Recently I had the pleasure of discovering Kooma, a new Asian fusion and martini bar at Cherry Hill Mall. It was a spontaneous visit after a shopping trip with a friend, and we were in the mood for something different. We decided to grab a bite near the bar, and I’m so glad we did. The vibe was vibrant, with current music playing and unique cloud-shaped lights adding a cool touch to the atmosphere. The place immediately caught my attention, from the innovative cocktails to the sleek design of the space, which features two bars — one for drinks and the other for watching chefs prepare sushi in real time. After that first visit, I couldn’t wait to come back and show my boyfriend the new spot I found.

On my second trip, I was excited to share the experience with Matt, and we ordered drinks to start. My favorite was the Passionate Heat, a cocktail with the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Matt, on the other hand, enjoyed the saké flight, appreciating the variety and flavors that complemented his meal. I’m not a seafood eater, but Kooma’s menu offered a great range of options. We started with pan-fried gyoza and negimaki, which had an unexpected twist with the addition of cream cheese. The flavors were fantastic, and the dishes were the perfect introduction to what turned out to be a memorable meal.

For my main course, I chose chili garlic noodles, deliciously flavorful with just the right amount of heat. To finish off, I had a slice of cheesecake dusted with matcha powder — an indulgent end to the meal. Kooma offers an experience that goes beyond just food and drinks; it’s an immersive dining adventure. Between the tasty dishes, refreshing cocktails and interesting ambiance, it quickly become one of my local favorites. If you’re in the Cherry Hill area and craving something new, Kooma should definitely be on your list.

— Fiona Stewart, account executive