If delicious Japanese food and a commitment to sustainability are high on your agenda, then you’ll be delighted by the newest addition to Mill Road.

Imperfect Impact is more than just a cafe but an idea, “imperfect steps towards a better future”, as they describe it. The team, along with their mascot, Foxi, actively encourages customers to bring their own mugs for drinks and containers for food, making waste reduction a genuine priority.

Beyond the café menu, you’ll find a small retail selection featuring items like nuts, fruits, olive oil, and dried goods. Whether you are looking to grab a satisfying meal, catch up with a friend over a cup of tea, or pick up a few essential groceries, this little spot covers all the bases.

Loose leaf teas

I recently popped in with my family for a light lunch to investigate. The first thing that captivated me was the exciting and varied selection of teas. My guest opted for a delightful-sounding Blueberry Muffin Tea, while I couldn’t resist the allure of a hojicha latte served alongside a complementary hojicha roll cake from their specials board.

Our drinks arrived beautifully presented. The loose-leaf tea came in a striking glass teapot, allowing us to watch the brew deepen. (A quick note: decaf tea wasn’t available during our visit, but the staff assured us it would be stocked by the following week).

Dumplings

To start, we shared a plate of vegetable dumplings. These were smaller and more refined than those I had recently ordered at Ittou, offering an entirely different experience. They were crunchy, remarkably light, and elevated by a thick, flavourful BBQ-style dipping sauce. They were, quite simply, faultless.

Rice balls

The onigiri (rice ball) was impressively large, presented in an impressive pyramid shape. Biting into the soft, gently packed rice revealed a generous filling of flaky, crispy salmon, which provided a satisfying textural crunch against the tender rice. It was encased in a sheet of thick nori (seaweed), whose robust strength held the substantial snack together while delivering a clean, powerful saltiness.

Go big, or go home!

My guest ordered from the sandwich menu, or sando, as it’s known in Japan. This epic beast was an absolute triumph: a creamy avocado and sweetcorn filling sandwiched between two slices of the purest looking white bread. It was so generously loaded that when my guest took a bite, the filling spilled out in every direction – proof that the best sandwiches are always the messiest ones! 🤣

Oodles of noodles

On a cold autumn afternoon, I was drawn to the comforting embrace of the hot Udon noodle soup. The noodles were arguably the thickest and chewiest I have had in a long time, with a wonderfully fresh taste that suggested they had been prepared that very morning. I found them to be a sublime example of the iconic dish and I thoroughly enjoyed slurping them down noisily in satisfaction.

By the time we had finished, the café was starting to fill up fast, making it a bit of a challenge for others to find a table. The venue is not huge, so keep this in mind. I have a strong feeling that this will become a hugely popular spot, so I would recommend visiting during less busy hours if you want to guarantee a seat.

The most colourful corner on Mill Road

Before Imperfect Impact opened, this corner spot on the end of Ross Street was rather sad and bleak. Now, it has been transformed into a colourful, welcoming café with an exciting menu and a powerful environmental message. The service was warm and attentive, with the staff taking the time to guide us through the menu. I look forward to seeing how this unique café evolves over time, as I have a feeling there is much, much more to come.

Thanks for reading!