Shibuya: MOJA in the HOUSE (モジャインザハウス）
Summary: Hipster cafe with awesome Chicken & Waffles! Definitely recommended!
They say the best ideas come during times of distress.
I think that is so true – I would never have found out about MOJA in the HOUSE if it weren’t for the disappointing food and service I got at Clinton Street Baking Company.
After my meal at Clinton Street Baking Co, I told myself I would never go back to that restaurant unless I had a really bad craving for Fried Chicken and Waffles.
Then, I started to wonder that maybe there might be other cafes in Tokyo that serve better chicken waffles.
A quick search on Instagram quickly brought my attention to MOJA in the HOUSE, an American-style joint that serves up traditional American fare from chili and nachos to red velvet cheesecake.
However, the main draw here would be their chicken waffles – a combination of very crispy and juicy fried chicken on crunchy waffles.
Their take on the modern American diner, MOJA in the HOUSE is housed in the old RESPEKT location and brings new east coast flavours to Tokyo.
The cafe is located along a small street in Shibuya, and I had to use Googles Maps to find the place.
The cafe is housed on the 2F of the building, and I had to climb some narrow steps to get to the top.
Inside, the cafe was very different to the outisde and is surprisingly very spacious, and seats are spaced far apart to ensure maximum comfort for customers.
The decoration is warm, fun and quirky - seemed like somewhere the hipsters would hang out to work.
Even the restroom area was hippy.
The overall warmly lit interior, jazz music and irresistible aromas from the open kitchen create a welcoming atmosphere.
Wifi connection and power outlets at every table are also an added convenience.
Unlike many of the other cafes along Harajuku and Omotesando, the crowd here seemed a lot more adult-like, and it had a very relaxing vibe.
Prices at this cafe seemed really reasonable, with the prices for their lunch sets (includes a drink) capped at 1000yen.
Besides a good selection of American style food, they also serve a wide variety of drinks, such as their original non-alcoholic drinks and craft beers. Homemade syrup and fresh fruits are mixed in these original juice blends, and comes in three varieties and one weekly special.
After a short wait, our food came to our table.
Crispy fried chicken is served on top of freshly pressed waffles and gorgeous red velvet cake.
Crispy fried chicken is served on top of freshly pressed waffles and gorgeous red velvet cake.
OMG - The chicken was so flavorful and crispy, and the waffle was done to light and crisp - paired with their amazing maple syrup, it became the most perfect thing you can find in on Earth.
The chicken is coated with a cornmeal-based batter before it is deep fried, giving it its crispy and slightly salty coating on the outside, while the chicken breast inside remains moist and tender.
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| house made chicken waffle 1000yen |
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| another photo because fried chicken waffles |
There was three pieces of fried chicken on top of the waffles, so we had a piece each.
(I came with two of my friends)
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| one piece of chicken each! |
The sides that came with the chicken and waffles were also surprising good.
My friends really liked their curried potato salad - the balance of flavours was perfect, and the potato was creamy while retaining some shape.
They didn't really like the red cabbage slaw, but I was a fan.
While they prefer creamy mayonnaise-based coleslaw, I prefer my slaw to have the sour refreshing flavours of vinegar. The red cabbage also added a nice colour and slightly bitter, adult flavour as compared to using normal cabbage.
After touring Harlem and the east coast of America, their chef came across a dish that they absolutely had to bring back to Japan. That was how their new signature dish in MOJA in the HOUSE, Chicken & Waffles, was born.
Besides the sides, the Chicken & Waffles also came with a choice of soft drinks or coffee/tea.
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| coffee |
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| cafe latte |
Not outstandingly awesome, but good.
It was light with lots of milk flavours - just the way I like.
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| red velvet cake 650yen |
Layers of red between silky white cream, with berry sauce and a side of whipped cream.
Unlike other red velvet cakes which are coloured artificially, the redness of this cake comes from beets. This is probably the reason why their cake was not as vividly red compared to other red velvet cakes I've had, but I was not concerned.
Unlike other red velvet cakes which are coloured artificially, the redness of this cake comes from beets. This is probably the reason why their cake was not as vividly red compared to other red velvet cakes I've had, but I was not concerned.
The cake was very dense and moist, and the cream cheese layers added a subtle sweetness to the cake. The berry sauce also added a sweet tangy refreshing taste to the cake, making it not too heavy on the palate.
I usually avoid red velvet cakes due to their overwhelming sweetness, but I quite enjoyed this cake.
It's a shame that they don't do carrot cakes here - I think it would be amazing!
Overall, MOJA in the HOUSE is a great place to chill out and spend a relaxing afternoon while working on your laptop or with a good book.
My friends also took a liking to this cafe, and I think they will be coming here again next time.
The cafe is open till midnight, so I would definitely recommend this place for late night cafe sessions.
My friends also took a liking to this cafe, and I think they will be coming here again next time.
The cafe is open till midnight, so I would definitely recommend this place for late night cafe sessions.
Address: 1-11-1 Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0002
〒150-0002 東京都渋谷区渋谷1-11-1-2F
Phone: 03-6418-8144
Hours: Mon - Sun 11am - 12midnight
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