We know what you are thinking.. Yet another proclaimed ‘insta-worthy’ cafe has met its demise. Like many readers, that was our initial thought. Themed cafes usually open much with fanfare, but often struggle to survive after some time. True enough, the closure of an eatery usually boils down to its food quality. But we were too quick to judge Hello Kitty Orchid Garden Cafe.
In the case of Hello Kitty Orchid Garden, licensing has unfortunately met an expiry date. This iconic feline cafe would be ceasing operations after 8 February 2019 as their partnership with Sanrio is coming to an end.
Here are three reasons why you should give this 24-hour enchantment a shot before it closes down for good.
1. Food at Hello Kitty Orchid Garden is surprisingly good
We had our doubts about its food, but were pleasantly surprised by the wonderful flavours presented in each dish. The portions were pretty decent for its price and we recommend ordering a few dishes to share. Two of us ordered Hola Nachos! (S$17.90++), Shrimply The Best (S$25.90++) and had the Kitty Goes Bananas Split (S$20.50++) for dessert.
Meat lovers may want to take a look at other options such as Cowabunga! Wagyu! (S$28.90++). We did not try it, but its description, “fantastic cuts of Wagyu beef are slow-cooked to tender perfection in a thick and delicious Rendang gravy”, sounds promising!
Hola Nachos! Is one of the 24-hour cafe’s best-selling appetisers. The crunch of the tortilla chips accompanied with warm, cheesy goodness was well received by both of us. Even upon cooling down, the chips and cheese were still delicious.
Taking an Asian spin, Shrimply The Best is essentially a Hae Bee Hiam pasta. The al-dente pasta is cooked in chilli, garlic and dried shrimp sambal, then topped with fresh king prawns, garden salad and a poached egg. We were eagerly waiting to watch the golden yolk spill gloriously under the knife, but it didn’t happen.
Note to avid Instagrammers: The only resemblance to Hello Kitty was a poorly imprinted carrot, but we are glad to say that the pasta tasted nothing short of superb.
ikjYou will be surprised by how easy it is for a dessert to go wrong if not well balanced. Kitty Goes Bananas Split was well thought out – the tartness from the raspberries balanced the overwhelming sweetness of the macarons, ice-cream and caramelised banana. The bed of crumbs added a light buttery touch which complemented the gelato.
2. Hello Kitty Orchid Garden Cafe’s interiors are ethereal
From wooden chairs to latte art, Hello Kitty – and its bow – are literally everywhere. Pose for a selfie with Kitty exhibits and dig into cutesy edible creations. Evidently, no expenses have been spared to create this Hello Kitty paradise. Everything is over the top here and we are certainly not complaining.
You are absolutely wrong if you think that Hello Kitty is only for kids. After all, the world-famous Sanrio character is over 40 years old – and is a hit amongst the aunties and uncles. Let’s put an end to gender stereotype, shall we?
3. Another collectible to add on to your Kitty collection
From now till February 2019, you can enjoy 20% off all merchandise and bag home a limited-edition Hello Kitty plush toy! Yes, it’s time to expand your collection beyond MacDonald’s happy meal toys.
We reckon you make a trip down to Hello Kitty Orchid Garden Cafe soon before it is gone forever.
Hello Kitty Orchid Garden Cafe
Open 24 Hours
Address: 65 Airport Boulevard, Singapore Changi Airport, Terminal 3 Arrival Meeting Hall Central, #01-22, 819663
Contact: +65 6241 6127
Nearest MRT Station: Changi Airport
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