NKIKICHUA: Japan

14 Must-Try Sweets in Tokyo

Japan has always been my favourite country since forever! The food, people, culture and shopping...do I even need to go on? If you have been dreaming to tick Tokyo off your travel list or simply as memorised about the country as I do, then make sure you check out the 14 must-try desserts in Tokyo.

1. Kawaii (Cute) Doughnuts

Japan is known for cutesy food and Floresta Nature Doughnuts is not to be missed! These animal doughnuts made using organic, natural ingredients and are environmentally safe too. They started off in Nara and now you can find them all over Japan. Floresta Nature Doughnuts are unlike the American’s; they are denser and fill the stomach quicker too. They offer a variety of doughnuts coated in chocolate, animal characters and also the seasonal ones. I like how they create new animal characters or incorporate seasonal ingredients.

Floresta Nature Doughnuts フロレスタ京王クラウン街笹塚店

Address: 3-34-14 Koenji-ku North Suginami-ku, Tokyo 166-0002 Toshi Kosan Street Shopping Street (Map)

Opening Hours: 09:00 ~ 21:00 daily

2. Cremia

Cremia kinda resembles Hokkaido Shiroi Koibito also known as 白い恋人 but in a cone version. In order to achieve its rich, creamy and smooth texture, 25% Hokkaido fresh cream and 12.5% of high milk fat content are used. On top of that, the cone is the actual langue de chat! The milkiness was a little overwhelming for me at first, but as I stroll down the streets relishing it slowly, it seems fine. That’s the perk of having softserve in the cold cause it doesn’t melt as fast. You can easily get this premium softserve in various stores in Japan, but I got it from Cremia’s original shop at Silkream Cafe in Shibuya.

Dolci Café Silkream

Address: 1F, Haimanten Jinnan Bldg. 1-19-3, Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0041 (Map)

Opening Hours: 11:00 ~ 21:00 daily

3. Ningyo-yaki 人形焼

One of Tokyo’s traditional snacks made using only the basic ingredients of flour, sugar and eggs. This snack is usually filled with anko (red bean paste) and shaping in an iron mould, forming various shapes and characters. I got my first ningyo-yaki at Nakamise shopping street in the shape of the giant chochin (lantern). Although the snack looks simple but having it fresh off the oven, along with the atmosphere, it just felt tastier. Remember it’s rude to walk and eat in Japan, so if you are planning to eat it on the spot, do finish your food before moving off. Some stalls provide a standing area at the side for customers too.

Honke Bairindo 梅林堂

Address: 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0032 (Map) – Block 1

Opening Hours: 08:00 ~ 19:00 daily

4. Agemanju

Also located along Nakamise shopping street, Agemanju is a deep-fried version of manju – round steamed cake (mocha-like) with sweet fillings. They are usually filled with anko (red bean paste) while other assortments of filling such as sesame, matcha and other seasonal flavours are available as well. Having a freshly made agemanju with anko on a cold day is the best combo ever!

Asakusa Kokonoe

Address: 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0032 (Map) – Block 7

Opening Hours: 09:00 ~ 19:00 daily

5. Disney-Shaped Food

Not sure about you but I hunt for Disney-shaped food when I’m in Disney parks. My eyes light up when I see them! Not only are they pretty to look at but they actually taste good too. Scrump (Lilo and Stitch) dumplings in Stitch cover has got to be my ultimate favourite of the lot. You can purchase with or without the stitch cover. It comes in 3 flavours – banana, mango, and purple sweet potato cream. The mochi-like dumplings come in shape of Little Green Men (Toy Story) too.

Melon pan aka Melon bread is a type of sweet bread popular in Japan. So I can’t resist when I saw Mike Wazowski (Monsters Inc.) Melon Bread and Mickey-shaped pastry in the bakery.

Tokyo Disneyland

Address: 1-13 Maihama, Urayasu-shi, Chiba-ken 279-0031 (Map)

Opening Hours: 08:30 ~ 22:00 daily

6. Softserve

Have you seen the instagramable multicolour softserve on a cone? You can get yours at Daily Chico! There are a total of eight flavours to choose from – Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Coffee Milk, Sesame, Sweet Potato, Green Tea and Soda Pop. Besides choosing the flavours, you could also decide if you want it in single flavour (small), with two to four flavours (medium) or have it all eight flavours (large). Overall, the flavours were not very distinctive for me but you might enjoy this if you have a lighter palate.

Daily Chico デイリーチコ

Address: Nakano 5-52-15, Nakano Broadway B1F, Tokyo-to, Nakano-ku (Map)

Opening Hours: 10.00 ~ 20.00 daily

7. Cheese Tarts

Originated from Osaka, Pablo is one of the big players in the market specialises in cheese tarts. They have even made their way out of Japan to Singapore; however, the outlet in Singapore doesn’t offer as much variety as Japan’s. At the Pablo Café, you can sample up to six kinds of mini tarts filled with gooey goodness, alongside savoury items, if you ever need a change in the palate.

It’s a pity that it slipped my mind about it when I was in Harajuku, hence the first speciality shop of Pablo Mini would suffice. Glad I managed to take-out two seasonal tarts to try – Strawberry Daifuku and White Raspberry cheese tarts.

Pablo Mini

Address: 1-chome 15-8, Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (Map)

Opening Hours: 11:00 ~ 21:00 daily

8. Taiyaki 鯛焼き

Also known as Japanese fish-shaped cake, it is a popular baked treat and it’s extremely comforting during chilly weather. I stumbled upon Yokohama Kurikoan in a departmental store when I was seeking shelter from the cold. They are a takeaway counter that specialises in taiyaki. They offer a variety of fillings among the Baked Grilled, Seasonal Specialties and Limited Time Bake. It may not be those famous ones, but I’m sold when I saw shiratama kurogoma, which is under their limited time bake. The soft pancake is filled with generous amount of black sesame paste and shiratama dango. It’s an amazingly good combination!

Yokohama Kurikoan 横浜くりこ庵

Address: Otsuka Store, Tokyo Toshima ku, Minami Otsuka Atrevi Otsuka 1F (Map)

Opening Hours: 10:00 ~ 21:00 daily

9. Matcha Ice Cream

When it comes to ice cream, I think Japan serve the best/ most authentic Japanese flavours. If matcha is your mantra then you have to take on the world’s richest matcha! There are a total of 7 levels and we tried level 2 and 6. Level 6 seems to be the furthest I can go. If you are going all out, I suggest pairing it with other flavours so the matcha bitterness doesn’t overwhelm your taste buds. Besides matcha, they also offer flavours like houjicha (roasted tea), kurogoma (black sesame) and milk. Suzukien Asakusa Honten is actually not too far off from Sensoji Temple ground.

Suzukien Asakusa Honten

Address: 3-4-3 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0032 (Map)

Opening Hours: 10:00 ~ 17:00 daily (closed every 3rd Wednesday of the month)

10. Totoro Cream Puff

Shiro-hige's Cream Puff Factory is for all the Studio Ghibli and Totoro fans out there. Its Totoro-shaped cream puffs flavours vary from seasons. We had Strawberry and Banana, which were both seasonal flavours. The choux was delicate and crisp, while the cream was velvety and thick. I would have finished the puffs if the drinks weren't too sweet though. If you are just having the cream puffs dine-in, it is compulsory to order minimum one drink per person. Otherwise, they cost lesser if you take-away as compared to dine-in.

Shiro-hige's Cream Puff Factory 白髭のシュークリーム工房

Address: 5 Chome-3-1 Daita, Setagaya, Tokyo 155-0033, Japan (Map)

Opening Hours: 10:30 ~ 19:00 daily (Closed on Tuesdays)

11. Crepes

Harajuku is not only the place for all-things-hippest but also home to one of Japan's longest-running crêpe shop. That said, with about 4 crepe shops situated along Takeshita Street 竹下通り, you can’t leave Harajuku without having one crepe. I was spoilt for choices and just when I thought my woes are over after I have decided which stores to get my crepes, I was wrong…picking one flavour or fillings out of the hundreds is just as bad. I couldn’t recall what I got, but I’m pretty sure it is filled with strawberries!

Marion Crêpes

Address: 1 Chome 6-15 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001 (Map)

Opening Hours: 10:30 ~ 20:00 daily

12. Dango 団子

Another traditional Japanese sweet dumpling and is available all year round. The dango are often served skewered in threes or fours. They also come in different “toppings” or flavours, and as black sesame lover, I went with dango covered with black sesame for sure. Other favourite flavours include anko, soy flour and soy sauce syrup. Go with your first instinct, because there are simply too many flavours to choose from and you wouldn’t want to hog the queue.

Asakusa Kibidango Azuma

Address: 1-18-1 Asakusa Taito Tokyo111-0032 (Map)

Opening Hours: 09:00 ~ 19:00 daily

13. Convenience Store Desserts

Convenience stores in Japan are amazing. The varieties of food offering just blow my mind. It includes sushi, oden, cheesecake, potato salad, ice cream, and even fried chicken. Monaka is one of those ice cream you can’t go wrong getting it from a convenience store. Monaka is a traditional dessert with two wafers sandwiching red bead, but it evolved and now it comes in an assortment of ice cream flavours.

Monaka Ice Crea from Tokyo's convenience stores

14. Zaku Zaku ザクザク

Japan’s desserts always taste so good is because they put in a lot of effort and strive to create that satisfaction. The same goes for this hand bake Croquant Chou Zakuzaku, a churros-shaped cream puff covered with croquant (made of almonds, sugar and egg whites). The custard cream is only pipped in upon order so you can ensure its freshness. I was full from eating and went for their softserve instead, which also comes with the croquant crunch. I’m going straight for the chou next time I’m in Japan.

Zaku Zaku ザクザク

Address: 150-0001 Cute Cube Harajuku 1f, 1-7-1, Jingu-mae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001 (Map)

Opening Hours: 10:00 ~ 20:00 daily

I know these are not all the sweets available in Tokyo. I'll update the list when I have tried them all haa! Also, I am planning to do a series of it so let me know what you think this. Thank you!

Sunday, December 17, 2017
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A Foodie's Odyssey in Tokyo, Japan | Travelogue & Food Trail (Part I)

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DAY 1

Finally taking time out to pen down my Japan trip in January 2017 (not like the one I stopped after day 1 in 2014. Oops!), I’m taking on a different style for travelogue this time too. Once again, I took a direct flight to Narita Airport with Delta Airlines. The food served on board were decent and to top it off Starbucks coffee made it worthwhile. In fact, I preferred their snacks (served few hours later) were better than the mains.

Ken & Taka Airbnb Apartment
Location: Higashiikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo

Moving on, similar to my previous visit, we purchased the Narita Sky Access Line to commune the city. For this trip we’ve booked two Airbnb apartments and the first stay is at Otsuka station. Upon entering our apartment, we were greeted with a personalised welcome note, origami and sweets. That goes without saying, a thoughtful host makes a superhost. The apartment was like a long vertical walkway, starting with the kitchen and washroom, then followed by two bedrooms. All in all, it's a cosy apartment.

Are you new to Airbnb? Sign up now to enjoy FREE TRAVEL CREDIT by using my referral link here :)

Yokohama Kurikoan 横浜くりこ庵

Address: Otsuka Store, Tokyo Toshima ku, Minami Otsuka Atrevi Otsuka 1F (Map)

Opening Hours: 10:00 ~ 21:00 Daily

The first stop of the food trail begins at Atre vie Otsuka food hall, located beside the station. We then followed the smell and it led us to Yokohama Kurikoan – a take-away counter that specialises in Taiyaki (you may know of it as a Japanese fish-shaped cake). They offer a variety of fillings among the Baked Grilled, Seasonal Specialties and Limited Time Bake.

If you don’t already know, I’m head over heels in love with black sesame - in Japanese it’s called kuro goma (黒ごま), hence I just had to order Shiratama Kuro Goma (白玉ごまあん) | ¥154 ≈ S$1.90, which is under their limited time bake. The soft pancake is filled with GENEROUS amount of black sesame paste and shiratama dango. What is Shiratama? It is a type of glutinous rice flour. It’s an amazingly good combination!! Yokohama Kurikoan has several outlets across Japan so be sure to try one!

Disney Store (Shibuya) ディズニーストア(渋谷公園通り店)

Address: Humax Pavilion Shibuya Koen Dori, 20-15 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (Map)
Opening Hours: 10:00 ~ 21:30 Daily

Nabe-zo 鍋ぞう

Address: 31-2 Udagawa cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Shibuya BEAM 6F (Map)

Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 11:30 ~ 15:00 (Lunch), 17:00 ~ 23:00 (Dinner), Sat, Sun & Holidays: 11:30 ~ 23:00

My first damage is done none other than at the Disney store. In short, it’s simply the happiest place to shop for me. Day one ended with a hearty buffet dinner at Nabe-zo, a 100-mintues all-you-can-eat modern Japanese restaurant that serves shabu-shabu and sukiyaki | ¥12,400+/pax ≈ S$30+/pax. The buffet spread inclusive of free flow soft drinks were slightly more than what we usually see in our Japanese restaurant in Singapore. Beef lovers are definitely in for a treat as the beef quality is unlike what you get when you go for buffet in Singapore, especially so for the amount of money paid. There are quite a few outlets and we went to the one situated in Shibuya BEAM. We were seated within 15-mintues while the other outlet in Shibuya was swarmed and needed an hour wait.

DAY 2

Daily Chico デイリーチコ

Address: Nakano 5-52-15, Nakano Broadway B1F, Tokyo-to, Nakano-ku (Map)

Opening Hours: 10.00 ~ 20.00 Daily

The day we headed out on a food adventure! First stop, Daily Chico that offers colourful tiers of soft serve on a cone. Exit Nakano Station and head towards the sheltered shopping passageway and walk till the end you will see Nakano Broadway building.

There are a total of eight flavours to choose from – Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Coffee Milk, Sesame, Sweet Potato, Green Tea and Soda Pop. Besides choosing the flavours, you could also decide if you want it in single flavour (small), with two to four flavours (medium) or have it all eight flavours (large). We went with four flavours on a cone | ¥340 ≈ S$4.25, I would gladly try all eight if I have more people to share it with. Overall, the flavours were not very distinctive for me however, you might enjoy this if you have a lighter palate.

Tenma Curry 天馬咖喱

Address: Nakano, Nakano-ku, Tokyo 5-61-7 (Map)

Opening Hours: -

On the way out, we chanced upon Tenma Curry – this was recommended by Doutor NRS’s Director, who knows I have a liking for Japanese curry while I was at Hoshino Singapore for a media tasting. However due to time constrain this was not added in my itinerary, in addition we were rushing against time to accomplish other cafes before the sun set (it sets about 4-5pm in Tokyo). Henceforth, we didn’t went for a meal but got take-out for their Fried Curry Buns which looks so good!

We got the Egg Curry and Cheese Curry | ¥250 ≈ S$3.10, the beef curry is so fragrant and it melts in your mouth with no gamy taste at all. Also, it’s perfect food during the cold to keep warm!

Floresta Nature Doughnuts フロレスタ京王クラウン街笹塚店

Address: 3-34-14 Koenji-ku North Suginami-ku, Tokyo 166-0002 Toshi Kosan Street Shopping Street (Map)
Opening Hours: 09:00~21:00 Daily

Second stop, Floresta Nature Doughnuts, I picked the outlet in Koenji – a 10-minutes’ walk from Koenji Station and since it’s only a one train stop away from the Nakano. Floresta Nature Doughnuts are known for their really kawaii (cute) doughnuts, made using natural ingredients. The name Floresta is read as "forest" in Portuguese, adding on to their environmental-friendly values, it depicts the balance of diverse flora and fauna in the forest and relating it how people connect in life.

The animal doughnuts are unlike the Americans doughnuts. The texture is dense and it fills the stomach quicker too. All the doughnuts tasted the same and are presented in chocolate coated ones, animals and also the limited time only doughnuts. Since we couldn’t resist the animal doughnuts, we got a few and the price ranges from ¥220-¥260 ≈ S$2.75-S$3.20 if my memory never fails me. I think only in Japan can I find such cute, photo-worthy and less sinful treats! I highly recommend you to try one if you are in Japan.

Shiro-hige's Cream Puff Factory 白髭のシュークリーム工房

Address: 5 Chome-3-1 Daita, Setagaya, Tokyo 155-0033, Japan (Map)

Opening Hours: 10:30 ~ 19:00 Daily (Closed on Tuesday)

Followed by Shiro-hige's Cream Puff Factory for the third stop of day two. This is for all the Studio Ghibli and Totoro fans out there! The café is founded in 2007 and is managed by Kyoko Miyazaki, which could just be related to the Hayao Miyazaki, film director and co-founder of Studio Ghibli (it’s just hear-say, no concrete evident though).

Shiro-hige's Cream Puff Factory specialises in Totoro-shaped cream puffs in seasonal flavours (click here to view the seasonal flavours). The café is approximately 5-minutes’ walk from Setagaya-Daita Station. Upon entering, you will be amazed at the figurines and display of Totoro, somewhat like a Totoro-themed cottage. The café consist of two levels, level one is mainly for take-away and level two is for dine in - do note that if you are just having the cream puffs then it is compulsory to order a drink per person.

We went along ordering the seasonal flavours puffs in Strawberry Cream and Caramel Banana Cream | ¥485 ≈ S$5.40 each. The choux were delicate and crisp, while the cream were velvety and thick. I would have finish the puffs if the drinks wasn’t too sweet though, overall I was overwhelmed with sugariness. On the way out, we ordered the Custard & Fresh Cream (all seasons) | ¥400 ≈ S$5.0 which cost slightly cheaper to have it take-away. I consumed it after dinner and surprisingly I preferred the original flavour.

How to get there to Shiro-hige's Cream Puff Factory (Photos from Google Map)

1. Exit at Setagaya-Daita Station, turn right and follow the green pathway at the main road.

2. Take note of shop circled, and turn right into the small lane.

3. Walk straight, you are on the right track when you see the building with green gate at the end.

4. Walk pass the building with green gate and Shiro-hige's Cream Puff Factory will be on your left.

Yoshinoya 吉野家

Address: 1 Chome-17-1 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan (Map)

Opening Hours: 05:00 ~ 02:00 Daily

The second day ended in Harajuku and our comfort meal for the rainy day was settled in Yoshinoya. In Tokyo, it is a casual restaurant unlike in Singapore – a fast food self-serve chain, offering an extensive variety on the menu such as curry dishes, pork and beef rib to name a few. We had a Grilled Rib Bowl (medium) | ¥580 ≈ S$7.25 and complete it with a Set Meal C – Kimchi and Miso Soup | ¥130 ≈ S$1.60. Also, a Curry with Beef and Soft-Boiled Egg (medium) | ¥620 ≈ S$7.70 (medium). We finished the meal with praises about how soft and flavourful the grilled rib are. I can’t leave Japan without a trip to Yoshinoya for sure and I strongly recommend this cheap and worthy eat to you too!