Mizuniwa Aquascape Café: A Haven for Those Seeking Serenity
PETALING JAYA: Founders Stephan Fernandez and Charlotte Siow invite patrons to visit their café and feel their troubles float away.
A Passion for Aquascaping
Fernandez, a former IT consultant, and Siow, his partner, discovered aquascaping during the pandemic. They were initially drawn to it as a hobby, but it soon became a passion. The duo decided to start a small aquascape business, but instead of opening a traditional shop, they opted for a unique concept – an aquascape café.
A Unique Experience
Mizuniwa Aquascape Café, named after the Japanese words for "water garden," opened in August in Bandar Sri Damansara. The café features about 12 aquariums, each showcasing a different aquascape style, from river or forestscapes to Dutch-style displays with lush greenery. The aquariums are home to a variety of fish, including tetras and rainbow fish, chosen for their friendly nature.
A Therapeutic Ambiance
On weekdays, the café attracts a larger work-from-home crowd, who find the aquariums therapeutic. "People find working in front of the aquariums very therapeutic; they can take five minutes to look at the fish, the plants, to clear their minds. They say it makes them feel more productive," said Fernandez.
The café’s music is carefully curated to create a relaxing atmosphere, making it an ideal spot to unwind.
Culinary Delights
The café serves a small selection of hot and hearty meals, as well as sumptuous desserts and drinks. The menu features the Beef Mangkuk, a delicious union of tender Black Angus beef slices with sweet onions, served upon a bed of Japanese rice with egg and kimchi. The lemongrass carbonara is a zesty take on the classic Italian favourite, with lemongrass chilli oil meeting egg yolk and cheese in an unconventional yet satisfying blend of flavours.
A Haven for Fish Lovers
Recently, Mizuniwa made headlines after an old video was posted to social media showing local municipal officers enjoying the underwater displays after a routine inspection. "That incident made us quite viral for a while," Fernandez said with a laugh. "I am glad they enjoyed our aquascapes."
Fulfillment and Expansion
Fernandez and Siow hope others will share in their love of aquascaping. They plan to expand their business some day, hopefully opening another outlet in Bangsar or central Kuala Lumpur. "Parents tell us their children enjoy looking at the fish, and this is the first time they look up from their iPads!" Fernandez added. "All this makes running this café more fulfilling."
Getting There
Mizuniwa Aquascape Café
5G, Jalan Ara SD7/3B,
Bandar Sri Damansara, Kuala Lumpur
Business hours: 12pm-9pm (Wednesdays-Sundays)
Follow Mizuniwa Aquascape Café on Instagram.