I read about this place at OpenRice and also at WOMGuide, so I decided to pop in and give it a try.
Firstly, since I had read the reviews, I came shortly after 18:00, so there were still plenty of empty tables inside. No waiting in a queue or running out of seafood for me. However, by the end of my meal (around 16:30), the place was already full, so make sure you come early!
Atmosphere: The interior of the restaurant was very well-decorated and pleasant - not lavish, but comfortable - fitting the title of "cafe", complete with customers' pictures and testimonials on the walls. As a minor note, the tea was also very good (I think they had some mint in there?), and was also free.
Not feeling particularly famished, I ordered:
1. Stuffed Pumpkin Tempura - $32
2. Mixed Seafood Spicy Red Miso Udon - $72
(+10% service charge)
1 = The tempura turned out to be less stuffed pumpkin than pig stuffed *with* pumpkin. Slices of pumpkin were wrapped in strips of decent-quality ham and bacon with a seasoned mayonnaise then tempura-fried. Though clearly not what I had anticipated, and a bit on the artery-clogging side for my taste, it was nonetheless a very delicious fusion-style appetizer. The tiny salad bed and side dip (mayonnaise sprinkled with spices) were nice touches.
2 = The udon was everything the reviews said it would be: just the right amount of elastic and oh so satisfying. The seafood (shrimp, mussels, and crab stick) was also great (not rave-worthy quality, but still very good), and the soup itself was extremely delicious - just the right amount of spicy, so that you get a kick and a sniffle but not a burning tongue or weeping nose. The garnish (fresh sprouts and finely shredded onion) was also a good addition, adding to both flavor and presentation.
Though I am not an expert on Japanese cuisine, I would venture a guess that the food here is quite authentic, if not so much traditional - aside from the udon soup, most of the menu looked like fusion-style. And in any case, the food is delicious!
Price-wise, I would say that it is good value. I was definitely very full by the end of the meal, and I would prefer to split the appetizer with friends next time!
Due perhaps to my early timing, the service was timely and attentive, but also very friendly and helpful - which I don't think had much to do with the timing.
If you are in TST and craving something other than Chinese BBQ for the night, definitely give Mochi Cafe a try!
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