Gudetama & My Melody Cafes in Singapore Say Goodbye
So, the beloved lazy‑egg character Gudetama and its neighboring My Melody buzz‑kiosk in Suntec City are packing up on November 17. The April edition of my usual “char‑anda‑style” features a bittersweet wrap‑up of pop‑culture hospitality.
What’s the Deal?
Eggs & More, the F&B company running the two spots, dropped a press release explaining that the closure happens when the partnership with Sanrio ends. Sanrio, the Japanese firm behind the hiving‑hub of cuddly characters, has the rights to Gudetama since the start‑up of the cafe back in 2016.
Remember Gudetama’s Backstory?
Gudetama is a mash‑up of gude (the Japanese slang for “lazy” or “no energy”) and tama (the word for egg). The little egg was born ready to nap on a banana peel, and that charm almost caused a fashion revolution in Singapore’s world of character cafés.
Last‑Minute Treats
Before the doors close, the Gudetama Café is offering a 33 % discount on food and merch from October 10 to November 17. To get the offer, you need a minimum order of two mains and a dessert. Merchandise also sees the same 33 % off—so the final days are the perfect time to snag your favorite Gudetama plush.
A Look Back at the Buzz
- Gudetama Café opened on November 30, 2016, taking up a 2,300‑sq‑ft space that witnessed the boom of character cafés.
- In 2018, a safe‑haven garden theme was added, housed under the same roof as the My Melody Café.
- Notable former cafés that have since shut include Hello Kitty Orchid Garden Singapore at Changi Airport and Pompompurin Café at Orchard Central.
- The only character café still bustling is Kumoya on Jalan Klapa, a mix of Japanese and French vibes that swaps characters to keep things fresh. It just launched a Sesame Street collab that will run till December 29.
Why Did It All Happen?
It’s likely a combination of branding strategy, shifting trends, and maybe a taste for “real” food. Character cafés were once the bread‑and‑butter of Singapore’s dining scene, but the market appears to be throttling down. Fans will remember the tables of cotton‑tide beach slippers, the comfy cushions, and, of course, the sheer awkwardness of holding a Gudetama plush while waiting for your iced latte.
Final Thought
We’ve all had that feeling of a beloved place closing its doors. It’s the sweet mix of nostalgia and an opportunity to indulged in the last prizes while we’re still in time. So if you’ve been meaning to snap a photo with this lazy egg character, now’s the moment.
¡Que lo disfruten!
