I almost don’t want to share this place with you.
Morio cafe in Takasaki is one of those small gems that you strike upon by accident, only for it to become a faithful favorite. About 4 minutes stroll from Takasaki station on the west side, you could easily walk past it, with its white sign imbedded into the white outside wall, but it’s best that you don’t.
It’s not the great home made cooking which makes the place so attractive, but the small, intimate details which show how much thought has been put into the comfort of the customer. Small buckets filled with furry blankets sit beside the chairs, ready to be used. There are books on the shelves, cute art on the walls, amazing assorted lampshades which you wish you could take home with you. The tranquil, homely feel to the place is emphasized by the fact that it’s run by a family; a wife, her husband and cute daughter who sometimes strolls in while her parents are busy making your smoothies, milkshakes, coffees, teas or anything else you’ve selected from the drinks list, which is handwritten inside a floral notebook. At a push you could fit around 12 to 15 people inside, around the small, cosy, assorted tables; which adds to the illusion of being tucked up at home.
The menu isn’t extensive but it doesn’t need to be; the dishes that they do serve are well priced, presented and portioned. On a usual Saturday you can choose between a keema curry, thai curry, taco rice or salads. They also serve home made desserts; usually apple pie or chocolate cake with cream. The milkshakes are thick and fantastic and come topped with cream and a decorative spoon or straw. The girl at the table next to me was so jealous of my coffee shake that she changed her order to get one too!
Lunch is served from 11am until 4pm, but it stays open for dinner until 7pm. We tried the thai curry and the taco rice; be careful if you’re not a spicy foods fan because the curry is cooked authentically with a strong kick of chilli!
Every little detail at Morio accounted for here; from the floral coasters to the “please make yourself at home” signs written in English. Luckily, here, that’s just what you can do.
