SINGAPORE: Hello Kitty, Gudetama and Pokemon are all beloved Japanese characters that have descended on our shores – and Singaporeans’ appetites for anything kawaii (Japanese for cute) do not seem to be waning.
The Pokemon pop-up cafe makes a comeback on Thursday (Nov 24) at the fourth floor of Bugis Junction, nearly six months after its first successful run.
This time, the cafe is inspired by the recent debut of the Pokemon Sun and Pokemon Moon games, according to mall management company PARCO Singapore. Its decor and menu are inspired by the game’s Alola region.
The Alola Region Volcano: An inverted chocolate ice cream cone, on a blue crepe. (Photo: Winnie Goh)
Some dishes – such as the Pikachu latte – from the cafe’s last run remain, while others will make their debut on the eatery’s menu.
I Love Pikachu Ketchup – a chicken patty served with mashed potatoes, rice, as well as a bottle of ketchup. (Photo: Winnie Goh)
Pikachu Smiling Alola Region Curry Rice – saffron rice shaped like the popular Pokemon character, Pikachu. (Photo: Winnie Goh)
Among the new items are the Alola Region’s Fish and Fries, a fish and chip dish featuring condiments fashioned to look like a Pokeball and a Great Ball; Pikachu’s Ice-Cream Bun; as well as Volt Tackle is Strong, a chocolate cake with a praline base, shaped – of course – like the popular character Pikachu.
Pikachu’s ice cream bun, featuring a rare candy. (Photo: Winnie Goh)
Volt Tackle is Strong, a chocolate cake with a praline base, served with caramelised marshmallow and a berry sauce. (Photo: Winnie Goh)
Diners can also take home selected collectibles, such as a Great Ball mug, if they order certain items from the menu.
A hot drink, served in a Great Ball mug. (Photo: Winnie Goh)
There is also Pokemon Sun and Moon themed merchandise, as well as a photo booth, for diners looking to take home a piece of their experience.
The cafe, which runs until Feb 19, is a collaboration between PARCO Singapore and local chain Everything with Fries.
Merchandise on sale at the Pokemon cafe’s second edition. (Photo: Winnie Goh)
The first edition, which was held from May 27 to Jul 31, had attracted hundreds of diners on opening day.
The cafe’s second run comes after augmented reality game Pokemon Go landed in Singapore in August this year. While interest has somewhat cooled after the app’s initial launch, it is still number 33 among the top free apps on the iTunes store as of Wednesday night.
Other popular themed cafes that have opened their doors in Singapore include the Hello Kitty cafe at Changi Airport. A cafe dedicated to Japanese character Gudetama – a cartoon of a lazy egg – will also be making its debut later this month.
Speaking to Channel NewsAsia, PARCO Singapore’s corporate general manager Lai Sau Kuen said the company is still looking for a location for a permanent themed cafe which will feature different characters – such as those from the popular chat app LINE – every three months.
