Hvala has opened its flagship cafe at Odeon 333 along North Bridge Road, replacing its previous location at Chijmes. This new outlet is just a seven-minute walk from City Hall MRT station. While the serene ambiance of Chijmes will be missed, the new space offers a larger, more spacious environment. Customers can choose between regular tables or tatami-style floor seats to enjoy their drinks. Additionally, the retail area allows patrons to purchase tea leaves, matcha powder, and accessories for making their own matcha at home.
The new menu at Hvala’s Odeon Towers features a variety of savory dishes in addition to their renowned matcha desserts. A notable addition is the ochazuke, a Japanese dish where green tea or dashi is poured over cooked rice. The “Surf & Turf” ochazuke, loaded with wagyu oyster blade, teriyaki chicken, salmon, and scallops, stands out as a hearty and comforting meal. Alternatively, these toppings can be enjoyed with soba or in a sandwich. The soba with teriyaki chicken, topped with an onsen egg and genmai furikake, offers a flavorful experience, though some might wish for more teriyaki sauce or a separate dip.
Innovative twists on classic dishes are also available, such as the tofu and mushroom shio pan with matcha miso sauce, and kaya toast with a choice of matcha, hojicha, or genmai toppings. While the matcha elements in some dishes may feel like an afterthought, the matcha drinks and desserts remain as delightful as ever. The Tsuki matcha latte, for instance, balances the natural bitterness of matcha with a touch of sweetness. Despite some room for improvement in the savory menu, Hvala continues to impress with its matcha offerings and creative culinary twists.
