Hello Kitty x Kumoya Mini Shabu Shabu pop-up cafe opens in Singapore for the first time from 1 Sep 2021 for a limited time only.

Hello Kitty Orchid Garden was the first Hello Kitty café to set up shop in Singapore back in 2016 and it closed down in Feb 2019. The princess of kawaii, Hello Kitty is making a brief comeback in Singapore.

Kumoya @ Orchard Central will transform itself into a world of colourful Japanese motifs, all infused with a splash of kawaii! Hello Kitty fans can catch up over Shabu Shabu at this colourful pop-up cafe!

This first of its kind Mini Shabu Shabu concept features Hello Kitty-inspired signature food and drinks.

Each Mini Shabu Shabu set (S$24.90) comes with:

• 1 soup base
• 1 mixed vegetable pot
• 1 meat, seafood or vegetarian
• 1 Hello Kitty rice or beetroot noodle
• 1 dipping sauce

Do note that there is a minimum spending of S$25.00 per person.

Photos credit: Hello Kitty x Kumoya Mini Shabu Shabu pop-up cafe

There are also exclusive Hello Kitty Kawaii add-ons such as Hello Kitty Tamago, Hello Kitty Beauty Chicken Collagen, Hello Kitty Donut Fishcake.

Get Hello Kitty Mini Shabu Shabu merchandise to complete your kawaii-licious experience at the Hello Kitty Mini Shabu Shabu pop-up cafe.

Hello Kitty x Kumoya Mini Shabu Shabu pop-up cafe
181 Orchard Rd, #04-08 Central
Singapore 238896
Daily: 11am – 9.30pm
Last order at 8.30pm

All hail the cat without mouth; Hello Kitty Orchid Garden, Singapore’s first Hello Kitty Cafe is opening at Changi Airport Terminal 3 in May 2016!

For so long now, we have been pinning for a Hello Kitty cafe in Singapore, and though some may argue that it is but a gimmick, many of us are suckers for thematic cafes like that. Just take a look at the various Hello Kitty cafes in Asia, and how “atmospheric” in their own ways they are. Surely this is something for fans to be excited about?

What makes it even better is that the café will be open for 24 hours daily. Hello Kitty cakes for supper, anyone?

Inspired by Singapore’s ‘Garden City’ vibes, the Hello Kitty themed cafe will feature lush greenery and opulent blooms. A definitive but lovely touch to the Singapore outlet, Hello Kitty Orchid Garden is going to be nothing short of photogenic.

Hello Kitty Orchid Garden’s menu comprises all-day breakfast fare and desserts such as gelato sundaes, waffles, pastries and tea cakes. While the exact menu has not been finalised, the dishes are said to carry local influences to reflect our cultures and taste buds.

There will also be a retail section selling Singapore-exclusive merchandise including a range of custom Hello Kitty-inspired tea blends, plush toys, grow-it-yourself plant kits, postcards and tea cups. Oh yes, we are so going broke.

We can’t be the only ones who go gaga over Hello Kitty, right?

Hello Kitty Orchid Garden
Arrival Hall Central #01-22
Terminal 3, Singapore Changi Airport
Daily: 24 Hours

All images used in this post are for illustration purposes only, and are taken from the other Hello Kitty cafes in Asia. The first photo belongs to Changi Airport.

Hello Kitty is probably the only cat in the world that has no mouth, but still can get everyone excited and going gaga over. It is baffling as much as it is miraculous, but there is no denying – Hello Kitty is a trend that will never die.

So, taking the fad to a whole new level is opening up themed cafes and paying homage to the cat. Well, Hello Kitty lovers sure aren’t going to complain about it being gimmicky, simply because it is Hello Kitty.

Have you been to any Hello Kitty cafes? There are five in Asia – Seoul, Taipei, Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore. And yes, they are all pinky and cutesy, and very very dreamland-like. Heck, even non-Hello Kitty fans will have a ball of time in there!

Here are the five Hello Kitty cafes in Asia. Go ahead, have a pretty cake in there and call yourself a fan. We won’t judge.

HELLO KITTY CAFE SEOUL

Get ready to be blown away by the dramatic décors of this amazing Hello Kitty Cafe. Everywhere you look, there would be a Kitty staring right in your face – the food you eat, the latte you drink, the sofa seat you sit on, the wallpapers you gaze at, the tables where your mobile phone rests on and even the toilets, are not spared from Hello Kitty.

Located in Hongdae (Hongik University) district, Hello Kitty Café is extremely popular with students of Hongik University. The food and drinks are immensely sweet and will certainly curb your cravings for desserts. To sum up this place in two words: Sugar rush. Don’t you want to teleport yourself there already and relieve those childhood memories?

Seoul 358-112 Seogyo
Tel: +82 2 334 6570
Daily: 11am – 12midnight
Nearest Station: Hongik University

HELLO KITTY KITCHEN & DINING TAIPEI

With its signature pink decor, the cosy little cafe can be spotted from afar. The cafe is lined with pink and white furniture, the scent of the sweet desserts filled the air, soft piano pieces looping in the background, and all the waitresses are exceptionally cutesy with their frilly French-maid inspired uniforms.

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The desserts are priced between NT$300-360 (S$12.50-15), and each set comes with a drink. And with every order, you get a complimentary custard pudding – in the shape of Hello Kitty’s head, of course!

No 90, Section 1 Daan Road
Daan District, Taipei
Tel: +886 2 2711 1132
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Zhongxiao Fuxing

HELLO KITTY SECRET GARDEN HONG KONG

An obscure hood that is mainly residential, Tai Hang sits southeast of Causeway Bay and is fast becoming a dining destination. In the recent years, the gritty neighbourhood sees many new cafes and dessert shops, and the whole Tai Hang area henceforth exudes a charm that is second to none.

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The latest addition to Tai Hang is Hello Kitty Secret Garden. Other than the signature Secret Garden Burger, the cafe has desserts – such as Chocolate Tart, Banana Chocolate Ball, Blueberry Mousse Cake, and Apple Pie – available on the all-day menu.

19 Ormsby Street, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2808 2868
Nearest MTR: Tin Hau

HELLO KITTY HOUSE BANGKOK

This is the newest of all three. It’s huge, and it’s cute; you should go some time soon. Sitting within Siam Square One, Hello Kitty House Bangkok is a multi-story unit that not only comes with a Hello Kitty Cafe, but you can also find a Hello Kitty Shop and Spa. Pink and prominently, you will definitely not miss it from the main road.

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Step in to a wondrous Sanrio world, and be wowed by the expansive Hello Kitty decor. On the first level, the Hello Kitty Cafe comprises a take-away counter for drinks and snacks, and a dine-in area with a massive display of thematic sweets. The second level is also part of the cafe, with a huge space for seating and big pink chairs to complete.

Over at the basement, there is Hello Kitty Shop – a merchandise corner for you to pick up little Kitty-chan souvenirs. Think umbrellas in candy colours, utensils and lunch boxes, printed tees and cosmetics, and even badminton rackets and basketballs! There is a Hello Kitty Spa too! Go on, treat yourself to a manicure and have your nails painted with flowers before leaving!

SiamSQ1, Bangkok
Tel: +66 2 115 1335
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest BTS: Siam

Photo Credit: Channel News Asia

HELLO KITTY ORCHID GARDEN, SINGAPORE

Alas, we finally have a Hello Kitty Café on our very own soils! The café in Changi Airport just opened this year in May, and has already seen many crazy Kitty-lovers and non-fans alike giving the food and ambience a go.

The café space is inspired by its surroundings – Changi Airport Terminal 3′s Orchid Garden. Inside, you’ll find rustic, nature-inspired hanging chairs and leafy décor. There’s not so much pink here, but the space manages to pull off a more relaxing, chilled vibe.

Photo Credit: Hello Kitty Orchid Garden

Items from the menu here can start from about S$17.90 for something like the Enchanted Forest Quesadillas, and can perhaps go up to about S$24 for the Cowabunga! Wagyu! meal. The menu items are inspired by local flavors, such as the aforementioned wagyu cuts, which are drenched in aromatic Rendang gravy.

The store also has its own retail section, carrying Singapore-exclusive Hello Kitty merchandises like special blend teas, postcards and of course, plush toys! The café is open for 24 hours everyday, so you can even pop by in the wee hours of the morning for a dose of Hello Kitty!

Hello Kitty Orchard Garden
Arrival Hall Central #01-22
Terminal 3, Singapore Changi Airport
Daily: 24 Hours
Tel: 6241 6127

HELLO KITTY HOUSE HAS LANDED IN BANGKOK!

Few things in life are as pleasurable than dining at a pink Hello Kitty-themed house, with the cutest desserts and sweetest drinks. That is why Hello Kitty Cafes are ever popular – not just with girls, because we’ve seen many men go crazy too.

The fictional character is a Japanese white bobtail cat with a red bow, or better known as the “cat with no mouth”. She is five apples tall, and weighs three apples. But more importantly, she is a bright and kind-hearted girl that is well-loved by the world.

You may have heard about the Hello Kitty Cafes in Asia, but do you know about the new one at Bangkok? It’s huge, and it’s cute; you should go some time soon. Sitting within Siam Square One, Hello Kitty House Bangkok is a multi-story unit that not only comes with a Hello Kitty Cafe, but you can also find a Hello Kitty Shop and Spa. Pink and prominently, you will definitely not miss it from the main road.

Step in to a wondrous Sanrio world, and be wowed by the expansive Hello Kitty decor. On the first level, the Hello Kitty Cafe comprises a take-away counter for drinks and snacks, and a dine-in area with a massive display of thematic sweets. The second level is also part of the cafe, with a huge space for seating and big pink chairs to complete.

We did not think much about the desserts initially, rest for the fake that they look so swoon-worthy and incredibly cute. But to our surprise, the Candy Cream Cheese Cake (THB 175) in shades of pink and blue was so moist and decadent that we finished every bit of it.

After taking a thousand photos and spamming our Instagram timelines, of course. The Banoffee tart (THB 150) was pretty decent, too! Other Instagram-worthy desserts include the Rainbow Mille Crepe (THB 175) – no other way to make your followers jealous.

Over at the basement, there is Hello Kitty Shop – a merchandise corner for you to pick up little Kitty-chan souvenirs. Think umbrellas in candy colours, utensils and lunch boxes, printed tees and cosmetics, and even badminton rackets and basketballs! We went a little gaga here, but hold your breath.

There is a Hello Kitty Spa too! Go on, treat yourself to a manicure and have your nails painted with flowers before leaving!

Hello Kitty House
SiamSQ1, Bangkok
Tel: +66 2 115 1335
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest BTS: Siam

The whole world is crazy over the cat without mouth: Hello Kitty, the cat with the highest commercial value. Said to be born in London on November 01 1974, she is as tall as five apples, and weighs as much as three apples. And because she is portrayed as such a bright and kind-hearted girl who is always surrounded by many friends, Hello Kitty is a world phenomenon today.

Anything that has Hello Kitty stamped on it becomes a collectible, anywhere with Hello Kitty attracts great crowds. And this includes the ever popular Hello Kitty Sweets at Taipei – visited by endless crowds everyday from all over the globe.

With its signature pink decor, the cosy little cafe can be spotted from afar. Upon stepping it, we felt like we entered another world – a world so fascinating and unbelievably gorgeous. The cafe was lined with pink and white furniture, the scent of the sweet desserts filled the air, soft piano pieces looping in the background, and all the waitresses were exceptionally cutesy with their frilly French-maid inspired uniforms.

We were ushered to a booth seat, and given a menu full of Hello Kitty-themed desserts. It was surely no mean feat to decide on our orders, because everything looked so pretty and tantalizing! We finally settled on ordering based on what would look best in pictures.

Prior to our visit, we heard from many friends that the desserts were awful. But much to our surprise, they were anything but awful. If any, some were beyond decent!

Our favorite had to be the Chocolate Mousse Cake with Strawberry Choco Balls, and the Layered Fruit Cake. The former was rich, but not overly sweet; the latter was a simple vanilla chiffon cake with fresh fruits generously stuffed in between the layers. The desserts are priced between NT$300-360 (S$12.50-15), and each set comes with a drink.

And with every order, you get a complimentary custard pudding – in the shape of Hello Kitty’s head, of course!

It was lovely to just sit there and chat the afternoon away, and to enjoy the thematic atmosphere together with all the fans who were crazily snapping photos all over the cafe.

Hello Kitty, oh Hello Kitty. How you make every girl go weak in the knees! I promise I will come back to try more desserts the next time I am at Taipei.

Hello Kitty Sweets Cafe
No 90, Section 1 Daan Road
Daan District, Taipei
Tel: +886 2 2711 1132
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Zhongxiao Fuxing

Words by Melody Yap, photographs by ladyironchef

The Seoul City never sleeps; shops open till an astonishing 4.30am! Jet-lagged? Fret not. The beautiful cafes and aromatic coffees in Seoul will definitely liven up your soul. In every corner of every street, there would be at least one pretty café waiting for your entrance.

In my recent trip, I have narrowed my list to 5 cafes in Seoul that are notably worth making a trip to. You can immerse yourself into the land of Hello Kitty, sink your teeth into tea flavoured desserts, sip your beverage with 30 purring cats, eat your pasta in bowls made of bread and sample meat infused with tofu.

Let’s go on a cafe hopping adventure in Seoul!

Hello Kitty Café

Get ready to be blown away by the dramatic décors of this amazing Hello Kitty Cafe. Everywhere you look, there would be a Kitty staring right in your face – the food you eat, the latte you drink, the sofa seat you sit on, the wallpapers you gaze at, the tables where your mobile phone rests and even the toilets, are not spared from Hello Kitty.

Located in Hongdae (Hongik University) district, Hello Kitty Café is extremely popular with students of Hongik University. The food and drinks are immensely sweet and will certainly curb your cravings for desserts. To sum up this place in two words: Sugar rush. Don’t you want to teleport yourself there already and relieve those childhood memories?

Seoul 358-112 Seogyo
Tel: +82 2 334 6570
Daily: 11am – 12midnight

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O’sulloc Tea House

O’sulloc is a famous Korean teahouse that serves fragrant teas and appetising tea flavoured desserts. The products are made from Jeju Island’s excellent tea-leaves. The café’s wooden modern interiors are incredibly spacious, promising you superior food and beverages, as well as quality comfort and services.

Don’t forget to order a pot of tasty sweet smelling orange black tea. Complete your meal with rounded slices of black tea cake and green tea tiramisu. Can’t get enough of O’sulloc tea? Purchase a few boxes of tea-leaves and share them with fellow family and friends!

Cheonghwi Bldg. 1st Fl.,
33-1, Myeong-dong 2(i)-ga
Jung-gu, Seoul
Tel: +82 2 774 5460
Mon to Thu: 9am – 10.30pm
Fri & Sat: 9am – 11pm

Lily Cat Café

If Hello Kitty Café isn’t enough for you cat lovers, visit Lily Cat Café where you will be greeted by approximately 30 friendly cats. The eating area and the cats’ playroom are in two separate entities, separated by a glass door. So if your companion is afraid of cats or has an allergy, he/she can still dine there and watch you play. Hygiene is of top priority and you are required to sanitize your hands before entering the playroom.

Yes, you can pat the cats and treat them like your own, exciting isn’t it? Food cannot be brought into the playroom but beverages are allowed inside. The entrance fee and the price of food are really cheap so do not miss out on this wonderful chance! Cats aside, we strongly recommend the delicious red bean shaved ice dessert and refreshing kiwi juice.

53-11 Myeongdong 2(i)-ga,
Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 318 2464
Daily: 9am – 11pm

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Primo Bacio Baci

This Italian Cafe is always packed because everyone wants a portion of this goodness. It is advisable for you to visit Primo Bacio Baci with someone who can speak Korean. The English menu is not very helpful and employees are unable to speak English. Most pasta dishes are served in bowls made of bread – a trademark of Primo Bacio Baci.

Do try the squid ink pasta or classic carbonara. Dig your fork into the thick yummy pasta sauce and you will find several types of pastas submerged beneath. Best of all, complimentary mouthwatering sorbets (choose between mango and strawberry flavours) are presented to customers upon completion of their mains.

Mapo-gu Seogyo-dong 346-47
Seoul South Korea
Tel: +82-2-323-0098

Kyotofu

Kyotofu is an artisanal dessert & brunch place that was first founded in New York. Located in Times Square (biggest shopping mall of Seoul), Kyotofu sells bite size savory food and desserts made of Japanese ingredients. Health gurus would be pleased to hear that tofu is the main component of these fanciful lip-smacking foods. Do not under estimate these petite dishes – they have received numerous awards in New York i.e. “Best New Restaurant” and “Best Cupcake NYC”. We also particularly enjoyed the mini crab-tofu burgers.

Great news for Singaporeans: The staff disclosed to us that they would be opening Kyotofu in Singapore soon! So if you feel like sampling these delights, you don’t have to fly all the way to NYC/Seoul.

442 Yeongdeungpodong 4(sa)-ga (15 Yeongjung-ro)
Times Square, Yeongdeungpo-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 749 1488

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng was previously a marketing executive and freelance photographer in the food industry. Her work has been published on Epicure, Lifestyle Asia and Meld Magazine etc. She is currently on a break and traveling around the world. Follow her travel adventures on Instagram or The Keepers Map where she shares useful curated travel itineraries.