Singapore's Pokemon cafe back with 'levelled up' menu

If you're still suffering from "yellow fever" of the Pokemon variety, here's somewhere you can go to get your Pikachu fix.

The Pokemon pop-up cafe opens its doors today (Nov 24) for a second run, six months after the first edition was launched with much fanfare, sparking 5-hour-long queues.

Set up at the Everything with Fries outlet at Bugis Junction, the new edition is based on the Pokemon Sun and Pokemon Moon games, from the food right down to the piped-in music and decor.

Levelling up (pun intended) from the first edition, hot drinks are served in Great Ball mugs instead of the Pokeball cups that were used during the cafe's first run this May.

Servers are also clad in bright accessories such as yellow caps, flower crowns and the instantly recognisable Pikachu ears, adding to the ambience that stays true to the Pokemon theme.

AsiaOne was invited to a tasting of some items on the menu and can tell you what managed to be both Instagram- and drool-worthy:

Hits & Misses

Of the two main courses we tasted, the "I Love Pikachu Patty!" ($20) was undoubtedly one of our favourites.

Under the yellow Pikachu crepe, a smooth layer of mashed potatoes is stacked on top of a chicken patty. This was well-complemented by a scoop of gravy on the side that burst with rich flavour. A heart-shaped portion of tomato rice on the plate is just right to soak up any excess gravy. As a nice touch, the dish also comes with an adorable miniature ketchup bottle that you are welcome to take home.

"Aloha Region's Fish n' Fries" ($15) features a cone of crispy fish fillet and twisty fries, and comes with mayonnaise and ketchup pots dressed to resemble the Pokeball and Great Ball (blue mayonnaise, anyone?). The dish wasn't bad, but it wasn't close to being mind-blowing.

Of course, no meal is complete without a drink.

The first beverage we sampled was the unusual Pokemon cafe's "Aloha Milk" ($11).

This sweet cereal milk in a glass bottle had a creamy malt flavour mixed with grainy cereal bits. Though it was made in-house and tasted fresh, the drink was borderline saccharine and would perhaps be better suited for those with a particularly sweet tooth.

The more refreshing but generic-tasting "Iced Island Tea" ($12) came in an "Alolan Exeggutor" plastic bottle - another collectible. The good news is that diners get to bring this unique bottle home, along with a detachable Exeggutor charm.

As for desserts, Pikachu's Ice Cream Bun, Level Up with Rare Candy! ($18), puts a spin on the ice cream sandwich delicacy that all of us know and love, with raspberry ripple ice cream wedged between what is supposed to be soft burger buns.

Since we're being honest, the baked buns were a tad tough, compared to the conventional soft white bread that we are used to. The dish also features a piece of 'Rare Candy' - a wrapped up ball of milk chocolate. Though we applaud the effort to create a theme-related dessert which looked great, the dish is a little pricey for what you get.

Of the two desserts sampled, the "Volt Tackle is Strong!" ($15) would definitely be our pick. Not only was the plate beautifully decorated, but it was also sinfully delicious. A layer of marshmallow goodness wrapped in the shape of the face of Pokemon himself enveloped the creamy dark chocolate with bits of crunchy chocolate praline.

The tangy strawberry sauce smothered across the plate also balanced the sweetness of the torched marshmallow decoration to create a delectable dessert that satisfied all our cravings.

$90 meal for two, or less if you share

Be prepared to spend at least $45 per person for a two-course meal with a drink, which means this won't be your everyday pit stop.

Lengthy and borderline-cheesy menu item names aside, the dining experience on a whole would probably be a must for all Pokemon aficionados.

So, perhaps it's time to 'power up' by visiting this cafe with your fellow Singaporean gamer and foodie friends!

The Pokemon pop-up cafe is located on the 4th floor of Bugis Junction and will run till Feb 19, 2017.

candicec@sph.com.sg