SINGAPORE, May 28 — Unless you’ve been living under a social media rock, you can’t have missed the news that Singapore’s first Hello Kitty cafe opened at Changi Airport’s Terminal 3 last month. And lest you wonder where in Terminal 3, just follow the snaking queue outside the arrival hall.

The vibe

No matter where you are in the world, no two Hello Kitty cafes are alike. So given the location of her Singapore outlet, it seems almost natural that this one sports an orchid garden theme. It is also surprisingly elegant, with orchid plants both real and faux, trellised metalwork and wooden seats. The most childlike elements of the restaurant are the two life-size Hello Kitty statues that work overtime posing for selfies with fans.

What to order

Be prepared to sit through a rambling menu of dishes with names like Cowabunga! Wagyu (beef rendang, S$24/RM71), Enchanted Forest (prawn quesadillas, S$17.90) and Hide And Seek (pandan panna cotta, S$16.90) and explain them to younger diners. Their descriptions are equally florid and lengthy, which, if nothing else, is a great way to encourage children 
to read.

Surprisingly, the beef rendang — cubes of Wagyu braised until meltingly tender in a lovely pineapple-spiked rempah (spice mix) — was the highlight of our meal. The Hola Nachos (S$15.90), comprising soft tortillas fried to a crisp (as opposed to regular corn chips) were quite enjoyable. These were topped with chopped cherry tomatoes and olives, and served with a delicious velvety cheese sauce (like Velveeta, but lighter and with a hint of sweetness).

The desserts here impressed. There was a delightful mango mousse cake (The Cat In Paradise, S$18.50) that would not have been out of place in an upscale patisserie, topped with a sliced of candied orange and served with hazelnut gelato.

What to skip

Even better news for Hello Kitty fans is the fact that the cafe is open round the clock. So those who don’t fancy getting in line during peak hours can hazard a visit in the wee hours of the morning. If the mood for waffles strikes in the middle of the night, then this could be your jam. But The Big Breakfast Surprise (S$18.50), with scrambled eggs, slices of smoked duck, sauteed shiitake mushrooms, and kitty-shaped waffles topped with melted cheddar isn’t the best rendition in town. Our waffles erred well on the dry side — but at 4am, there are no rewards for being fussy.

The verdict

The food is better than decent for a themed cafe, where — let’s be honest — food is seldom the highlight of the experience. Hello Kitty Orchid Garden is owned and operated by the folks behind Swensen’s, who certainly know a thing or two about providing good quality mid-priced eats. If you find yourself not knowing what to order, just ask for a scoop of gelato (S$6) or soft serve frozen yoghurt (S$4.90). They won’t disappoint. — TODAY

Hello Kitty Orchid Garden

Where: #01-22 Arrival Hall Central, Terminal 3, Singapore Changi Airport

Opening hours: Open 24 hours daily