The ultimate guide to Kumamon-themed cafes revealed — Kumamon goes "Taikei" style, super adorable!

▲Japan’s Kumamoto Prefecture mascot Kumamon (KUMAMON) draws fans eager to take photos. (Photo / Reporter Chen Tzu-yin)

Reporter Chen Tzu-yin / Taipei Reporting

Japan’s Kumamoto Prefecture mascot Kumamon (KUMAMON), already a huge hit in Japan, has made its way to Taiwan. The themed café “KUMA CAFÉ” began trial operations today (29th) at Nanjing East Road in Taipei, with Kumamon himself also making an appearance to interact up close with fans. ETtoday EVA Air Travel Cloud was first on the scene to capture the interior of the Kumamon café and its menu, giving netizens an exclusive sneak peek.

%妓UMAMON made an appearance on the streets of Taipei and even broke into an energetic dance—absolutely adorable.



▲KUMAMON-themed meals and a beautiful model. (Photo / Reporter Chen Tzu-yin)

KUMA CAFÉ is located on the second floor of the Tonkotsu Ramen shop, and although the space isn’t large, it’s filled with Kumamon everywhere. It’s no surprise that nearly 100 fans showed up to wait before the official opening (the grand opening is on the 30th). Store PR Xu Yun-chi shared that in the café, Kumamon takes on the role of a “pastry chef,” dressed in signature red tones. Most uniquely, Kumamon, now in Taiwan, has gone local by wearing blue-and-white plastic slippers and a white tank top, transforming into a full-blown “Taiwanese cool dude.”



▲The inside of the “KUMA CAFÉ” Kumamon café revealed. (Photo / Reporter Chen Tzu-yin)




▲KUMAMON dressed as a Taiwanese cool dude. (Photo / Reporter Chen Tzu-yin)

The KUMA CAFÉ space is divided into a retail section and a café seating area. The store design was handled by Orange Design, who explained that the goal was to bring the authentic feel of Kumamon to Taiwan. The theme is “KUMAMON’s Home,” which is why Kumamon appears in blue-and-white slippers to welcome guests into his home. As a result, the café only has indoor seating for six people and window-side seating for eight.

Xu Yun-chi said that there are four set meal options to choose from, all personally prepared by a Japanese head chef. The pancakes use ingredients from Kumamoto, slow-cooked and paired with handmade fresh cream, fruits, nuts, and other toppings. Customers can also choose their favorite ice cream flavors to go with them. The French toast is made using a special sauce, with the bread soaked for 12 hours before being cooked in stages with precise timing and heat control, resulting in a unique texture.



▲KUMAMON’s super cute set meal. (Photo / Reporter Chen Tzu-yin)





▲Four quick shots of KUMAMON. (Photo / Reporter Chen Tzu-yin)

See more super cute photos of KUMAMON >>>>>Kumamon’s First Themed Café in Taiwan “KUMA CAFÉ”

At the official opening event on the 30th, Kumamon will make another appearance and perform. By participating in a quiz, visitors can win a variety of Kumamon merchandise. Fans of Kumamon won’t need to hop on a plane to interact with him up close.

KUMA CAFÉ
Address: No. 42, Section 1, Nanjing East Road, Taipei City
Phone: (02)2541-5837
Business Hours: 11:00–19:00