One of the most fun sweets of Summer in Japan to me is Kakigori. It is a Japanese shaved ice with sweet syrup. Since the Instagram has entered into culinary world, restaurants, cafes, and others alike have been coming up with some crazy looking food and dessert. But, it also helps people discover a food or dessert that was not very well known before. Here in Shizuoka, we found one of those hidden gems. So, off we went to get some photogenic kakigori!
The kakigori is offered at this Japanese green tea cafe, and they are well knows among the local kids. We saw several children coming to get some kakigori after school. Since it is not located in the a center of the town, I was wondering how popular they really are…on the first visit, we were told that they were all out of kakigoori! Well, they are popular!
We went back a couple of days later, a bit earlier this time, and we were happy to see that they have not run out of their kakigori just yet. They have a cute little outdoor seating, with basket by each chair where you can put your bags and other belongings so that they don’t get dirty from the food, and don’t have to put them on the ground. There was a counter with hand-fan to keep yourself cool, tissue to contain any mess you make with food, and menu. I thought that the fan was a nice touch, and I certainly needed it on a hot Summer day.
As this is a Japanese green tea cafe, they had several green tea selection for purchase in the inside. Since we are in a green-tea-producing city, it makes sense. It is a good spot to get some local green teas while getting some snacks. Speaking of snacks, they also had some snacks sweets there on the counter by the green teas as well.
But what caught my eyes the most off those shelves were these cute little figurines! They had a little black cat enjoying kakigori with ice cold drink by kakigori sign, and a penguin having some watermelon, and possibly having two kakigori for desserts? They were so adorable, cuteness overload!
Back to the real kakigori. They have extensive kakigori menu, although there are just five kinds of syrup bases: Macha, Hōjicha, Milk Tea, Melon, and Strawberry. Then, each one can come with some kind of add-ons. I was there with my husband and sister, so we ordered three different kind. The staff explained to us that they need to make one kakigori at a time, and that it will take a few minutes. She told us they will bring them out one at a time as they finish one. So, we went out and sat down. And here are our line ups!
I ordered Hōjicha Kakigori with Sweet Red Beans and Shiratama (450 yen). If you are not familiar with Hōjicha, it is made of roasted Japanese green tea. By being roasted over charcoal instead being steamed, it changes its color from green to beautiful golden color. The greatest thing about their kakigori that makes it photo-worthy is their size. Look how humongous it is! And you get this for less than about $5, which is a steal!
The flavor of Hōjicha was simply amazing. It was so much better than I thought it would be. Deep, sweetened Hōjicha flavor poured on super fluffy ice…it was crazy delicious!!! Toward the bottom, I got to see the sweet beans and shiratama hiding under the fluffy ice. Shiratama literary means “white ball” and is a type of mochi, made with glutinous rice. Every bite was heavenly from the beginning to the end.
My sister ordered Strong Matcha with Sweet Red Beans and Shiratama (450 yen). The fact that they indicated “strong” matcha instead of just regular matcha was exciting enough. The color of the syrup was beautiful deep green. The taste? Out of this world! The matcha flavor was strong, but sweetened enough so that you don’t taste much of its bitterness. You can tell it is made from a real matcha, and very high quality of it.
Last but not least, my husband ordered Strong Matcha Special with Condensed Milk (700 yen). This one actually is a Strong Matcha with Sweet Red Beans, Shiratama, Condensed Milk, and a Secret Special. Obviously, the name is way too long, so they shortened it on the menu. This is the most expensive kakigori they have, and yet, it felt very cheap when thinking of its size and quality.
This one was extra sweet with condensed milk poured on top. If you like extra sweet shaved ice, go for the ones with condensed milk! So, what is the “surprise” that is hidden in this kakigori? It is a Daifuku!
They had a nice-size daifuku hidden towards the bottom, on top of sweet beans and shiratama. Daifuku is a Japanese sweet made from mochi, filled with sweet bean paste. This one in particular was heavy cream flavored mochi, bringing extra creamy and milky flavor into it. Yes, it was the bomb! Totally worth the (super affordable) price tag, and so much more!
I can see the reason why this place is loved by local kids. Flavor, quantity, and especially the price! I feel like they price them so low, so that the kids can afford them easily. Regardless of their reasons, I greatly appreciate it. We got to have their amazing kakigori for super cheap! One important note – be careful how to eat them off the glass bowl. Since the ice is piled up high, if you start eating from the side instead from the top, it might tip over and you will lose most of the fluffy ice on the table! We actually witness this happening to a customer sitting at a table next to us. Poor guy!
Oh, and if you don’t want kakigori to be made so big, they can make the kakigori smaller for you upon request. Just remember, the price would stay the same as the regular size. The staffs here were really nice and sweet. As sweet as their kakigori! They treated us with smile and kindness, we were super happy we got to go visit. If you are in the area during the Summertime, go over to Omuraen and check them out!
Omuraen – 85 Kakegawa, Shizuoka Japan
大村園 – 静岡県掛川市掛川85