Hello Kitty Café: Coffee, Cakes and Cuteness

• Location: 3^rd floor Uptown Mall, Uptown Bonifacio, BGC
• Contact number: 817-07596
• Operating hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Monday to Thursday), 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Friday to Thursday)
• Price per head: P500 to P800
• Signature drinks: hot drinks and frappes

If your favorite childhood Sanrio character had a coffee shop themed to her image and likeness, wouldn’t you be thrilled to bits? This is the ecstatic sentiment I shared with other Hello Kitty fans at Hello Kitty Café. Nestled at the third floor of Uptown Mall at BGC, the glow of pretty pastel hues from the façade tugs you in at your heartstrings. While currently on soft launch, the first Hello Kitty Café in the Philippines is already reeling in the crowds.

It was in opportune time that Dexter Dy, the franchisee of Sanrio Philippines would decide to open the Hello Kitty Café and reignite the passion of those dismayed after the closing of last Sanrio store. Alas, this café is another dream come true! It is only natural to assume that the café would serve Japanese food considering the roots of Hello Kitty, but this is not the case. The café offers French cuisine and interior designer Stephanie Yan Ligot followed suit accordingly with the space. The dainty look is ubiquitous, and note that there’s a special heart-shaped bow adorned on Hello Kitty exclusive to this café. You’ll find it on the table, on the napkins as well as on the kitty cutouts tucked in some of the dishes. Everything is “kittified” in the most adorable way!

Speaking of food, let’s bring out our spoons and forks:

Creamy Portobello Mushroom Soup – a thick purée of button and shiitake mushrooms with truffle oil is poured into a small bread bowl served with a siding of mixed green lettuce with balsamic vinegar. It’s a light appetizer to have should you prefer to lay off the heavier main entrees.

Shrimp Scampi – pPawns are sautéed in butter, minced garlic, Parmesan, and parsley. Squeezing the lemon wedge over the linguine brings out more flavor.

To cool your palate, have a sip of these vibrant refreshing sodas:

Fizzy Blue – Sprite with Blue Curacao and lemon soda. This two-toned drink is cool to the eyes as it is to the throat

Fizzy Cherry – Sprite with strawberry syrup and grenadine. This red liquid is a sweet surprise. Best is to stir the grenadine to the top to even out the flavor.

You deserve to have your cake and eat it too! Here are a few selections you may want to try:

Profiteroles – If you want your dessert light and sweet, here’s a cream puff to save your day. It’s a purée of pistachio, Oreo, and salted caramel with diplomat cream as a base. And there are more flavors you can choose from.

Mango Charlotte – You won’t find a cuter cake plating than this, the mini-cake is made from almond sponge and mango mousse, surrounded by ladyfingers, and topped with fondant flowers and a white chocolate Hello Kitty

Chocolate Truffles – The appearance may fool you into thinking that this is a rich dark piece of cake when in fact the sweetness in the soft chocolate sponge and chocolate ganache is very much toned down. This goes well with an indulgent drink such as the Raspberry Frappuccino for contrast or a hot Choco S’more.

Kahlua Cream Cheese Torte – This mini cake is an absolute must-try for cheesecake lovers! The liquor is barely noticeable and the chocolate sponge has a nice hint of coffee. It is topped with meringue for that extra crunch.

Finally, we feature the finest cold drinks on the list:

Raspberry Frappe – With a raspberry purée mixed in with vanilla ice cream, full cream milk, fresh strawberries, whipped cream and sprinkles, this frappe is sweetness to the maximum. Available in September on the full menu.

Matcha Green Tea Frappe – Japanese pure matcha powder is blended with vanilla ice cream, brown sugar, and full cream milk. The slight bitter aftertaste of matcha leaves a nice finish, but this could be improved if the essence of matcha was not drowned out by the ice cream and whipped cream.

Oreo Mint Frappe – The crunchy bite of Oreo bits mingles with the taste of mint candy, chocolate syrup, and vanilla ice cream

Strawberry Peanut Butter Frappe – The strawberry filling (like that inside a donut), strawberry syrup, and vanilla ice cream base plays well when paired with the mild taste of Skippy peanut butter.

But wait, more delights await in hot cups:

Café Latte – There’s nothing like a simple shot of espresso with a splash of smooth milk. It’s a winner on any day. All coffee drinks at Hello Kitty Café uses 100% Arabica coffee beans.

S’more – Hot chocolate with powdered graham crackers and milk. The oozing texture of marshmallows completes this dessert drink.

Hot Pink – This hot chocolate is drizzled with strawberry syrup and topped with white chocolate chips. This drink will definitely test the edge of your saccharine levels. Available in September when the full menu is released.

Caramel Macchiato – This caffeinated drink has crushed fresh walnuts and vanilla syrup. If you like a strong dose of caramel, you will surely enjoy this one.

Hazelnut Latte – If you love hazelnut in all its glorious forms, this latte will make you smile from end to end. It’ll also warm the heart as well with its perfect blend of coffee, milk, and hazelnut syrup. Two thumbs up!

Releasing its full menu this September 2017, Hello Kitty Café has a feast prepared for all those with a sweet tooth out there. We’ve also heard that wine is to be served in the future. If you’re on a first date, or with your friends, this is the café to check out for a cheerful atmosphere. At Hello Kitty Café, say goodbye to stress and say hello to the sweetness of a sugar wonderland.

Photos by Star Sabroso