Update: Kumoya has closed.
Catering to Singapore’s insatiable love for all things kawaii, Kumoya has teamed up with San-X to bring you the Rilakkuma Cafe. Taking over the space previously occupied by Pompompurin Cafe on the fourth level of Orchard Central, this bear-themed popup will operate for six months starting end August.
The Rilakkuma Cafe brings you dishes and decor inspired by San-X’s cuddly teddy bear Rilakkuma, and his rotund pet yellow bird, Kiiroitori.
Stepping in, you’ll feel like you’ve been invited to Rilakkuma’s cozy home, with wood and pastel-themed furnishings emulating Rilakkuma’s cutesy nature. You can even book a private room for large groups. Aside from a life-sized Rilakkuma plush posed by the entrance, you’ll have plenty of photo opportunities with a soft, cuddly toys stacked at every table.
As with previous Kumoya collaborations, expect creative, artsy takes on Rilakkuma and friends in the menu. The Chirpy Kiiroitori Beef Stew Rice ($23.90) comprises a comforting combination of tumeric rice with house-made beef stew, steamed carrot, and broccoli. No prizes for guessing which character this warm-hued dish was modelled after. While the rice is flavourful and enjoyable, the other components do leave a little more to be desired. The beef chunks were a tad dry when we visited, and the beef stew thinner than expected. Still, props to the stew’s flavourful notes which compliment the rice perfectly.
Chirpy Kiiroitori Beef Stew Rice ($23.90)
The Rilakkuma Chill-out Tendon Rice Set ($27.90) comes as a sizeable portion of teriyaki rice with assorted tempura. The tempura servings are generous, with varieties of veggies, salmon, and chicken to keep the fried food lover in you satisfied. While the tamago brings you a bonus pair of Rilakkuma heads. Curiously, the advertised teriyaki flavour was distinctly missing from the rice, though there was enough tempura going around to keep me happy.
Rilakkuma Chill-out Tendon Rice Set ($27.90)
Rilakkuma Cafe’s appeal definitely lies in the cutesy dishes, plating, and theme. Perhaps its star dishes, Relaxy Rilakkuma Chicken Cordon Bleu and Rest & Relax Rilakkuma Chicken Stew Rice, which happened to be out of stock when we visited, fare better.
That said, Rilakkuma fans will be pleased with the merchandise and collectibles available at Kumoya’s pop up. Snag a free, limited edition Rilakkuma coaster with your choice of drink ($11.90 – $13.90), or a Cafe Exclusive Rilakkuma Snack Bucket ($22.90) with a delicious snack!
Address: Orchard Central 04-08
Google Maps
Nearest MRT: Somerset NS23
Opening Hours: 11am – 9.30pm daily
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