MOWCHI: New Japanese Korean cafe comes to Canterbury High Street
Interview with Syeda Kayanath, Founder and CEO of the Mowchi franchise brand
An exciting, brand new Asian inspired cafe aims to take Canterbury High Street by storm.
A Japanese-Korean fusion of baked goods, complete with patisserie, and ceremonial green tea sourced straight from Japan are all on offer.
The new franchise will take over the former Po’ Boys Cafe, which was closed unexpectedly, with immediate effect back in October 2024.
Meeting with new owner Temi Olateju on site, she said the franchise was expected to be up and running by the beginning of July, ready for the summer.
“What really drew me was the fact that they’re unique, and I’m a lover of Japanese food, especially the bao buns, so I go all the way to Chinatown to get the taste.
“Asian food is also on the rise, and in a normal cafe, you get a normal sandwich bread. At Mowchi, you can expect something different.”
The signature dishes are sandos, which are a Japanese sandwich made from ‘milk bread,’ which is ‘thicker and fluffier’ with a creamier density and filled with anything from chicken, pulled pork, or prawns; Tiger Teriyaki Bao Buns; bubble tea, and their own branded coffee.
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Mowchi Canterbury will be run by Temi and her husband, Olu, and will be the first time they have operated a cafe.
“I originally studied at Canterbury University and worked as a biomedical scientist for 11 years before I switched into IT, working as a business analyst for the pharmaceutical industry, and a good 11 years working in the lab.
“ I just wanted to see what is out there, challenge myself, and see if I can thrive in another domain. So this is quite exciting.”
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The Mowchi brand was founded in 2022, with Syeda Kayanath, who started franchising the business with new partners.
“Mowchi started off in the Midlands, and then we branched out, and we’re franchising, and Mowchi Canterbury will be the fifth franchise store. So we’re very excited to be working with Temi and Olu,” said Syeda.
Mowchi Canterbury will be run by Temi and Olu as a husband and wife team.
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