Find Your Flow At Mizuniwa Aquascape Café

Founders Stephan Fernandez and Charlotte Siow invite patrons to visit their café and feel their troubles float away. (Moganraj Villavan @ FMT Lifestyle)

PETALING JAYA: The days of the pandemic were trying for many Malaysians, including former IT consultant Stephan Fernandez and his partner Charlotte Siow.

Facing mental strain and financial pressure, the pair found rejuvenation through aquascaping: the craft of arranging aquatic plants, together with rocks, stones, or driftwood, in an aesthetically pleasing manner within an aquarium.

“We discovered aquascapes while watching YouTube. We’d always wanted to have a small garden but that was not feasible in our condo, so we thought it would be great to have an underwater garden instead,” Fernandez told FMT Lifestyle.

This hobby soon became a passion, and the pair ended up starting a small aquascape business. Instead of opening a traditional shop, however, they decided to start a café, inviting the public to discover the wonders of aquatic aesthetics for themselves.

And thus, Mizuniwa Aquascape Café – named after the Japanese words for “water garden” – opened in August. This Bandar Sri Damansara eatery allows patrons to find peace, while enjoying a drink or delicious meal, by watching fish glide through carefully curated underwater landscapes.

Mizuniwa contains about 12 aquariums, with several different aquascape styles. (Moganraj Villavan @ FMT Lifestyle)

“On weekdays, we tend to attract a larger work-from-home crowd. 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, 39.

He added that the café’s music has been carefully curated to facilitate a relaxing atmosphere, so your work will go swimmingly.

Mizuniwa contains about 12 aquariums, each crafted in a different aquascape style. Some are designed to resemble river or forestscapes, while others are done in a Dutch style, with focus on lush and layered greenery.

Most of their fishes originate from India and South America. Don’t expect to see any fighting fish here: most of the aquatic residents, such as tetras and rainbow fish, are chosen for their friendly nature!

Customers are free to move from one aquascape to another to admire the loving touches Fernandez and Siow have injected into each of their distinct underwater worlds.

Lemongrass carbonara, strawberry matcha latte, and classic tiramisu. (Moganraj Villavan @ FMT Lifestyle)

The café serves a small selection of hot and hearty meals, as well as sumptuous desserts and drinks. The Beef Mangkuk is 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, on the other hand, 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.

For afters, you can’t go wrong with the Tiru-Misu, a selection of tiramisu-inspired desserts that showcase local flavours such as kaya butter and honey milk, on top of the classic tiramisu.

Meanwhile, the strawberry matcha latte, a great balance of earthy richness and fruity smoothness, is a delightful way to end your meal.

Fish and fulfilment

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.”

Fernandez and Siow hope others will share in their love of aquascaping. (Moganraj Villavan @ FMT Lifestyle)

Indeed, to him, the best part of running the café is the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. “Many have never seen an aquascape café before and are excited to be here. We have older people who used to keep fish come to relive memories.

“In fact, the late father of one of our regular customers loved fish, so she comes here as the place reminds her of him,” Fernandez shared.

He and Siow 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.”

Follow Mizuniwa Aquascape Café on Instagram.

Mizuniwa Aquascape Café
5G, Jalan Ara SD7/3B,
Bandar Sri Damansara, Kuala Lumpur

Business hours: 12pm-9pm (Wednesdays-Sundays)