The second season of Spy x Family is staging a return this October, but it’s never too early to celebrate its impending arrival. In the lead-up to the date, Aniplus café has brought the Forger family to town, gracing the shores of Singapore with anime-inspired menu offerings, limited-edition merchandise, and more.
The theming sets in even before stepping into the space, with the exterior sporting decals of seven featured characters: Loid, Yor, Anya, Bond, Damian, Becky, and Yuri. On the inside, a large piece of wall art accompanies a standee of the four Forger family members, which can also double up as a photobooth with the aid of some props. The counter, in similar fashion, is lined with iconic scenes and artwork from the series that carry over to the walls.
Moving into the dining area reveals table decor that takes after certain characters — individually or otherwise. Loid and Yor came in a pair for the tasting session, alongside a photo frame featuring a still from the dodgeball episode in the first season. The themed café experience wouldn’t be complete without some curated food delights, however, and there are several here to satisfy the taste buds.
Kicking things off is the drinks selection, with each of the six options adopting the naming and colour scheme of their respective characters. Loid (apple green tea with cream foam), Yor (non-alcoholic sangria mocktail), and Damian (taro milk tea) are priced at S$7, while Anya (strawberry milkshake), Bond (vanilla milkshake), and Becky (raspberry milkshake) pack a little more punch at S$9. Depending on one’s personal preferences, the tasting experience and satisfaction will be different, but Loid and Yor’s refreshments are generally recommended for a refreshing flavour burst, whereas the milkshakes would be better suited for those with a sweet tooth.
The mains, meanwhile, start at S$16 for the Operation Sandwich, but Yor’s Homecooked Beef Stew (S$18) takes the spotlight as the standout. Served with just the right amount of gravy, the well-portioned dish delights with tender potatoes and flavourful beef. The Eden Academy School Cafeteria Bento (S$22) is also notable for its juicy chicken katsu and chewy tamagoyaki (egg rolls), with a standard pasta side complementing the other dishes in the set. Fans can also sink their teeth into the other offerings, Anya’s Pink Pasta (S$18) and SORRY Omurice (S$18).
Rounding out the experience are the desserts, priced either at S$15 or S$16. The Damian & Friends Dessert Plate (S$15) is topped off with silky smooth pudding drenched in caramel sauce that goes well together with the vanilla ice cream. It’s simplicity at its finest, standing in contrast to Yor’s Red Velvet Lava Cake (S$15) – the most aesthetically pleasing dish of the lot. For an added layer of flavour, the Starlight Anya Strawberry Parfait (S$15) offers a blend of three different textures: soft (ice cream), crispy (corn flakes), and pulpy (strawberry bits).
Once the hunger pang is satisfied, it’s time to whip out the wallet. Aniplus café’s Spy x Family collaboration has plenty of exclusive merchandise up for grabs, and those who purchase any of the themed goods will receive special gifts, such as lenticular cards and luggage tags, while stocks last. And should you decide not to spend? There’s no need to fret, for limited-edition collectibles, including character coasters and postcards, are included with every S$15 spent on the menu.
Aniplus café, located at 8 Raffles Avenue, #01-13C Annexe, Esplanade Mall, is now taking reservations for the Spy x Family dining experience. While walk-ins are accepted, priority will be given to customers with reservations – but be quick, for it’s shaping up to be a really popular option for both fans and general masses alike.
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
Natalie
