice, My Melody Eclair and My Melody Daifuku.

Out all the food, I enjoyed the Gudetama Omu Curry Rice the most. The egg is cooked fresh, fluffy and delicious.

The other two curries felt a little salty and not enough ingredients (just rice and gravy) but nonetheless, who can fault the experience of eating cute food. haha.

The good thing is that the Character Food Court is spacious with ample seating. Water dispenser is also available if you choose not to order their drinks.

Tip:

1. Buy tickets for Sanrio Puroland before heading to Japan at authorised travel agencies such as JTB. This makes it much easier for you and enjoy concession on the ticket price. 
2. Go get your food just before 12 noon to miss the lunch crowd, as queues might form (but seating are still available).
3. If you order their bento boxes or pudding cup desserts, you can get to take home the bento box or the ceramic cups FOC!

My Melody Dream Cafe @ Sanrio Puroland

(limited time)

While you are at Sanrio Puroland, you should also quickly check out this limited time My Melody Dream Cafe on level 2.

The prettiest cutest desserts and sweets featuring My Melody and Kiki and Lala from Little Twin Stars.

2. Pompompurin Cafe at Yokohama

(Permanent)

Address: 横浜市西区南幸2-1-5 YOKOHAMA SOTETSU SQUARE

Opening hours: 10am to 9pm (last order 830pm)

Website (Japanese)

Directions: 5 mins walk from Yokohama (JR), or 2 mins walk from Yokohama (Sotetsu Line)

For those who follow my blog, you would know that I have visited the Pompompurin cafe at Harajuku last year and faced cray queues.

The good news is that both the queues for their Yokohama and Harajuku branches seemed to have subsided. Just maybe try to avoid peak days like Friday or Saturdays.

I went on a weekday so it was a breeze to get a seat in the restaurant.

Their Yokohama store has a bigger wow factor for the entire store front and store interior deco, as compared to their Shibuya restaurant. They even have a section of ‘beds’ where you are can sit/lie down.

The menu at the Pompompurin Cafe at Yokohama is slightly different from their Harajuku store, with items exclusive to this store.

And of course, those exclusive items were the ones I ordered when I went.

I had their Dim Sum set as well as the French Toast dessert. The steamed buns were surprisely yummy with soft bun encasing juicy minced meat in the large Pompompurin and black sesame filling for the Muffin character bun (Muffin  is a friend of Pompompurin).

The noodles were nothing to shout about, but at least they were served hot :)

I also tried their french toast which was pretty okay except that they really ought to improve the vanilla ice cream.

They also have a small section that retails Pompompurin items as well as items exclusive to the store.

Tip: If you would like their limited edition pompompurin ceramic cup, select items on their menu (such as the one below) that is marked with the cup, you will get one clean one to take home FOC after the meal! 

3. Pompompurin Cafe at Harajuku

(Permanent)

Address: 東京都渋谷区神宮前1-7-1 CUTE CUBE HARAJUKU 3階

Opening Hours: 11am to 9pm (last order for food is at 8pm)

Directions: 3 mins from Harajuku (JR), 7 mins walk from Mejijingumae

Website (Japanese)

Read my earlier blog post on this cafe and see more photos here.

Pretty similar to Yokohama, except smaller and less menu items. This is great if you prefer to stay in Shibuya/Harajuku area and not venture out to Yokohama.

They also have a small section that retails Pompompurin items as well.

Tip: If you would like their limited edition pompompurin ceramic cup, select items on their menu (such as the one above) that is marked with the cup, you will get one clean one to take home FOC after the meal!

4. Snoopy Cafe @ Meguro

(permanent) * reservations accepted via website

Address: 〒153-0042 東京都目黒区青葉台2-16-7
Opening hours: 10:00 to 22:00
Tel: 03-6452-5882

Website/Reservations (Japanese)

Facebook Page 

Naturally I first learnt of the opening of this permanent Snoopy Cafe in October 2015, I was so excited.

What awaits is a character quite unlike the others. A beautiful white cafe space, located in an equally tranquil neighbourhood of Meguro and just next to Meguro river. Just imagine during the cherry blossom season!

This Snoopy Cafe has lots of natural lighting in the cafe, a joy to take photos of food and a lovely place to relax.

Reservations remain popular at this 2 month old cafe. To avoid disappointment, I would suggest making reservations instead of walking in. On the day of my visit, I saw several being turned away as the cafe was fully booked and that was despite it being a weekday morning.

The reservations option is also awesome for those who are travelling and want to make sure that they get a space to dine in at this Peanuts Cafe.

Menu wise, instead of a strong focus on cutesy kawaii food, the Snoopy Cafe seems to focus more on actual cafe food from salads to pasta. The cutest character item on the menu are these mini sliders.

The in house peanut butter was the bomb though. I was literally licking the jar :P

They also have quite a wide range of retail goods, I got the Snoopy cotton sling bag.

Tips:

1. Make reservations!
2. You can also order the cute Snoopy bread buns as extra side top tup with other main course orders. 

5. Peter Rabbit Garden Cafe @ Jiyugaoka

ピーターラビットガーデンカフェ自由が丘本店

 (permanent) *Reservations accepted

住所：〒〒152-0035 Tokyo, Meguro, 自由が丘1丁目25-20 

Opening hours: 11am to 10pm  (daily)
Tel/Reservations: 03-3725-4118

Website (Japanese) 

Nearest train station: less than 5 minutes walk from Jiyugaoka station

I stumbled upon this Cafe accidentally when shopping tat Jiyugaoka area.

Jiyugaoka, just 10 minutes away from Shibuya is a stylish and chic neighboughood at the southern part of Meguro. I highly recommend a visit here especially if you love a laid back neighbourhood with lots of cafes, zakka stores and stylish shops.

I spent quite a significant part of my time in Japan in this lovely neighbourhood.

While working and shopping for zakka items, I noticed a cafe with a beautifully decked up alfresco garden setting and realised that it was a Peter Rabbit Garden Cafe.

Lighting was rather poor as day was short during winter, so please pardon me for the less than ideal photos taken. I couldn’t take the garden as it as too dim and I was not equipped with my camera. 

I ordered their cheese omelette salad set that came with their in house cheese filled bread buns (yummy!) . Presentation was 100% effort, there was even dry ice with the salad when they first served me the plate. Pretty magical I must say.

They also retail some small pastries and their bread buns for takeaway. I say skip the hard dry scones and go for their cheese bread buns instead.

Like most character cafe, there are some some Peter Rabbit merchandise on sale here to satisfy the shopping urges! :)

I would imagine during the day, this cafe with the natural lighting will be beautiful and great for photos!

6. Nicolas House @ Omotensando

ニコラハウス

(permanent)

Address:東京都渋谷区神宮前4-26-5 神宮前426ビル 1F・2F

Opening hours: 11am to 8pm (Mon – Fri, Sun) 10am to 8pm (Sat)

Website (Japanese)

Directions: 3 mins walk from Mejijingumae (exit 5) , OR 7 minutes of Harajuku (JR) station, or 10mins walk from Omotensando station on Ginza line

This cafe is for all bunny and miffy lovers. A cafe inspired by Miffy, expect a menu of both pastries and savoury items featuring bunnies.

When I was ushered to the shop, I was handed a bunny headpiece which I could wear while dining. Don’t be afraid, everyone does that here. Even guys!

The waitress shared with me that upon repeat visits, you can stamps on the member card and get ‘promoted’ in member status, giving you the chance to wear different type of bunny headpieces. haha.

I ordered a savory item for lunch, which was their Adult lunch set. You can choose from a variety of sides, mine was salmon.

Food wise, granted I only ordered one item, was sadly quite disappointing in taste. Salmon was overcooked and pies were really dry and cold.

As I didn’t really feel like eating choux that day, but saw that most diners came in for their pastries and desserts. So perhaps that could have been a better choice instead.

7. Gudetama Cafe Gudetama and Kirimi chan Cafe@ Skytree, Solamachi (Updated)

(Limited time: March 2015 to Nov 2015) 21 Dec 2015 to 14 Feb 2016)

The Gudetama Cafe was located on the 4th floor of the West Yard of the Skytree.

Website (Japanese)

This is for all Gudetama fans (like me)!

While this was just a small diner/takeout store located at Solamchi, the shopping zone of Skytree. It was enough to get me totally excited.

The menu changes seasonally so the one that I tried was different from what they offered when they first opened. The previous menu was cuter though. See pictures below.

launch menu. Source: http://jpninfo.com/12457

This was the new menu when I went.

Skip the sad look and tasteless Oyakodon and go for the buns instead.

The pork bun (nikuman) and curry steam bun not only looked cute, tasted pretty decent too. And nice to have some warm food when the weather is cool.

Hope they will bring back this pop up cafe or introduce more Gudetama cafe to Tokyo soon (when I am there :P).

The good news is that Sanrio has just announced that the cafe is coming back this December and will be extended to Feb 2016. Best part is that not only will you find Gudetama food, there will be Kirimi chan too. 

Check out their new menu!

8.　Snoopy X Tower Records Cafe Shibuya

(Limited time: 17 Nov 2015 to 31 Dec 2015)

Tower Records Website (Japanese) Snoopy Website (Japanese) 

Address: TOWER RECORDS CAFE（タワーレコード渋谷店2F）〒150-0041東京都渋谷区神南1-22-14

Opening hours: 10am to 1130pm

Tel：03-3496-3672

Directions: about 3 mins walk from Shibuya (JR) station

Lucky stars upon me, I was shopping in Tower Records to buy time as I was waiting for another store next door to open and realised that there was a limited time Snoopy x Tower Records Cafe on Level 2!

A spacious setting with a cute menu to match. The whole place was also nicely decked with with Snoopy plush toys and comics that one can browse and read.

The long operating hours of the Tower Records cafe (rare in Japan) also mean that this could be the place to head to after a day or activities or before.

I ordered the meatball Snoopy lunch with a Snoopy hot chocolate. Food was pretty decent and service was great.

Go visit if you are in Shibuya or are a Snoopy fan. Missed out the limited time period? Check out the permanent Snoopy Cafe (See No. 4 above).

9. My Little Pony X Sunday Jam Cafe

(Limited time 13 Oct to 29 Nov 2015)

Address: Tokyo, Shibuya, Jingu-mae 4-28-28, Lucessimo Building 2F

Website (Japanese)

This is touted as the world’s first My Little Pony Cafe is actually a collaboration between My Little Pony with Sunday Jam restaurant and Japan Racing Association.

While I am not a major My Little Pony fan now, I loved the cartoons when I was a child. But of course, the cartoon series and even the looks of My Little Pony have changed much over the years.

I realised that they took reservations but lucky me, it was a weekday morning and I could easily get a seat.

I ordered the Sandwich set, wished I have more space to stomach the pancakes though. As I only read online later that the restaurant is supposedly famous for pancakes. haha.

The sandwich came with a (sort of) My Little Pony print, fries, vegetables and a pink looking liquid – which was actually potato soup. The pink potato soup was actually really yummy. haha

Since I didn’t eat the pancakes, here is a picture from Twitter user @mimori_suzuko on the cute magical looking pancakes.

10. Kapibarasan 10th anniversary cafe

(Limited time: 3 Nov to 25 Dec 2015)

Address：「Sign 外苑前」〒107-0061  東京都港区北青山2-7-18 山崎ビル1・2F
Cafe opening hours: 11am to 9pm (last order 8pm)
Website (Japanese)

Directions: Just next to Gaienmae station, or 8 mins walk from Omotensando station

Do you know Kapibarasan character?

I came here for desserts only, so I ordered the chocolate pie and a hot tea. The pie and cream tasted really artificial (how sad). Would not recommend this item on their menu.

The tea and little Kapibarasan snack was okay though.

I saw in their menu that they also had this really kawaii drink but did not think I could stomach candy floss sugar high that day. haha.

Their new Xmas menu actually also looks so much better and more promising.

The fun part about this pop up store is that it is quite comprehensive, apart from the 2 storeys cafe, it also has a bar as well as a workshop area (at level 5) where you can make our own Kapibarasan key chains etc.

11. Ojipan Cafe at Harajuku

(Limited time till 10 July to 31 Dec 2015)

Address: 〒150-0001 東京都渋谷区神宮前1丁目7番1号 CUTE CUBE HARAJUKU 3F
Tel: 03-3408-0050
Opening hours: 11 am to 9 pm (last order 8.30pm)

Website (Japanese)

Directions: 4 mins walk from Harajuku (JR) or 5 mins walk from Mejijingumae station. 

I was attracted to Ojipan Cafe when I spotted their cute menu outside the Harakjuku store.

Plus I got to learn about this new character Ojipan. This cafe is actually a collaboration between the character Ojipan and Pomu no Ki, a Omlette Rice (omuraisu) chain store.

The menu though limited was filled with Ojipan and Omurainu characters.

And kudos to the deco of the cafe with lots of Ojipan goods.

I chose the spaghetti set cause I wanted the Ojipan panda but since this is supposed to be a Omurice store, the omurice might taste better I think.

12. Pop Up at THE GUEST cafe＆diner of Shibuya PARCO

Cinnamonroll Cafe　（シナモロールカフェ）- Limited time: 4 Dec 2015 to 25 Jan 2016

THE GUEST cafe＆diner, 渋谷パルコ　パート１・７Ｆ

Opening hours: 11am to 1030pm (Last order for food is at 10pm)

Tel: 03-3477-5773

Twitter
Facebook
Instagram

Website (Japanese)

THE GUEST cafe & diner is the place to keep your eyes peeled. There has been a string of character pop up cafes from Little Twin Stars to the current Cinnamoroll cafe.

Sadly I missed out both as I was not back in Japan when they happened. But if you are travelling to Japan anytime soon, do check this this super cute Cinnamoroll Cafe.

Just look at the menu (swoons)

13. Cafe de Miki with Hello Kitty

(Permanent)

Address: 〒135-0064 東京都江東区青海1-1-10 ダイバーシティ東京プラザ4F
Opening hours: 10am to 9pm (last order 8pm) 　
Tel:　03-6426-0516

Website (Japanese)

I didn’t manage to go to this Cafe de Miki with Hello Kitty this trip. Probably will do that in my next visit back to Japan.

Image source: Sanrio Japan http://www.sanrio.co.jp/news/cafe-de-miki-kitty-201411/

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Located at the charming pier of One Fullerton, set amidst the Marina Bay waterfront view is The Pelican Seafood Bar & Grill. An elegant dining spot offering classic East Coast American cuisine with an extensive cocktail selection.

Seafood lovers – get ready to indulge in their newly introduced Raw Bar – serving a selection of exquisite Roe & Caviar and raw bar classics such as Whole Maine Lobster, Brown Crab and Oysters, just to name a few.

One can choose from the wide array of seafood choices, introduced through this new section on the menu.

Though I must admit that personally, I find most of the prices are on the high side, so this might be more of a treat than a daily visit sort of place.

Take your pick from Trout Roe (30g, $18), Salmon Roe (30g, $18), Sturgeon Caviar (15g, $69) or Trout Roe Brioche ($18), marinated trout roe, dill and served with brioche.

Scallop with Shaken Rice Dressing ($18) – raw scallops served with a splash of fragrant citrus dressing. Tuna ($18), fresh tuna catch torched to perfection.

Bivalve lovers will be thrilled with raw bar classics like Count Neck Clams ($18) and freshly shucked Oysters (market price) seasonally imported from Canada, France, New Zealand and Japan.

Lobster lovers can choose to savour the Whole Maine Lobster (500 -600g, $80), served grilled or cold, or the Brown Crab ($69) served cold or sautéed and Scampi ($18), served raw or torched.

Chef Jonathan Sparber, Head Chef of The Pelican Seafood Bar & Grill, has also introduced several new creations on the menu including the poached Lobster ($28), served with fennel, iceberg lettuce and avocado dressing, Cream of Corn ($18) soup on a bed of mussels, and the roasted Patagonian Toothfish ($45) – juicy, tender toothfish with a brioche crust and served with olives, saffron corn sauce and kailan.

Those with a sweet tooth can savour the Homemade Ice Cream ($5), available daily with unique flavours such as dulce de lecce and orange rosemary sorbet.

Personally, I preferred the Banana Bread & Butter Pudding for dessers. A comforting desssert of warm bread pudding and that lovely caramel sauce. I did wished the bananas were a little more caramelised, but overall this dessert satisfied my sweet tooth. 

The Pelican Seafood Bar & Grill

Address #01-01 One Fullerton, 1 Fullerton Road, Singapore 049213

Tel 6438 0400

Email enquiry@thepelican.com.sg

Website www.thepelican.com.sg

Facebook www.facebook.com/thepelicansg

LUNCH:  Mondays to Fridays, 12noon to 3pm (last order 2.30pm) | Saturdays, 12noon to 6pm

DINNER: Mondays to Saturdays, 6pm to 11pm (last order 10.30pm)

Closed on Sundays

Payment mode: Cash/ Visa / MasterCard / Amex accepted

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The Marmalade Pantry opened at Oasia Hotel a couple of months back.

This newest addition to The Marmalade Pantry family, is located on the ground level of Oasia Hotel Singapore in Novena, designed with business and leisure travelers in mind.

Great for a morning for a spread of buffet breakfast or try our their new dish creations on its all-day dining menu.

The food menu at both their bistro outlets (in the City and at Novena) has been given an brand new twist.

Fans of The Marmalade Pantry will be pleased to discover new dishes including my personal favourite – The Lobster Barley Risotto ($32). A comforting dish with multifold flavours of butternut, carrots, onion, garlic flower, parmesan, sour cream and tarragon.

The successful rendition of this lobster braised barley risotto is a dish so full of the ocean fresh flavours without coming across as overwhelming. Plus who can say no to chunks of lobster meat? Yummmm

For a lighter option, go for their new Salmon ($28). Pan-seared salmon fillet served on a bed of chilled sweet potato noodles with a refreshing in house dressing of sesame, cucumber and yuzu.

Burger lovers might prefer their Miso Lobster ($34), burger of lobster chunks in tobiko and miso mayo, topped with cucumber and red radish, with shoestring fries on the side. This dish was just average for me though.

Being a huge fan of brunch. I was pleasantly surprised that yummy French Toast served with apple compote and crispy bacon. Love the thick slices of bread, coasted with egg and perfectly pan fried, though I have to admit the apple compote didn’t quite work for me.

Also known for its authentic and classic bakes, The Marmalade Pantry’s new menu retained its signature desserts, such as the must-try Sticky Date and Toffee Pudding ($14) with toffee sauce and vanilla ice cream.

Every month, you can also pop by to check out the pastry chefs’ thematic Cupcake Of The Month, inspired flavours that are created in limited quantity.

And from 3pm to 6pm daily, the lucky few with pockets of free time can pop by for the Afternoon Tea Set ($38/set, serves 2). Indulge in a selection of egg and cress, beef and horseradish, green land shrimp finger sandwiches, buttermilk scones with strawberry preserve and clotted cream, and choice of two cupcakes. Guests also get to pick their selection of 2 pots of Gryphon tea too.

Highly recommend their scones, one of the best I have eaten.

The Marmalade Pantry in the City

Address 2 Orchard Turn #03-22 ION Orchard, Singapore 238801

Reservations 6734 2700 / enquiry.city@themarmaladepantry.com.sg

Operating Hours Mondays to Fridays, 10am to 10pm

The Marmalade Pantry at Novena

Address Oasia Hotel, 8 Sinaran Drive #01-02/04, Singapore 307470

Reservations 6664 0348 / enquiry.novena@themarmaladepantry.com.sg

Operating Hours Buffet breakfast: Daily, 630am to 1030am

Website www.themarmaladepantry.com.sg

Facebook www.facebook.com/MarmaladePantry

Modes of payment: Cash / Major credit cards accepted

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Be prepared to have a stomach of a lion when you dine at Ginza Lion.

The Ginza Lion Buffet Feast is truly a #foodcoma session with its generous portion and meaty servings. I can imagine many gentlemen pleased with the portions and food served at Ginza Lion.

Decked up in dark wood tones, Ginza Lion is actually the Singapore outfit of Ginza Beer Hall with over 100 years history back in Japan.

Known as ‘Ebisu Beer Hall” back in 1899 in Tokyo, it was established by Sapporo Beer and was well-received with crowds from its first day of opening.

So yes, over at Ginza Lion, they bring you their beer – SAPORRO. The oldest beer brand in Japan.

They store the beer in the chiller at 2 degrees and for a minimum 24 hours so that the beer can ‘rest’, and by using a one pour action, what you get is a cold beer with lovely creamy foam on top with a ratio of 7:3.

After some drinks to start, lets go to food!

The concept here at Ginza Lion is actually pretty interesting. During the weekends (Sat & Sun) and public holidays, diners can enjoy their buffet feast with 2 hours of free flow of beer buffet at $50nett (adult). You child can also dine in with you (without the alcohol of course) at $20 nett *min above 12 years of age.

Under Beer Buffet selections, you can select Beer on Tap including Sapporo Premium Beer, Konig Ludwig Dunkel and Konig Ludwig Weissbier. If not, soft drinks or other drinks such as Coke, Coke Light, Sprite Ginger Ale, Ice Oolong Tea can also be served.

Your buffet meal will start off with their signature plate which is enormous not just in its tray but the serving size.

The signature plate consist of Roast Black Angus beef, pork ribs, chicken wings, edamame, Cumberland and arabiki sausage& mashed potato.

The picture above is for 2 pax serving.

After the signature plate, and still want more bite or light snacks? Feel free to pick from over 25 other items including Japanese appetisers, pasta, soups, beer snacks and side dishes.

We tried their truffle fries, one of the popular item here.

Prefer something light, tangy and more refreshing?

Their Asazuke pickled vegetables will help give you that tangy kick and refreshing change to your palatte before moving on to more dishes.

Their Baked Mussels were pretty satisfying. Fresh, buttery, topped with some baked cheese. Yum!

Ginza Lion Beer Hall

Suntec outlet:

3 Temasek Boulevard #01-649/650

Suntec City Mall Tower 4, Singapore 038983

Website http://www.sapporolionsg.com.sg/ginza-lion/

Tel/Reservations: 68366053

Opening Hours: 11am to 11:30pm (daily)

Blog post disclaimer: This was not a sponsored post. Meal was compliments of Ginza Lion as part of a media tasting session and all views expressed are my own. 

The post Ginza Lion Buffet Feast appeared first on Little Miss Bento.

Its really nice that Singapore Haagen Dazs has now limited edition flavours.

Reminds me a little of the Japan Haagen Dazs and the seasonal flavours.

The one that caught my eye was their limited edition Yuzu Citrus & Cream. In addition, they also introduced new refreshing fruit flavours for the summer such as the new Blueberries & Cream, and Mango & Raspberry.

Yuzu Citrus & Cream uses Yuzu fruit all the way from Japan (me like!) and sweet orange juice from Brazil to create an intense citrus sauce swirled into rich, creamy ice-cream. Personally I would prefer it a little less sweet and more tartness from the yuzu, but it was pretty good when I paired them with some homemade matcha cake.

Blueberries & Cream was a surprise to me when I tried it. It was actually pretty yummy! Made with real blueberries from Canada and Europe, giving it that beautiful purple hue without any colouring.

I imagine the Mango & Raspberry will have its fair share of mango lover fans with its taste of mango with a tinge of raspberries. Feels very summery!

It nice to note that the ice cream flavours  at Haagen Dazs start with 100% real cream and milk coming from farms in France, with free-range eggs and sugar.

So for this summer, what can you expect?

Häagen-Dazs’ refreshing fruity summer menu

Developed by Häagen-Dazs’ in-house chefs, the new summer menu offers a mix of dessert creations and beverages:

Brioche Fruitee a thick slice of brioche topped with a scoop each of Yuzu Citrus & Cream, Blueberries & Cream, and Mango & Raspberry. This was my favourite of all. Not only can I enjoy all 3 flavours that broiche bread was buttery and nicely toasted.

Parfait Trilogy is perfect for those that can’t decide between the flavours – these mini ice-cream parfaits feature each of the 3 new flavours in one dessert.

Yuzu Citrus float features sparking lemonade, peach and a scoop of ice-cream.

Blueberries & Cream or Mango & Raspberry milkshakes

Haagen Dazs

Facebook page at www.facebook.com/HaagenDazs.Singapore

Website: www.haagendazs.com.sg

Blog post disclaimer: This was not a sponsored post. The ice cream and beverages were compliments of Haagen Dazs Singapore as part of a media tasting session and all views expressed are my own. 

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