OT Staff
Mochi
Mochi is a chewy rice cake made from glutinous rice, often filled with sweet red bean paste, ice cream, or fruit. This versatile treat can be enjoyed plain or as a component of other desserts like Daifuku and Mochi Ice Cream.
Dorayaki
Dorayaki consists of two fluffy pancakes filled with anko (sweet red bean paste). These soft, sweet snacks are a favourite among both children and adults and are often enjoyed with tea.
Taiyaki
Taiyaki is a fish-shaped cake traditionally filled with sweet red bean paste, though modern variations may include custard, chocolate, or sweet potato. The crispy exterior and warm, gooey filling make it a popular street food.
Dango
Dango are skewered rice dumplings typically served three or four to a stick. They come in various flavors and styles, such as mitarashi dango (coated in a sweet soy sauce glaze) and hanami dango (colored pink, white, and green for cherry blossom season).
Matcha Desserts
Matcha, or powdered green tea, is used in various sweets like matcha ice cream, matcha cookies, and matcha tiramisu. Its slightly bitter taste pairs well with the sweetness of these desserts, creating a balanced flavour profile.
Anmitsu
Anmitsu is a traditional Japanese parfait made with small cubes of kanten (agar agar jelly), sweet red bean paste, mochi, fruits, and a scoop of ice cream, often drizzled with kuromitsu (a dark syrup). It’s a refreshing dessert, especially popular in summer.
Yokan
Yokan is a firm, jelly-like dessert made from red bean paste, agar, and sugar. It comes in two main types: Neri Yokan, which is denser, and Mizu Yokan, which has a higher water content and is often served chilled.
Castella
Castella is a spongy cake introduced to Japan by Portuguese missionaries in the 16th century. It’s made with sugar, flour, eggs, and starch syrup, resulting in a moist, delicate texture. This cake is often enjoyed as a teatime treat.
Warabi Mochi
Warabi Mochi is a jelly-like confection made from bracken starch, often dusted with kinako (roasted soybean flour) and served with a side of sweet syrup. It’s especially popular in the summer due to its cool, refreshing texture.
Monaka
Monaka are crisp wafers filled with sweet fillings like red bean paste, chestnut paste, or ice cream. The combination of the crunchy exterior and smooth filling makes it a delightful and satisfying dessert.