13 Must-Try Japanese Desserts
One of the things I loved most about Japan was the whole new world of food to be uncovered. I tasted so many new things in Japan and I can’t tell you how exciting it was. When you first arrive all of the flavours sound very unusual but by the end of the trip I guarantee you’ll be craving red bean paste and roasted green tea desserts.
Mochi
Mochi is a soft rice cake made with glutinous rice and is Japan’s most loved sweet treat. Get it freshly made at the market where it’s served warm and dusted in sweetened soybean flour.
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Monaka
Traditionally Monaka consists of a wafer shell filled with sweet bean paste, but nowadays ice cream is a popular filling. I opted for roasted green tea ice cream and red bean jam.
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Kakigori
This refreshing dessert is made with shaved ice flakes, flavoured syrups and toppings to match. In the hot and humid summer months, locals go crazy for cool kakigori.
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Rainbow soft serve
When it comes to soft serve in Tokyo, the crazier the better. Think candyfloss cones, rainbow-coloured cereal and iridescent sprinkles at Anywhere Door.
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Matcha biscuit
Matcha is probably the most popular flavour in Japan, so you can bet that you’ll find matcha flavoured everything including these cute Mount Fuji-shaped biscuits.
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Matcha ice cream
Matcha ice cream is everywhere in Japan and its one of those flavours that you simply must try. This ice cream was made with matcha, red bean and chestnut and couldn't be any more Japanese if it tried.
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Wagashi
Wagashi are traditional Japanese sweets that are typically enjoyed with green tea. Here we ordered a selection of red bean, bamboo and sakura mochi.
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Animal Donuts
No trip to Japan would be complete without sampling a cute animal-themed dessert. Pick up a freshly baked, organic donut from Floresta which comes in a selection of adorable animal designs.
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Sesame ice cream
If you’ve never tried sesame ice cream before, here’s your chance to join the party. Rich, creamy and slightly nutty, this ice cream flavour is surprisingly more-ish. Choose between black, white or chunky mixed sesame.
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Dorayaki
Dorayaki is essentially a sweet red bean filled pancake. It’s a very popular sweet snack especially for children. The best ones are made with rich and flavourful anko (red bean paste).
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Ohagi
Ohagi are soft and chewy mochi balls made with chunky red bean paste. They’re typically eaten with a little two toothed metal fork, as with many other desserts in Japan.
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Dango
Dango are chewy, small, steamed dumplings made of rice flour. They are usually served on a skewer and topped with sweet soy sauce or red bean paste.
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Warabimochi
Jelly-like in consistency, this Japanese sweet is light, refreshing and sprinkled in sweet roasted soybean flour.
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