Japanese convenience store serves up steamed buns…with a whole custard pudding inside
22.January.2017 | FOOD
Steamed pork buns get a sweet companion that’s grabbing everyone’s attention in Japan.
Steamed pork buns, or nikuman, as they’re known in Japan, are hugely popular around the country, especially in the colder months when their hot, meaty fillings seem extra delicious. This winter, there’s a new steamed bun filling that’s set to warm your insides while tantalising your eyes and your taste buds, and it’s one of the sweetest and most unusual varieties we’ve ever seen!
It’s called the Marugoto Purinman, which translates to “Whole Custard Pudding Steamed Bun”, and it delivers on its title with an entire custard pudding, or crème caramel, hidden inside a beautifully decorated steamed bun.
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Pastel Easter Sweets and Bakery Items Coming to Grant Hyatt Tokyo
The luxury hotel Grand Hyatt Tokyo will offer Easter sweets and baked goods at the on-site Fiorentina Pastry Boutique from April 1 until Easter, April 17, to celebrate the arrival of spring.
Easter Egg Macaroon
Easter Cookies with Icing
Easter Lollipop
Easter Bunny Brioche
This year, in addition to the new Easter Bunny and Easter egg macaroons, cookies with icing, lollipop chocolates, brioche in the shape of the Easter Bunny, and other sweets and bakery items will be available. Don’t miss it!
Information
Fiorentina Pastry Boutique
Available: April 1 – April 17, 2022
Location: Grand Hyatt Tokyo
Official Site: https://www.tokyo.grand.hyatt.co.jp/restaurants/
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Chocolate Specialty Shop Minimal Offering Rare Strawberry and Chocolate Treats
17.January.2022 | FOOD
Japan-based chocolate specialty store Minimal is now offering a limited-edition set of gateau chocolates with fresh strawberries from Mei Strawberries in Kagawa Prefecture. These are available for preorder and are perfect for Valentine’s Day!
These sweets were a huge hit last year, selling out immediately. The rare variety of strawberries used is only found in 1 percent of Japanese strawberry farms, and these are blended with milk cream and specialty chocolate.
The strawberry jam found on the top of each chocolate piece is made from these rare Nyohou strawberries. Originally a small-grained variety, the Nyohou varietals send from Mei Strawberries in Kagawa Prefecture are larger with a beautiful dark-red color. Fragrant, juicy, and sweet, they also have a slight acidity that provide a more complex flavor.
To maximize the natural strawberry flavor, the chocolate is made from Madagascar cocoa beans with a more berry-like flavor. Only slightly roasted, the graininess is intact, leaving a more powerful and rich flavor. A milky sweet cream has also been added to the center to provide a better balance.
This is the second year that the company has worked with these strawberries from Mei, and after making a number of prototypes, Minimal has found the best possible way to express these unique flavors in harmony.
Information
Fresh Gateau Chocolate & Strawberries featuring Mei Strawberries
Price: ¥3,510 (Tax Included)
Release Date:Online Store/LINE Preorders: December 24, 2021~
Yoyogi Ueno Store: January 15, 2022
Sales Period: Until the End of February 2022
LINE: https://page.line.me/yrn4346m?openQrModal=trueOfficial Site: http://mini-mal.tokyo
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Tottori Prefecture’s White Rabbit of Inaba Wins Top Prize in Japan’s Indie Souvenir Contest
19.August.2021 | FOOD
From July 29 to August 11, over 320,000 people from around Japan voted for their favorite lesser-known local souvenir. Sponsored by Japanese e-commerce site Mercari, the contest highlighted 47 unique goods from around the country, one for each prefecture. The winners have been announced, and the White Rabbit of Inaba from Tottori Prefecture has won first place, receiving more than 60,000 votes.
A music video-style web commercial featuring the winning product is now being produced to support the shop and particular region of Tottori. The music will be performed by electro-pop group Frasco.
In Japan, the rabbit is known for bringing good fortune, and has been a beloved symbol since ancient times. The white rabbit in particular, featured in the local Izumo myth ‘The White Rabbit of Inaba,’ plays a major role in connecting the characters Onamuchi-no-kami and Princess Yakami. In 1968, the famous confectionery ‘White Rabbit of Inaba’ was created in the hopes of bringing good luck to those visiting the area.
Much like how an indie music group has a small group of hardcore fans but may not be well-known outside of small circles, these indie souvenirs are popular with locals, but may not be known to those outside the community. On the official website, fans can see their favorite treats displayed on what looks like album covers as an homage to this fitting comparison.
On social media, there was incredible support for the project from all kinds of people: those who made the souvenirs in the first place, those who love their local area, and those who were seeing these treats for the first time and dying to try them.
Which of the 47 souvenirs would you be most happy to receive?
Information
Japan’s Indie Souvenir Contest
Official Site: https://jp-news.mercari.com/localmitsukete/miyage/
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MUUN SEOUL: Harajuku’s Korean Cafe Serving Instagrammable ‘Fatcaron’ Macarons
MUUN SEOUL is a cafe located along Tonchan-dori Street in Harajuku that serves Instagram-worthy South Korean food.
Photo by Nagisa Kobayashi @popo_318
Photo by Nagisa Kobayashi @popo_318
The cafe sells “fatcarons,” a South Korean-style macaron which have proven very popular with young women in Japan.
Photo by Taeco @taecostagram
Fatcarons are larger than the standard macaron. They are topped with things like strawberries, given marble textures, and more to give them a cute appearance. MOON SEOUL serves many different varieties, all of which are standout compared to normal macarons.
Photo by Sara @__sar310
But the fatcaron experience at MOON SEOUL isn’t complete without ordering the drink above. It’s strawberry milk flavoured, but the milk is whipped until it’s fluffy, giving it a taste like no other strawberry milk you’ve tried. It also has sliced strawberries inside and on top, so if you love strawberries, you’ll love this.
Photo by Yuina @popochan726
You can order your fatcarons for takeout too in a clear takeaway box so you can go have a dessert picnic with your friends, and get a great photo of them all together too.
Information
MUUN SEOUL(ムーンソウル)
Address: FLAG F1, 3-27-15, Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
Business Hours: 12:00 – 20:00
No Regular Holidays
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muun_seoul/
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Pink Cherry Blossom Doughnuts Get Baked Up at Mister Donut in Japan This Spring
08.March.2020 | FOOD
Mister Donut Japan is now serving up a sweet selection of cherry blossom themed doughnuts; this includes 3 flavours of their “Sakura Mochi Doughnuts” which have a chewy texture and cherry blossom inspired shape, 3 flavours of the “Sakura French” doughnuts which take their classic cruller doughnuts and sprinkle them with cherry blossom flavoured powder, and a cherry blossom flavour of their popular bite-sized pop doughnuts.
Sakura Mochi Doughnuts
The “Sakura Mochi Doughnuts” were a hit with sweet tooth customers in spring last year, and have made a return in 2020 even more delicious and chewy than before. With a flavour and texture that’s just like eating cherry blossom mochi, these doughnuts come in three flavours: the pink coloured and kawaii “Sakura,” the soybean sugar-coated “Kinako,” and the “Azuki” which is filled with coarse sweet red bean paste and coated in white chocolate.
Sakura French
These doughnuts use Mister Donut’s classic French crullers and turn them into seasonal springtime sakura delights, like the “Sakura” which is glazed with a pink cherry blossom mochi flavour, and the “Sakura Jelly & Whipped Cream” which speaks deliciously for itself.
Sakura Pop Doughnut
A selection of Mister Donut’s popular doughnuts, like Old Fashioned and Chocolate, have been taken and topped with cherry blossom, strawberry, and other flavourings.
Taste the sweetness of spring this season in Japan with one of these tasty doughnuts.Information
Information
Sakura ga Saku Doughnuts Series
Running: March 6, 2020 – Late April 2020
Available: At most Mister Donut branches in Japan
Official Website: https://www.misterdonut.jp -
Pretty, Palatable and Pleasant: A Purin Expert’s Top 6 Purin Picks in Kyoto
Here at MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON, we have never failed to provide you with the essentials: updates on the best bubble teas around Kyoto. However, today we have a special sweet treat for you. After consulting expert Instagrammer kyoto cafe life tiara, we have compiled a list of Kyoto’s top purin that will fill you with satisfaction and as well as nostalgia. Purin is a type of Japanese custard pudding loved by the Japanese for generations. When it comes to searching for the best desserts in the Kansai region, kyoto cafe life tiara leaves no stone unturned .
Cafe Yamamoto, Higashiyama
Pudding (Set): ¥750
The bitter and fragrant caramel sauce of this purin is to die for. This purin has a rich eggy flavour and is stiffer than a traditional purin. Enjoy your purin served in a silver plate which will fill you with the nostalgia of the retro Showa Era.
▼Cafe Yamamoto (やまもと喫茶)Address:307―2 Ishibashicho, KyotoOpening Hours: 7:00-17:00 (L.O.16:30)Closed: TuesdaysOfficial Instagram: @yamamoto_kissaKissa Zou, ImadegawaPudding: ¥450The purin here is rich in flavour and garnished with a scrumptious biscuit. It is too cute to eat.▼Kissa Zou (喫茶ゾウ)Address: 440-3 Santeicho, Kamigyo Ward, KyotoOpening Hours: 9:00-18:00 (Last Orders: 17:00)No regular holidaysOfficial Instagram: @kissa_zouBAR Tantei, MototanakaPudding a la Mode ¥700This fancy pudding is topped with seasonal fruit, ice cream or even cake. The retro atmosphere of the bar is the perfect place to enjoy a fancy moment to yourself.▼BAR Tantei (喫茶探偵)Address: 26 Tanaka Satonouchicho, Sakyo Ward, KyotoOpening Hours: 12:00-17:00, 19:00-02:00Closed: Sundays, additional irregular holidays.Official Instagram: https://kyoto.bartantei.comTakagi Coffee Takashiji Honten, Shijo StreetHomemade Purin Set: ¥ 800Takagi Coffee is known for the unique shape of their purin, which looks very similar to a slice of cake. This purin is slightly stiffer than your usual purin and has a lovely accent of rum which adults love. This is best enjoyed with a cup of coffee.▼Takagi Coffee Takashiji Honten, Shijo Street (高木珈琲店 高辻本店)
Address: 175 Honeyacho, Shimogyo Ward, KyotoOpening Hours: 7:00-19:00 (Closes at 18:00 on Sundays)Closed: January 1-3Official Instagram: http://takagi-coffee.jugem.jp/Salon de thé François, Gion ShijoPurin a la Mode: ¥850This purin is bigger than you expect it to be. Although the flavour is simple, it will send you on a trip to old traditional Kyoto. This purin is stiffer than usual and sweet with a gentle touch of bitter caramel sauce. This is topped with ice cream and garnished with tangy yet sweet strawberries. This purin is on a slightly more luxurious level which makes it perfect for adults.▼Salon de thé François (フランソワ喫茶室)Address: 184 Nishikiyamachi-dori-Shijo-kudaru; Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto.Opening Hours: 11:00-22:30(L.O 22:0)No regular holidaysOfficial Instagram: http://www.francois1934.comNOTTA CAFE, SaiinCustard Purin: ¥500This deceiving purin may appear to look like a cake and avoid jiggling like a true purin would, however, once you take a bite, the rich custard flavour will flood your mouth. The flavour is perfect for those of you who cannot handle very sweet flavours and are looking for something more refined. To fully enjoy your experience, order this purin with the oiri sweets cream soda.▼NOTTA CAFE (ノッタカフェ)Address: 37 Saiinkitayakakecho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto
Opening Hours:Tuesdays-Sundays: 11:30-20:00Wednesdays: 11:30-21:00
Closed: MondaysOfficial Website: http://nottacafe.comSo, how about it? For those of you who are in desperate need of a sweet fix in the Kansai region, Kyoto café life tiara’s Instagram will swoop in to rescue you.
Research for article contents and photos provided by: @happy_pinkrose_tiara
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Dark and Delicious Halloween Spirit Possesses Crunchy and Creamy Pastries
28.September.2019 | FOOD
Every year choux pastry shop CROQUANTCHOU ZAKUZAKU sells 2 million of their unique, crunchy and creamy choux pastries. This Halloween, these white angelic sticks of heaven have been possessed by the Halloween spirit and will be sold from October 1 – 31.
The devilishly delicious Black Zaku and Black Zaku Soft Serve Ice Cream were overwhelmingly popular when they were first sighted last year. Now they are being revived again for the Halloween season and will be haunting practically all CROQUANTCHOU ZAKUZAKU branches across Japan.
Black cocoa powder is infused into the crunchy choux pastry. The empty shell is then filled with a molten custard core which is made using Hokkaido milk and purple sweet potato paste. Once you take your first crunchy bite, you will be completely possessed by the Halloween spirit.
This Halloween, the original pure white ice cream has been inverted. From the ice cream to the wafer cone, the Black Zaku Soft Serve is completely black. The ice cream is incredibly soft and creamy and full of flavour. The black colour comes from white chocolate dyed with bamboo charcoal. This chilling ice cream is only around for the Halloween season and tastes wicked!
There is more than just Halloween treats at the shop. The regular Croquant Chou Zaku Zaku and regular Zaku Zaku Soft® are also being served. Head to a store with an adjoining kitchen to sink your teeth into freshly made delicious treats.
There is no better trick to treating yourself this Halloween than to indulge in a beautiful, black, crunchy and creamy sweet treat!
Information
CROQUANTCHOU ZAKUZAKU
Available: October 1, 2019 – October 31, 2019
Available at all CROQUANTCHOU ZAKUZAKU shops across Japan excluding Kumamoto Sakuramachi branch. Website: https://zakuzaku.co.jp/
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New Bubble Tea Shop Opens in Ochanomizu to Heal Fatigue and Improve Skin
Sugar Factory is the mastermind behind four trendy brands in Japan including the colourful candy floss shop TOTTI CANDY FACTORY, which is famous for its giant Harajuku rainbow cotton candy, and candy coated strawberry shop Strawberry Fetish. On September 26, they will be opening a bubble tea shop in Ochanomizu called Wu-Cha which is committed to serving only the best quality.
Wu-Cha uses large tapioca pearls sourced from Taiwan. From start to finish, the process of making these fresh tapioca pearls involves four hours of careful procedures. They are boiled and steamed carefully according to a strict schedule to create a springy texture. As the pearls are soaked evenly in syrup, each pearl is packed with deliciousness that will explode in your mouth with every bite.
Okinawa Brown Sugar Milk Tea: ¥470
Matcha Milk Tea: ¥550
Extensive research went into creating recipes to use these tapioca pearls. Raw ingredients such as Okinawa brown sugar and Kyoto Uji matcha have been carefully sourced from their places of origin to maximize the flavours. A generous amount of all these special ingredients have been used to develop these delicious and authentic milk teas.
Strawberry Milk: ¥550
Mango Yoghurt: ¥ 550
The Strawberry Milk and Mango Yoghurt are made with fresh fruit pieces and look just as refreshing as they taste.
Beautiful Skin Tea: ¥450
Fatigue Recovery Tea: ¥450
There is a large variety of drinks to enjoy with a range of healing effects. Alongside the bubble tea series and the fruity tea series, there is also a herb tea series.
Whether you are tired, unwell or just in need of a quick sugar boost, this bubble tea shop is the fairy godmother to all your problems. Every drink is packed with love and you absolutely must try it.
Information
Wu-Cha (伍茶)
Address: 3-20-4, Ogawa-machi, Kanda, Chiyoda, TokyoOpening Hours: 11:00-21:00
No regular holidays
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This Irresistible Tart is Made From Rare and Delicious Heart-Shaped Grapes
11.September.2019 | FOOD
Fruit tart specialist shop Qu’il fait bon will be selling a brand new kind of lovable tart which is made using a rare species of grape sourced from Yamanashi prefecture. The tart is currently selling at Grand Maison, Ginza and Hamamatsu. These will be available for a limited period only.
The tart is covered with incredibly rare “My Heart” grapes, which were developed by the grape research institute Shimura Budou Kenkyusho. Growing and cultivating these grapes was no easy task and took an incredible amount of time. There was only a short window of time available to harvest the produce and even then the harvest was small, so stocking up was very difficult. Despite the challenges, these tongue-tantalizing tarts are being sold this year, however, they are in limited supply.
Shine muscat grapes and loubell muscat grapes were crossbred to create this new kind of grape. The marvellous flavour of both parent grapes can be tasted. The new grapes have a high sugar content, a wonderful scent and the skin is wonderfully crunchy.
Take a bite into the special Yamanashi Grape My Heart Tart and you will be filled with a sophisticated fruity flavour. The adorable heart-shaped grapes are layered perfectly on top of a bed of white wine custard. You just have to try this delicious and beautiful tart!
Information
My Heart Tart (Made using grapes from Yamanashi Prefecture)
Prices*: ¥936 a slice /¥9,363 per whole tart (25cm)
*Prices after tax
Release Period: September 7 ー End of September, 2019
Available at: Qu’il fait bon Grand Maison, Ginza/ Hamamatsu
More Information: http://www.quil-fait-bon.com/mtr/2019-MyHeart.php
Official Website: http://www.quil-fait-bon.com/
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Six Scrumptious and Satisfying Sodas in Kyoto You Have To Try
At MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON, we have introduced a lot of kawaii bubble tea drinks you can in enjoy in Kyoto. However, we have much more to offer you than just bubble tea news! Today we have summarised the top soda drinks you can enjoy in Kyoto which both look and taste amazing. With the help of kyoto cafe life tiara ‘s phenomenal photos, we will be introducing you our top six picks.
SHIN-SETSU /Nakagyō-ku
Blood Orange (left) Blue Curaçao (right): ¥690
With a variety of 24 colourful cream sodas on the menu, this café offers a rainbow of flavours to enjoy. Your aesthetic soda is best enjoyed within the the picturesque American-style interior of the café, which is filled with antiques and cute pink decorations.▼SHIN-SETSUAddress: 277 Enpukujimaecho, Nakagyo Ward, KyotoOpening Hours:
Weekdays: 12:00-19:00(L.O)
Saturdays 13:00-19:00(L.O)
Sundays 12:00-19:00(L.O)
No fixed holidays
Official Instagram: @shinsetsu.kyoto
Rhône(ローヌ)Cream Soda: ¥600On top of the refreshing blue ocean of soda floats a scoop of ice cream ー what a nostalgic image. The bright red cherry accents the flavour. Rhône serves not only delicious sodas but also homemade pudding and many other delicious desserts which are sure to leave your stomach satisfied.
▼RhôneAddress: 645-1, Sanjoinokumacho, Nakagyo Ward, KyotoOpening Hours: 12:00-22:00Closed: Wednesdays and ThursdaysOfficial Instagram: @rhone_kyotoKissa Zou (喫茶ゾウ)Cream Soda: ¥550After becoming a big hit in Nagoya, Kissa Zou opened a new branch in Kyoto earlier this year in April. An adorable elephant (zou) can be seen riding the very top of your scrumptious soda. It is just too cute to eat!▼ Kizza ZouAddress:440-3 Santeicho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto,Opening Hours: 9:00-18:00(L.O 17:00)No fixed holidaysOfficial Instagram: @kissa_zouNOTTA CAFECream Soda with Oiri Sweets (left) : ¥600 Custard Pudding (right): ¥500NOTTA CAFE’s cream sodas have decorated the front pages of magazines before. A large crowd of oiri (Japanese-style round sweets) of a variety of colours can be seen huddled together riding the ice cream float on top of this cream soda. This ice cream soda is one of a kind and full of a variety of textures and flavours so you must try it.▼NOTTA CAFEAddress: 37 Saiinkitayakakecho, Ukyo Ward, KyotoOpening Hours: 11:30-20:00 (Wednesdays: 11:30-21:00)Closed: Mondays (additional irregular holidays)Official Instagram: @nottacafeKissa Soirée (喫茶ソワレ)Blue Sky Cream Soda (left) Strawberry Cream Soda (right): ¥700 eachThis soda is topped with vanilla ice cream and a sakuranbo cherry. When the ice cream mixes with the soda, it becomes creamy. The interesting interior of this café is the perfect place to enjoy your luxurious sparkly cream soda.▼Kissa SoiréeAddress: 95, Nishikiyamachidori Shijo Agaru Shincho, Shimogyo-ku, KyotoOpening Hours1st floor: 13:00-19:00 (L.O.18:00)2nd floor: 14:00-19:30 (L.O.18:45)Closed:MondaysMaeda Coffee (前田珈琲)Colourful Lemonade: ¥600This butterfly pea herb tea has minty aroma and a refreshing taste. When you mix it, it gradually turns pink so you can enjoy the flavour as well as the changing appearance of your drink.▼Maeda CoffeeAddress: 236 Takoyakushi Dori Karasuma Nishi Iru Hashibenkeicho, Nakagyo- ku, KyotoOpening Hours: 7:00-19:00Open all year round.Official Website: https://www.maedacoffee.comIf you are ever in Kyoto, make sure to check out these cafés. If you are looking for more inspiration, look no further than kyoto cafe life tiara’s Instagram, which is full of delicious desserts in the Kansai region.
Text and photos: @happy_pinkrose_tiara
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The “Pancake Prince” Opens A Brand New Pancake Restaurant in Omotesando
After a year of extensive research eating pancake after pancake, the one known as the “Pancake Prince” will open another branch of the Pancake restaurant VERY FANCY® in Omotesando on September 11. This restaurant will feature a unique Omotesando menu.
The real identity of the legendary Pancake Prince is Satoru Sugimoto. In just one year, he visited a total of over 200 pancake restaurants in Japan and even overseas. His endless research led him to crafting a series of special recipes, which consist of high quality ingredients such as low viscosity wheat flour, aluminium-free baking powder, buttermilk and homemade cheese. The pancakes are fried carefully, creating a fluffy pancake with a new half-baked texture.
VERY FANCY® has launched a brand new online advanced booking system which allows customers to quickly take to their seats without having to wait. Thanks to this new system, the restaurant has now become queueless.
The menu at the brand new restaurant is based on the restaurant’s standard pancake menu. The additional Omotesando menu is full of original ingredients and toppings that are unique to Omotesando. If you turn up to this branch, you can enjoy a lot more than just pancakes as there will be a variety of collaboration contents offered as well. This restaurant has also prepared a kid’s menu and baby chairs.
Homemade cheese kneaded into pancake batter and then fried to perfection ー this is just one example of the new fluffy “half cooked” texture pancakes that you absolutely must try. Come spend a wonderful moment munching marvelous pancakes surrounded by a cute and photogenic atmosphere.
Information
VERY FANCY®︎ OMOTESANDO
Grand Opening: September 11, 2019Address: AF Lohas St.Bidg 2F, 5-3-8 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 11:00-22:00
No regular holidays.Reservation Website: http://veryfancy.me
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Check Out Mister Donut’s New Autumn Sweet Potato Doughnuts
05.September.2019 | FOOD
Mister Donut will start selling five varieties of sweet potato doughnuts at branches across the country on September 6, 2019.
The new doughnuts series uses sweet potato powder to create a fluffy and moist doughnut. The batter infuses the flavour of doughnuts with the flavour and texture of sweet potato. The carefully prepared recipe retains as much of the sweet potato flavour as possible, creating a new kind of glorious flavour.
Plain (¥129)
Order the plain doughnut to experience the sweet potato and doughnut flavour fusion. Sweet potato powder is kneaded into the batter, creating an irresistibly fluffy and sweet doughnut.
Purple Sweet Potato (¥140)
The dough is kneaded with sweet potato powder and then baked. It is then covered with a purple sweet potato glaze. Just seeing the purple coating is enough to make your mouth water.
Candied Sweet Potato (¥140)
This doughnut is also kneaded with sweet potato powder. Once baked, it is covered with a sweet potato honey glaze and black sesame seeds.
Sweet Potato (¥140)
The Sweet Potato Doughnut is made by kneading the dough with sweet potato powder. After it has been baked, it is topped with sweet potato paste and black sesame seeds. This is perfect for those of you with a particularly sweet sweet tooth.
Brown Sugar Syrup and Kinako Powder (¥140)
If you are looking for a Japanese-style twist on a western style confection, then this doughnut is for you. After the doughnut batter is kneaded with sweet potato powder and baked, it is soaked in delicious brown sugar syrup and then sprinkled with kinako (roasted soybean powder) and sugar.
These new doughnut varieties are filled with the scrumptious flavours of autumn so please try them out.
*All prices stated after tax.
Information
Sweet Potato Doughnuts
Selling: September 6 ー Around the end of October. (Selling period varies from shop to shop)
Sold at: Most Mister Donut shops across Japan
Website: https://www.misterdonut.jp/