Sanrio’s beloved Japanese character, Cinnamoroll is floating into Singapore and landing at Kumoya, for a special limited time pop-up café collaboration from 17 May 2017 to 13 August 2017.

The collaboration is with Kumoya, Singapore’s first Halal-certified Japanese-French café is to mark Cinnamoroll’s 15th anniversary.

This collaboration will see the cafe being transformed into a Cinnamoroll theme wonderland, with a specially commissioned Cinnamoroll theme décor. 

Diners can enjoy delicious special limited-time menu has been curated and styled by me with the kitchen team at Kumoya. 

The selected Main Courses, Desserts and Beverages will all carry the themed Cinnamoroll character.

Definitely not to miss this unique experience and a must-visit for fans of this cute fluffy character. 

Campaign Date: 17 May 2017 to 13 August 2017

Location: Kumoya @ 8 Jalan Klapa Singapore 199320

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Opening Hours: 

Tuesday – Thursday, Sunday 12.00pm – 9.30pm

Friday and Saturday 12.00pm – 10.30pm

(last order 30 minutes before closing)

Price Range: $7.90 – $21.90

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Pokemon fans be thrilled! A Pokemon Pop Up cafe is opening here in Singapore at PARCO Bugis Junction Level 4  for a limited time from 27 may to 31 July 2016.

Now this is in addition to the Hello Kitty Cafe and Pompompurin Cafe that recently hit our shores too.

So exciting. Seems like the character cafes are coming to Singapore! Hopefully more will be in town soon.

Following the success of the Pokemon Cafe in Shibuya earlier this year, this Pokemon Cafe in Singapore will be the first ever of such venture for Pokemon brand in South East Asia.

In addition to a character filled cute menu of about 12 dishes, the cafe will also feature a store selling some 10 original limited edition Pokemon goods

Besides eating cute food, buying cute Pokemon products, you might also get a chance to meet and greet Pikachu mascot!

Their press release does not indicate the menu but here are some pictures of what was serve at the pop up back in Shibuya, how cute!

Now, its time to get ready for the queuing!

Pokemon Cafe Details

Location: EWF, Bugis Junction Level 4 #04-05

Cafe Hours: 11am to 930pm (last order)

Time: (66 days) from 27 May 2016 to 31 July 2016

EWF (everything with fries) http://www.everythingwithfries.com/ 

http://www.parco.com.sg/ 

http://www.newsjs.com/url.php?p=http://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000343.000003639.html 

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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/

The post Over 10 Character Cafes in Japan (Tokyo) to visit appeared first on Little Miss Bento.

Yes, I was one of the crazy ones who braved the crowds to visit Pom Pom Purin Cafe in Harajuku, Tokyo.

Pom Pom Purin, the yellow golden retriever dog character introduced by Sanrio in 1996 while might not be as famous as its counterparts like Hello Kitty and Melody overseas, Pom Pom Purin still has a pretty strong following back home in Japan.

Many of you might be wondering how was this cafe and the food?

I heard of the snaking queues for the cafe but what awaited me was quite beyond my imagination.

First attempt, at 530pm on a Sunday night (the cafe closes at 9pm) – upon reaching I was asked if I was a coupon holder (I was not), then was promptly informed that all advanced coupons are been given out so the cafe is technically not open to any walk-ins, only those who had came earlier to get the coupons. Upon enquiry, they informed that the cafe starts giving out coupons at around 930am (cafe only opens at 11am) while it lasts.

So the first attempt was a failure. I totally underestimated the popularity of the Pom Pom Purin Cafe.

Towards the tail end of my vacation, I finally had a more relaxed day and decided to pop by in the morning to get my hands on the advance ticket coupon. I received ticket queue #323 at 1030am and was asked to return only after 1pm.

I eventually did return to the Pom Pom Purin Cafe at 240pm,but had to wait in the queue for one hour before getting a seat!

The cute entrance and exterior of the Pompompurin Cafe.

Upon entering, you will be greeted by a cute Pompompurin character and its friends at the centre of the store. The whole cafe is dressed up in the theme color of Pompompurin – yellow, brown and white.

Super cute menu awaits at this cafe, from Pompompurin curry rice, to pasta sets and cute desserts including pancakes, parfait and of course pudding. All the food menu will feature Pompompurin character either in the food ingredients or in the cutlery, e.g. the limited edition Pompompurin mug – which you can bring home after the meal too!

Even the wall decorations were so cute!

The table set up is simple but still in line with the theme, a cute Pompompurin table mat and even the tissues were in Pompompurin design. I took a set home :D

After your food, some retail therapy? A small corner that sells Pompompurin goods, including some limited edition items only available at the cafe.

The food?

It was really fun to order them and they were pretty cute. But taste wise, they are not worth the one hour wait. They did not taste bad but was really very average.

I guess it is more about the kawaii experience than the food.

For my main course, I ordered the Pompompurin Coconut Milk Chicken Curry (900yen excluding taxes). The rice infused with some mild curry spice was shaped in Pompompurin character. The curry had a strong coconut taste and some chicken pieces and some peppers cut in cute shapes. ,

For desserts, I ordered the Pancake Tower (1,490yen excluding taxes) and Purin Pompompurin (500 yen excluding taxes).

The panckes were sadly quite dry and thin. The different layers are sandwiched with whipped, maple syrup, jam and chocolate sauce. The jam was so overpowering that I could not actually taste much of anything else.

The only plus point was that menu that comes with this Pompompurin mug allows the customers to bring home a mug. Don’t worry, no need to wash. They will give you a brand new one in a box.

The pudding was better. Do however go easy on the caramel sauce, I poured too much and it was a little too bitter. haha. *by the way, you do not get to keep this pudding mug so please don’t nick it.

You do get to keep this cup, but only when you order food items that featured this limited edition mug ;)

Would I go back again and wait another hour? – No.

I will go try the other character cafes.

But it is a nice one time experience which I did not regret. Yes, it is all about enjoying the kawaii experience and not so much about the food really.

Pom Pom Purin Cafe

Address: 東京都渋谷区神宮前1-7-1, CUTE CUBE HARAJUKU 3階 (Google Map)

Opening hours: 11am to 9pm

(advance coupons starts at around 930am and the cafe will be closed to all walk-ins once all coupons has been issued out)

Website (Japanese)

Accessible from either Meijijingumae station (Chiyoda line) or Harajuku station (JR Line)

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