If you like your cafés soothing and tranquil, the new Mio along Neil Road is definitely one café you must visit. Mio started off as an online delivery service early this year, and thanks to the love from their loyal supporters, they’ve finally opened their first physical café outlet!
The name “Mio” refers to beauty, and the café truly lives up to its namesake. The gorgeous 2-storey café is situated in a shophouse, and the second level is even available to book for private events, parties and more. Mio has a clean and minimalistic interior, with neutral light and wood tones that’s reminiscent of the Muji-esque sensibilities.
Mio’s aesthetic is super calming, with a zen Japanese garden-inspired interior, complete with touches of green at the entrance and even on the table! Every corner of the café is super serene and Instagrammable, especially when the natural sunlight streams in to illuminate the space.
With such an impeccable space, a refined menu is to be expected, and on that front, Mio does not disappoint at all. Every item on the menu is plated and presented beautifully, adorned with edible blooms to boot. Not only is Mio’s food uber pretty and visually pleasing, we were delighted to find that the taste was not lacking in the slightest, with nearly every item we tried being hits.
Potato Nesuto Tempura, $16
The signature Potato Nesuto Tempura ($16) is Mio’s own take on truffle fries, with hand-shredded potato strips that are thinner than your average shoestring fries, resulting in fries that are extra crispy. The fries are piled high to resemble a “nest” and served with a generous grating of parmesan cheese. The Kaffir Lime Aioli served with the fries is creamy and rich with just the right hint of citrus to cut the grease from the fries. The truffle aroma could be more prominent but this one is definitely a crowd-pleaser and is for sure a must-order for sharing.
Kani Tofu, $7
One other item that is unassumingly simple but surprisingly satisfying is the Kani Tofu ($7). This jiggly egg tofu is served cold and is very much like the chawanmushi that you’re familiar with. Don’t underestimate the simplicity of the dish: the Kani Tofu is a must-try and is the perfect appetiser with the tofu’s silky texture enveloped by the rich century egg sauce that’s spiked with just a touch of spice from the addition of shichimi togarashi—simply delightful and we would gladly down multiple servings of this.
Soft Shell Crab & Assorted Sashimi Nori Tacos, from $14
Another unique dish is the Nori Taco (from $14), with taco “shells” made from battered and fried seaweed wraps whose crisp and crunchy texture reminds us of the cult-favourite Tao Kae Noi seaweed snack. The Nori Taco is like an elevated version of the basic hand roll, and the crunchy seaweed wraps really made every bite that much more appetising. Choose from fillings like Soft Shell Crab, Negitoro Uni or Assorted Sashimi—but our favourite was definitely the Soft Shell Crab!
Wagyu Sando, $40
Hotate Salmon Zaru Soba, $29
The Wagyu Sando ($40) is also a great option for beef lovers, with tender A5 wagyu sandwiched between perfectly toasted Japanese shokupan bread. You might want to share this one though, as it can get just a little greasy if you’re eating the whole thing by yourself. If you want something more light and refreshing, the cold Hotate Salmon Zaru Soba ($29) is a good option, with perfectly al dente buckwheat soba noodles dressed in slightly tart Japanese dressing.
Goma Goma, $15
Lychee Oolong Carafe (Cold), $9
For dessert, black sesame lovers will be intrigued by the Goma Goma ($15): rich and fluffy black sesame cake served alongside house made black sesame ice cream and speculoos crumble. We wished there was more black sesame ice cream in this though, as the ice cream to cake ratio was a little off-balance. Make sure to eat this quickly as the ice cream tends to melt pretty fast! Tea lovers will also enjoy the Lychee Oolong ($9) that’s available in both hot and cold. The tea is freshly brewed and carries a lovely lychee fragrance. Don’t expect a super strong and pronounced tea flavour here as the tea leans more towards the light and subtle side.
Mio
Ambience: 5/5
Food/Drinks: 4.5/5
Service: 5/5
Price: $$
Worth a visit: Perfect for tranquil afternoons & tea.
Address: 82 Neil Road, Singapore 088843
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 12pm-3pm & 6pm-9.30pm; Friday, 12pm-3pm & 6pm-10.30pm; Saturday, 12pm-4pm & 6pm-10.30pm; Sunday, 12pm-4pm
