First established as a vegan bubble tea shop in Fortune Centre, Mong Cha Cha has since relocated to Toa Payoh Central and transformed into a full-fledged café. The menu now features an extensive array of vegetarian dishes, accompanied by an even larger selection of beverages.
However, I can’t help but feel that its original location suited it better, as Fortune Centre is a well-known hub for vegetarian cuisine. The new location is often empty or nearly so when I visit, making me worry that it may wind up due to insufficient business – a true pity considering the high quality of the food and beverages served here.
The BamNut Waffle, made from a variety of organic vegan ingredients, boasts a delightful crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. While it isn’t quite flavourful enough to eat on its own, I’d give it an easy 3.5/5
The real star of the show, however, is the ice cream, particularly the Dark Chocolate flavour. Crafted from organic and vegan-friendly milk, the dense texture and richness evoke memories of Smoocht‘s ice cream (which also happens to be made from a vegan milk base). 4/5
Seeking something savoury, I sampled the Okonomiyaki Waffle as well, which proved to be an excellent choice. Crispy on the outside and moist within, the waffle features bits of chopped purple cabbage and carrots baked into the batter. For those who, like me, find traditional okonomiyaki too soggy and heavy, this waffle offers a great alternative. Additional okonomiyaki sauce—a sweet, Worcestershire-like condiment—is provided for those who desire more. 4.5/5
On a previous visit, I also tried the staff-recommended MCC Truffle Cheeze Burger, which left me with mixed feelings. While reasonably tasty, it was immediately apparent that I was biting into a plant-based patty. As a meat-lover (particularly of burger patties), I found this to be a decent, but not entirely successful, attempt at replicating the taste of a real beef burger. Nevertheless, it’s a suitable option for vegetarians or those looking to reduce their red meat consumption. 3/5
To round off my meal, I always opt for the Vietnamese Coconut Coffee when I visit Mong Cha Cha. This delightful beverage combines the robust flavour of Vietnamese coffee with the refreshing creaminess of coconut milk, resulting in a perfect harmony of tastes. The drink serves as a fitting conclusion to the diverse and delectable offerings at this cosy, vegan-friendly café (some of MCC’s items, like their desserts, are also gluten-free, providing another option to diners who can’t or don’t consume gluten). 4/5
In conclusion, if you haven’t given Mong Cha Cha a try, I’d highly recommend it – especially if you’re a vegetarian. Oh, and if you like cute bear mascots like Betsubara‘s, this place has one too.
Address: 79E Toa Payoh Central, #01-75, Singapore 315079
Contact: 8774 1510
FB: facebook.com/mongchacha.sg
IG: instagram.com/mcc_sg
NOTE: As I feared, shortly after drafting this review, I found out that Mong Cha Cha will be closing its doors in mid-May. A real loss for vegetarian waffle and ice cream lovers, in my opinion. Here’s hoping they plan to relocate or find a way to stay open.
