Stepping into MONO, a modern Japanese Café, is entering a place that is a serene oasis of a traditional culture and modern design. This café which is located in the middle of the city has also gained a reputation over the years for the way it blends the flavors together and presents them artistically. Its delightful offerings of which I had heard whispers piqued my curiosity and I was burning to try it myself.
I approached MONO and—architecturally, it was extremely minimalist. The café was decorated with the clean lines, large windows and a subtle warm facade made of wood. Japanese art punctuated the inside of the building and greenery filled it, leaving a peaceful ambience for whatever you choosed to do.
Right from the staffs at MONO I received very nice and genuine smiles which made me feel at home. After I sat down and took a look at a menu which was a nice combination of traditional Japanese flavors and modern café staples. Matcha lattes and sushi rolls lured on. Having seen the menu their food promised to deliver some perception of Japanese cuisine, I decided to try a selection of their signature dishes.
My first encounter with the place was a matcha latte that was beautifully (albeit just a little clumsily) presented. With the vibrant green color it was eye catching and the frothy texture had me thinking it was going to be delicious. The first sip poured and I was fully immersed with the rich earthy flavour of the matcha and wonderfully balanced with the exact amount of sweetness you would want. This was a good start and was going to set the rest of my meal off well.
I then pampered my self with a bento box filled with a number of delicacies. It was artful presentation, with colorful and neat things to see in each compartment. The was tender and flavorful teriyaki chicken with a side of pickled vegetables that were a delightful crunch. And of course the sushi was equally impressive—fresh, snappily wrapped, bursting with flavour. Taking a bite only affirmed the level and authenticity the café put in quality.
To dessert I would not pass up on trying one of their signature dessert offerings, matcha tiramisu. The idea of this Italian dessert in a new, fresh way was a revelation. Creamy matcha infused mascarpone and coffee soaked ladyfingers formed a familiar but new sort of blend of flavors. I knew it's perfect way to end my culinary journey at MONO.
Reflecting for a moment I sipped my dessert. My taste buds had been adequately appeased and my tranquility had also been left richly enhanced. Top food, calming ambience and service that never went wrong made for a memorable outing. That gave me the opportunity to become acquainted with the most intricate nuances of Japanese cuisine in such a modern environment.
And not only was my stomach full leaving MONO, but it was a heart too of joy. Whimsy seems fairly high on the foodie’s list of what makes a good café and this one’s an example of the beauty of merging the old and new, of what happens when disparate things are brought together. So I look forward to going back to MONO and try their other menu and trying out more Japan flavors via food. Filled with great Japanese and a cosy space to chill in, MONO is a must visit for whether you are a fan of Japanese cuisine or not.