A cutesy Japanese robot cat has entered the Auckland dessert scene, and it could even be your cozy after-dinner “date”.
New Zealand’s very first Doraemon dessert cafe officially opens tomorrow, 1 March, where patrons get to sit with big Doraemon plushies while enjoying shaved ice, souffle pancakes, and cheese foam coffee.
At this cafe, owner Queenie Chia says Doraemon, the Japanese cartoon character and beloved pop culture icon, is the star.
Doraemon, created by Fujiko F Fujio, was created in the 1960s, and the story revolves around the earless robotic cat that travelled back from the 22nd century to help a boy named Nobita Nobi.
It later became an anime cartoon series that screened across the globe through the 1970s right until the 2000s, and is still broadcast in some countries today.
“For many of us migrants, especially those from Asia, we have grown up watching Doraemon and it has played a part in our growing up years,” said Chia.
“So when the opportunity came up for us to start a Doraemon cafe, I just jumped at it partly also because I’m a fan.”
But for fans who have visited Doraemon cafes in Japan and are expecting the same offerings like Doraemon-shaped pancakes and Doraemon- decorated drinks, they are left to use their imagination.
However, fans can still get to snuggle up with Doraemon plushies of various sizes while they enjoy snacks at desserts.
“Since our soft opening last week, snapping instagrammy photos with the plushies scattered around the cafe have been popular with customers,” Chia said.
On the menu are souffle pancakes with flavours such as creme brulee and boba, oreo, green tea and red bean, and also yoghurt berry, mango and strawberry shaved ice.
Enjoy iced-cold sweet refreshing drinks like cheese foam coffee, lemon with grape, and iced lemon with passion fruit.
Chia said the cafe is also offering Doraemon-themed parties for birthdays and other celebrations.
People could book the cafe for a private party for up to three hours, and can contact Chia directly on what their needs are.
📍 Address: 353 Dominion Road Mount Eden Auckland 🕒 Opening Hours:
Tuesday - Thursday 2pm - 11pm
Friday - Saturday 1pm - Midnight
Sunday - 1pm - 11pm
Closed on Monday
***This article is brought to you in partnership with Doraemon Dessert.
