Totoro Cafe
Monday, February 9, 2009 by Bubble Tea Reviews
Totoro Cafe
2140-8391 Alexandra Road, Richmond, BC
Payment Options: Cash Only
It's true, there are a lot of bubble tea places in Richmond, especially if you're on Alexandra Road. Some might even say there's too many choices! Another place to add to your bubble tea house list is Totoro Cafe on... you guessed it, Alexandra Road across from Estea (another bubble tea place - see previous reviews) and on the same row as Chubby Lamb.
Nestled in the always busy "downtown" street in Richmond, it's easy to miss the smaller restaurants like Totoro Cafe simply because there's only a single lane to drive on and slowing down or stopping to peek at restaurants will cause your ears pain due to excessive honking by the car behind you. Because of this, finding a parking space first then walking is recommended! Anyway, the next time you're on Alexandra with a small group, don't forget to stop by Totoro Cafe. Why? Read on!
Ambiance [rating:4]
Even though it is a small restaurant that doesn't boast a lot of seats, they sure maximized the space and still managed to make the place comfortable and very inviting. I really liked the vibrant colors on the walls and the kooky cat-related artwork and display all over the restaurant. It's a definite conversation starter. Plus, I think this adds personality to the place and at the same time, it sure makes it more memorable in my mind when it comes to thinking of a bubble tea place in Richmond. One thing is for sure, the owner must like cats! =^.^=
On another note, it is great that this location has free wi-fi. With Totoro being so close to Kwantlen Polytechnic University, students can go to Totoro and be able to study on their own or with a group comfortably.
Drinks [rating:4]
Orange Chocolate Bubble Tea I wanted to try something different than my usual Taro and this drink definitely caught my eye in their elaborate (but slightly hard to read) menu of hot and cold drinks and snacks.
Upon receiving my drink, I was eager to try it and I must say, it did not disappoint! The bubbles were nice and chewy and the blended iced chocolatey goodness was delicious! Although I would have preferred a little bit more orange in my drink, I still enjoyed it very much. As a matter of fact, even after a very filling dinner, I managed to finish my drink including the bubbles (where in most cases, I'd be too full to finish the drink).
Hot Ovaltine As far as I know, everybody loves Ovaltine as I'm sure we all have fond memories of eating it out of the can when we were kids (and adults alike). This drink was ordered with a hefty side of bubbles and delivered in an adorable kitty mug. Taste-wise, there was nothing innovative as it is your standard Ovaltine drink. The pearls add a tad bit of excitement but since the drink is already very sweet, the bubbles just end up being chewy things at the bottom of the mug that you can do without. I think it's just hard to mess with the original Ovaltine drink. ;)
Service [rating:4.5]
There weren't too many people working the Friday night we came but the server was fast and efficient. We got our table right away and although I really wanted to sit by the loungey area at the front, our table for four did not disappoint because we were near the TV, magazines and the tea bar. By the time we were about to leave, the place was packed and the staff at Totoro continued to work hard and keep all customers happy. Well done!
[rating:overall]
Totoro Cafe is a delightful little bubble tea house in Richmond. It is a good alternative to the other very busy and often overly crowded bubble tea places in Richmond. It is perfect for small parties due to the limited seating. But before heading there on a weekend, be sure to be prepared for parking space hunting!
2140-8391 Alexandra Road, Richmond, BC
Payment Options: Cash Only
It's true, there are a lot of bubble tea places in Richmond, especially if you're on Alexandra Road. Some might even say there's too many choices! Another place to add to your bubble tea house list is Totoro Cafe on... you guessed it, Alexandra Road across from Estea (another bubble tea place - see previous reviews) and on the same row as Chubby Lamb.
Nestled in the always busy "downtown" street in Richmond, it's easy to miss the smaller restaurants like Totoro Cafe simply because there's only a single lane to drive on and slowing down or stopping to peek at restaurants will cause your ears pain due to excessive honking by the car behind you. Because of this, finding a parking space first then walking is recommended! Anyway, the next time you're on Alexandra with a small group, don't forget to stop by Totoro Cafe. Why? Read on!
Ambiance [rating:4]
Even though it is a small restaurant that doesn't boast a lot of seats, they sure maximized the space and still managed to make the place comfortable and very inviting. I really liked the vibrant colors on the walls and the kooky cat-related artwork and display all over the restaurant. It's a definite conversation starter. Plus, I think this adds personality to the place and at the same time, it sure makes it more memorable in my mind when it comes to thinking of a bubble tea place in Richmond. One thing is for sure, the owner must like cats! =^.^=
On another note, it is great that this location has free wi-fi. With Totoro being so close to Kwantlen Polytechnic University, students can go to Totoro and be able to study on their own or with a group comfortably.
Drinks [rating:4]
Orange Chocolate Bubble Tea I wanted to try something different than my usual Taro and this drink definitely caught my eye in their elaborate (but slightly hard to read) menu of hot and cold drinks and snacks.
Upon receiving my drink, I was eager to try it and I must say, it did not disappoint! The bubbles were nice and chewy and the blended iced chocolatey goodness was delicious! Although I would have preferred a little bit more orange in my drink, I still enjoyed it very much. As a matter of fact, even after a very filling dinner, I managed to finish my drink including the bubbles (where in most cases, I'd be too full to finish the drink).
Hot Ovaltine As far as I know, everybody loves Ovaltine as I'm sure we all have fond memories of eating it out of the can when we were kids (and adults alike). This drink was ordered with a hefty side of bubbles and delivered in an adorable kitty mug. Taste-wise, there was nothing innovative as it is your standard Ovaltine drink. The pearls add a tad bit of excitement but since the drink is already very sweet, the bubbles just end up being chewy things at the bottom of the mug that you can do without. I think it's just hard to mess with the original Ovaltine drink. ;)
Service [rating:4.5]
There weren't too many people working the Friday night we came but the server was fast and efficient. We got our table right away and although I really wanted to sit by the loungey area at the front, our table for four did not disappoint because we were near the TV, magazines and the tea bar. By the time we were about to leave, the place was packed and the staff at Totoro continued to work hard and keep all customers happy. Well done!
[rating:overall]
Totoro Cafe is a delightful little bubble tea house in Richmond. It is a good alternative to the other very busy and often overly crowded bubble tea places in Richmond. It is perfect for small parties due to the limited seating. But before heading there on a weekend, be sure to be prepared for parking space hunting!