With shops and businesses temporarily closed as a result of lockdown measures in Japan, Japanese convenience store chain FamilyMart decided that since people can’t as easily get their hands on authentic matcha right now, they would collaborate with the famous matcha company Kanbayashi Shunsho Honten to stock some authentic matcha treats on its shelves. They were released at FamilyMart branches across Japan on May 19, 2020.

 

Umami Matcha Parfait

The parfait begins with a soft sponge bottom and is then layered with milk mousse and matcha mousse before being topped with matcha jelly, red bean paste, and other tasty accompaniments.

 

Umami Matcha Cheesecake Baumkuchen

The matcha baumkuchen is made using authentic Uji matcha and is baked to look like a cheesecake. You get the full rich matcha kick with this one.

 

Hidetoshi Kanbayashi (Kanbayashi Shunsho Honten) | Comment

“We use a blend of first-grade Uji matcha and top it with jelly and matcha mousse. We have made it in such a way that you can enjoy the full flavour and aroma of the matcha itself. Please enjoy.”

McDonald’s Japan is teaming up with confectionery company Morinaga & Company to release the “McShake® Morinaga Ramune” at all McDonald’s branches in Japan. This is the first time McDonald’s Japan has collaborated with the product.

 

Morinaga Ramune is a candy soda, and the perfect match to McDonald’s sweet and creamy to cool down during spring and early summer.

The mixed beverage maintains the same refreshing taste as the original McShake® while drawing out the full flavour of the Ramune. It’s available in a small size only while supplies last and is the same light blue colour as Morinaga Ramune. It’s also served in an original cup.

Mister Donut Japan is set to release yet another new limited line of matcha doughnuts in collaboration with Gion Tsujiri and Toshi Yoroizuka at all branches in Japan from May 15, 2020.

 

Last month, Mister Donut collaborated with Gion Tsujiri and Toshi Yoroizuka to release the “Matcha Itadaki Series.” This time around, they’re joining their sticky baking hands to bring the “Matcha Odoroki Series.” The triple team’s matcha creations are the fitting way to celebrate Mister Donut’s 50th anniversary as Gion Tsujiri brings the best Uji matcha from Kyoto and Uji-born pastry chef Toshihiko Yoroizuka brings his creative ideas.

 

There are four treats in the line-up: the “Crisp Double Uji Matcha” and “Crisp Uji Match Chocolate” feature cookie and bagel dough bases, creating a crunchy and chewy mix, while the “Pon de Pie Uji Matcha” and “Pon de Pie Chocolate” feature Mister Donut’s classic chewy Pon de Rings combined with a crunchy pie texture.

Crisp Double Uji Matcha – ¥230 (Before Tax)

A chewy and crunchy base laced with Uji matcha and topped with Uji matcha whipped cream and chocolate.

Crisp Uji Match Chocolate – ¥230 (Before Tax)

A chewy and crunchy base laced with Uji matcha and topped with Uji matcha chocolate and chocolate chips.

Pon de Pie Uji Matcha – ¥200 (Before Tax)

Enjoy both a chewy base and crunchy pie mix at the same time, topped with Uji matcha whipped cream.

Pon de Pie Chocolate – ¥200 (Before Tax)

Enjoy both a chewy base and crunchy pie mix at the same time, decorated with chocolate whipped cream.

 

The Matcha Odoroki Series sees the chefs’ ideas shine through to create desserts that not only taste amazing but look gorgeous too, as well as taking into the account texture.

Japan’s biggest social media photo aggregator Snaplace has curated a Top 10 menu list of the most popular drinks and desserts people have been posting on Instagram Japan with the hashtag #おうちカフェ (“Cafe at Home”) with which people are making their own tasty treats to bring the cafe experience indoors during the lockdown.

 

The line-up features coffee, ice cream, cream soda and lots of other delights which have ranked due to how little preparation is needed and how easy the recipes are to follow. Let’s take a look.

 

1sr Place: Dalgona Coffee

Dalgona coffee has taken the internet by storm for its beautiful two-layered appearance. Popular in South Korea, the drink has also garnered much attention in Japan. And you can substitute the coffee part to create a completely different beverage like a matcha, strawberry latte, chocolate, and so on.

How to make Dalgona Coffee: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/312230

 

2nd Place: Candy Strawberries

Candy strawberries have taken over candy apples in terms of popularity this year. And you can have fun trying it out with other fruits too while at home during the lockdown like grapes, fruitsーwhichever fruit is your favouriteーand skewer them.

 

3rd Place: Toast Arrangements

Top your toast with ingredients like fresh cream, Greek yoghurt, cream cheese, sliced cheese, fruits, vegetables, and so on to change up your morning breakfast. There are so many different recipe inspirations for toast arrangements to find on social media.

 

Related Article: Stay Home: 6 Toast Arrangements to Bring the Cafe Experience to Your Home During the Lockdown

Related Article: Stay Home: 6 More Toast Arrangements to Bring the Cafe Experience to Your Home During the Lockdown

 

4th Place: Marshmallow Cookies
5th Place: Fruit Sandwiches (Check out recipes here)
6th Place: Cream Soda
7th Place: Eggs Benedict
8th Place: Snoopy Gyoza
9th Place: Candy Marshmallows
10th Place: Deko (“Giant”) Ice Cream

 

Try making your own Instagram-worthy menu at home.

Here at MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON, we post news and information about Japan in six languages. Our aim is to deliver a variety of content related to Japan for those who love and enjoy Japanese culture.

 

Right now, people across the globe are in self-isolation as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The same goes for Japan too, so we’ve taken this opportunity to create a new series on the website to show how we’re spending time at home here in Japan. The future is yet uncertain, and we hope for normality to return for all of us soon. We created a new articles series called Stay Home with which we hope to take your mind off the situation, even for just a little bit, to help you feel calmer. It might give you some tips on what you can do while spending time at home.

 

In this edition of Stay Home, we’re taking a look at five simple and kawaii drinks that were featured with the trending Japanese hashtag #おうちカフェ (“Cafe at Home”). Try making one of these drinks yourself to bring the cafe experience into your home.

 

Related Article: Stay Home: 5 Simple and Delicious Drinks to Try Making During the Lockdown

 

1: Dalgona Strawberry @i.c.h.i.g.o.q.159

This is a strawberry version of the dalgona coffee which is hugely popular right now. It’s a super simple recipe that you can make in just 3 minutes, so give it a go yourself.

 

Ingredients
・3 packs of Milmake powder (strawberry flavoured)　・4-5 tbsp fresh cream　・Milk

*If you can’t get your hands on Milmake, use another strawberry flavoured powder as a substitute 

 

Method
1: Add the Milkmake and fresh cream to a bottle.
2: Shake the bottle until the mix becomes thick.
3: Pour the mix over milk, top with a strawberry, and enjoy!

 

2: Colourful Cream Soda @miki__718

Miki’s made a serving of several colour and cute cream soda drinks. This is another easy recipe where she added coloured syrup to soda poured into cute glasses.

 

Ingredients

・Soda　・MONIN syrup　・Ice cream　・1 strawberry

 

Method

1: I recommend using MONIN syrup to make your colourful soda.

2: Mix together the soda and MONIN syrup, then add a dollop of ice cream and finish with a strawberry!

 

3: Strawberry Cream Cider @onew_tc72

Chihiro’s beverage is a cream soda with fresh fruit inside. If you’re looking for a fruity drink then this one’s for you.

 

Ingredients

・Strawberries　・Vanilla Ice Cream　・Soda　・Thyme (for decorating)

 

Method

1: Slice the strawberries into small pieces.

2: Add the cut strawberries into the soda and spoon in a large dollop of ice cream.

3: Adorn with the thyme and a whole strawberry and enjoy!

 

4: Mango Soda @lemmokit

chii’s mango soda is made using a homemade jam. The orange drink looks super stylish with the giant ice cube inside. A cool and refreshing pick for those hot days.

 

Ingredients
・100g mango　・15 sugar　・A squirt of lemon juice　・1 tsp rum

 

Method
1: Boil all of the ingredients together.
2: Mix in soda and jam.
3: Top with rosemary and drink up.

 

5: Mikan Latte @hit0m._.mi

HITOMI’s choice is the popular mikan latte! You can use sliced orange for the topping too if you can’t get your hands on mikan.

 

Ingredients
・200ml milk　・Sugar to taste ・Yoghurt ti taste　・1 mikan　・Sliced mikan (for topping)

 

Method
1: Blend all of the ingredients together in a blender.
2. Once smooth, add to a cup a finish with a slice of mikan or orange.

TAKAHASHI KOGEI has launched a new matcha making set called the Ippukubox which comes with everything you need to make authentic Japanese matcha.

 

For many of us, our time indoors has increased. When taking a break from remote work we head to the kitchen to make ourselves a drink. We’ve all had those moments when we’re torn between making coffee, black tea, herbal tea, and so on. In those undecided moments, why not try making a cup of matcha instead?

The Ippukubox is a 15cm box which comes with all the necessary gear for making mathca: a chawan cup, chasen tea whisk, chashaku teaspoon, and a natsume tea caddy for preserving your matcha.

 

The inside of the box is lined with Echizen paper from Fukui Prefecture which not only makes it look beautiful, but protects your matcha tools from becoming damaged as a result of rubbing together.

 

Generally in Japan, when you think about making matcha, the traditional tea ceremony springs to mind which follows strict rules when it comes to making the drink. But the Ippukubox is made for personal use, and so you can add as much or as little matcha or hot water as you like, and practice making it even if you don’t know the proper techniques. You can even add hot milk to make a matcha latte and enjoy a tasty treat with it.

The chawan teacup is Echizen ware from Fukui and was made specially for the Ippukubox. Its cute size makes it fit perfectly in the palm of your hand, but it’s also spacious enough for using the whisk.

The outside design of the box is also made in such a way that it fits seamlessly into modern living and dining spaces. Each wooden box is handcrafted individually and is layered in a matte coating to protect the wood.

*This chawan teacup is different to the one included in the set

The lid of the box can even be used as a tray as pictured above to fit your drink and snack.

Modern tea hosue nana’s green tea has 81 branches across Japan. Alongside café-style food, their specialty is traditional desserts and drinks made from traditional teas such as matcha and hojicha. They are now selling a new parfait and chilled drink made from fresh gyokuro green tea for a limited time.

 

As the days grow gradually closer to summer, the menu blooms to life with the season’s fresh green colours. The desserts at nana’s green tea never fail to boast their own unique and unbeatable flavours. The new parfait and drink are made with a generous serving of  gyokuro, which is a fine and luxurious type of green tea recognised by its signature bright green appearance. The rich green tea is sourced from the long-established Kyoto tea-producer YAMAMASA KOYAMAEN.

 

YAMAMASA KOYAMAEN: Kyoto’s Long-Established Uji Matcha Tea Producers

YAMAMASA KOYAMAEN are the owners of a tea plantation in Kyoto’s renowned matcha region called Uji. With their passion for selling only the best flavour of tea above all else, they have contributed to the growth of Uji-grown tea since the end of the Edo period.

Gyokuro tea is produced with the same careful attention and care as matcha but with a different procedure. nana’s green tea grind the leaves to a fine powder to fully extract its refined essence. From the flavour to the aroma, gyokuro tea provides a completely different experience to matcha. If you love Japanese tea, this is the perfect opportunity for you to explore the wonderful flavours of Uji tea.

Gyokuro Warabimochi Parfait

Gyokuro jelly made from 100% gyokuro Uji tea and white bean paste dusted in gyokuro powder dress this parfait in rich flavours. The warabimochi is also dusted in gyokuro powder to balance its sweetness. The sweetness of the warabimochi and the gentle and refined flavour of gyokuro tea will spread through your mouth. Finally, the parfait is laced in black sugar syrup for a refined accent. 

 

Gyokuro Jelly Frozen

Gyokuro tea and milk are mixed together to create an aromatic and vivid drink mixture. Chunks of soft gyokuro jelly can be seen at the bottom of the drink. Suck them up through your straw for a refreshing and fun texture. As the process of roasting gyokuro leaves is very difficult, it is a flavour that can be difficult to come across. This is the perfect way to enjoy a refined flavour in a casual way.

 

You can also order the parfait and drink to take out, making it the perfect luxurious treat to enjoy at home. If you love exploring tea, this is an unmissable opportunity.

With the lockdown in place as a result of the coronavirus and businesses closed, BOTANIST’s flagship cafe in Tokyo has released two recipes for people to enjoy the BOTANIST cafe experience from their very own home.

 

The two beverages in question are the delicious-looking “Smoothie Bon Bon Pineapple & Kiwi” and the healthy vegan-friendly “Spring Smoothie.” Both are super simple to make, so check out the recipes below.

 

Smoothie Bon Bon Pineapple & Kiwi

The ingredients used in this tropical drink give it a marble effect, combining pineapple with shiikuwasha syrup and apricot whipped cream. At the very bottom is a sweet kiwi sauce to stir into the drink with your straw for a further depth of flavour.

 

Ingredients (Serves 1)

▼Smoothie
100g pineapple / 10ml juice of shiikuwasha citrus / 60ml milk / 5g granulated sugar

 

▼Amaretto Whipped Cream

20ml whipped cream / 1ml amaretto syrup / 30ml kiwi sauce

▼Toppings
10-13 pineapple slices cut like diamonds / 25g granola / 5g crunchy chocolate pieces / 1 mint leaf

 

Shiikuwasha can be replaced with lemon or lime juice. Taste as you go and adjust to your palate as necessary. Adding amaretto syrup to the whipped cream gives it an apricot taste, but the amaretto is optionalーplain whipped cream works great too. If you can’t get your hands on kiwi sauce, substitute with fresh kiwis. Slice and crush to make it into a puree so it’s small enough to be sucked through your straw.

 

Method

①Measure out your ingredients. Cut your pineapple into diamond slices (see below).
②Put the kiwi sauce into your cup or glass.
③Mix the whipped cream and amaretto syrup. Use a spoon to spoon the whipped cream around the inside of the cup to create a marble effect.
④Blend together your smoothie ingredients and pour into the cup.
⑤Top with the granola.
⑥Spread your pineapple slices around the outside of the cup. Finish with your chocolate crunch pieces and mint leaf.

 

Slicing the Pineapple

①Slice off the top and bottom of your pineapple.
②Slice through the length of the pineapple to divide into four sections.
③Chop off the inner white part of the pineapple.
④-⑥Following the picture below, slice your pineapple into diamond chunks and throw away the skin.
⑥Slice the chunks into thin diamonds.
⑦Spread the slices to create a sunflower pattern. Adjust according to your cup size. Make sure your granola is lower than the lip of your cup so you can properly balance the shape of your pineapple flower.

 

Spring Smoothie

This refreshing smoothie is packed full of spring berries. It’s the perfect spring accompaniment with the sweet and sour kick of the strawberries and raspberries and the subtle sweetness of the sugar beet and soy milk.

 

Ingredients (Serves 1)

50g strawberries / 30g raspberries / 30g sugar beet* / 230ml soy milk
*The sugar beet can be replaced with gomme syrup to make the beverage vegan-friendly. If you’re using caster sugar or granulated sugar, make sure it is fully dissolve into the soy milk first before making the drink.

 

Method

①Measure out your ingredients. A scale like the one above is super useful in this situation since it saves on washing too!
②Put in all the ingredients and mix until smooth.
③Pour into a large glass.

 

BOTANIST Tokyo is currently temporarily closed as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Bring the cafe experience home by making one of their tasty smoothies!

Here at MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON, we post news and information about Japan in six languages. Our aim is to deliver a variety of content related Japan for those who love and enjoy Japanese culture.

 

Right now, people across the globe are in self-isolation as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The same goes for Japan too, so we’ve taken this opportunity to create a new series on the website to show how we’re spending time at home here in Japan.

 

The future is yet uncertain, and we hope for normality to return for all of us soon. We created a new articles series called Stay Home with which we hope to take your mind off the situation, even for just a little bit, to help you feel calmer. It might give you some tips on what you can do while spending time at home.

 

In this edition of Stay Home, we’re taking a look at five cute and tasty-looking drinks that are featured with the trending Japanese hashtag #おうちカフェ (“Cafe at Home”). Try making one of these drinks recipes yourself then sit back, relax, and savour every sip.

1: Dalgona Coffee　@kaopan

This dalgona coffee recipe was provided by Kaori who has a series here on MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON called Kaori’s Easy Recipe where she shows how to create fun and simple character recipes. It has a bitter taste but is temptingly creamy, giving it a flavour you’ll become addicted to.

 

Ingredients

☆Instant Coffee　☆Hot Water　☆Powdered Sugar (Granulated works fine too)　・Milk

 

Method

1: Add one tablespoon each of all the starred (☆) ingredients into a bowl and whip well.

2: Simply add cold milk to the sweetened coffee and it’s finished.

3: Mix while drinking and enjoy.

 

2: Dalgona Matcha　@miwa__go

This dalgona matcha was made by Yuka Onoda. This is a you’ve got to drink to try if you’re not a fan of coffee. The amount of milk will change depending on the size of your mug, so give it a go.

 

Ingredients

☆2 tbsp sugar　☆1 egg white　☆2 tbsp matcha powder　・8 tbsp fresh cream　・Milk

 

Method

1: Whip all of the starred (☆) ingredients together well.

2: Mix in fresh cream until it thickens.

3: Pour in your milk and you’re done.

 

3: Cherry Blossom Cream Soda　＠banakooooo

This homemade cream soda recipe was made by Banako, one of our MOSHI MOSHI FRIENDS who writes articles on cafes and cream sodas in Japan. This is the perfect beverage for those unable to enjoy the cherry blossoms.

 

Ingredients

・Soda/Carbonated Water・Pink coloured juice・Pickled cherry blossom leaves*・Vanilla Ice cream

*The pickled cherry blossom leaves were bought online

 

Method

1: Add ice to a glass and pour in the soda.

2: Pour in some pink coloured juice to your liking to change the colour of the water.

3: Add some of the pickled cherry leaves and a dollop of vanilla ice cream.

4: Top with some more pickled cherry leaves to garnish.

 

4: Oreo Cookie Milk　@kotone9558

Kotone’s home cafe drink is a dessert-style beverage made using Oreos. This one’s a must-try for anyone who loves Oreos.

 

Ingredients

・3 Oreos (2 without the cream)・Milk (to taste)・Fresh cream (to taste)

 

Method

1: Lay two Oreos into a glass.

2: Add the milk. Whip fresh cream and add.

3: Finish by topping with an Oreo.

 

5: Orangeade　@onew_tc72

Chihiro serves us a refreshing orangeade from their home cafe. The perfect refreshment for the arrival of the warm spring weather.

 

Ingredients:

☆1 orange　☆100g sugar　☆1 tbsp honey　・1 bottle of soda/carbonated water・3 orange slices・2 thyme sprigs

 

Method

1: Peel the starred (☆) orange, then place that and the rest of the starred ingredients into a bottle that has been sterilised by boiling. Leave in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.

2: Slice three piece of orange and cut them in half.

3: Add the syrup you made from step ① into an ice-filled cup. Pour in the soda/carbonated water and add the orange slices and thyme.

Mt.RAINIER is launching a matcha flavoured caffè latte in Japan for a limited time starting from April 21, 2020.

 

Mt.RAINIER launched in February 1993 as a pioneering brand of chilled coffee in a cup. Since then, the company has introduced countless flavours which retain the authentic quality of a drink you would sip on in a cafè. With the number of people working from home rising, Mt.RAINIER is looking to be an easy grab for its customers to refresh and relax them during this time.

With the Olympics being delayed until next year, 2021 is the new year expected for Japan to be in the spotlight. With many people interested and becoming interested in Japanese culture, including the Japanese themselves, the market for providing products to enjoy Japan and its culture is expected to grow. Mt.RAINIER is hopping on board this train with its new “Nippon Color Vibes” drinks series which will include beverages that capture the vibe of Japanese culture. The first drink in the line was cherry blossom flavoured, and the upcoming entry is matcha.

The Mt.RAINIER Matcha Caffè Latte blends together matcha made from leaves carefully selected by tea experts with milk and a shot of espresso.

Three branches of Hotel New Otani’s Patisserie SATSUKI in Tokyo, Makuhari and Osaka are releasing two new matcha desserts made from Kyoto’s famous Uji matcha on May 7.

 

New Edo Matcha Shortcake: Melt-in-the-mouth moments guaranteed

New Edo Matcha Shortcake – ¥1,200 (Before Tax)

This tempting matcha shortcake has vivid and breathtaking cross-sectioned layers of ingredients. One sponge is made from a special kind of egg from chickens raised on a diet of organic genmai rice, and the other sponge is made using matcha and refined Japanese sugar. Squished between the sponge is smooth and mouth-melting almond milk cream and subtly sweet soy milk white ganache, as well as the centrepiece of it all: rich Uji matcha custard cream. It’s also stuffed with brown sugar red bean paste sprinkled with salt from Aogashima, brown sugar jelly, and chewy rice flour dumplings, creating a mix of complex and subtle flavours. A refreshing touch is added by the lychee, and everything’s topped off with a luxurious matcha macaron.

 

New Edo Matcha Roll: A multitude of flavours

New Edo Matcha Roll – ¥1,000 (Before Tax) *Available at Tokyo and Makuhari branches only

This pure white roll is also made with the special eggs from the genmai rice-raised chickens. It’s filled with rich Uji matcha cream, matcha arrowroot from longstanding Japanese shop Funabashiya which has been around 1805, refreshing agar-agar, brown sugar red bean paste sprinkled with salt from Aogashima, soy milk white ganache, chewy rice flour dumplings, and fresh lychees. New flavours await at every bite of this incredible delight which fuses Japanese and Western flavours.

Mister Donut Japan is set to release a new limited line of matcha doughnuts in collaboration with Gion Tsujiri and Toshi Yoroizuka at all branches in Japan from April 10, 2020.

 

Following the success of Mister Donut’s previous collaborations with the two companies, named “misdo meets Gion Tsujiri” and “misdo meets Toshi Yoroizuka” respectively, this new collaboration sees all three companies come together for the first time to co-develop the matcha doughnuts. The triple team’s matcha creations are the fitting way to celebrate Mister Donut’s 50th anniversary as Gion Tsujiri brings the best Uji matcha from Kyoto and Uji-born pastry chef Toshihiko Yoroizuka brings his skill set.

 

Pon de Ring Uji Matcha Chocolate Almond

The classic chewy Pon de Ring laced with Uji matcha and coated in chocolate. It’s finished with a sprinkling of Uji matcha powder and crunchy almonds.

 

Pon de Ring Uji Matcha Milk Crunch

The matcha-ness is turned up with this Pon de Ring, which is not only mixed with Uji matcha, but coated with Uji matcha chocolate. It’s served with a snowfall of milk crunch pieces., highlighting the velvety texture of the doughnut while adding crunch.

 

Pon de Ring Uji Matcha & Chocolate Cream

This doughnut is made into a sandwich, with Uji matcha whipped cream and chocolate cream. The Uji matcha chocolate adds a richness to the overall flavour.

 

Pon de Ring Uji Matcha Doughnuts

Running: April 10, 2020 – Early June 2020

Available: At most Mister Donut branches in Japan

 

Tiramisu Chocolate Whip

The dough of these tiramisu doughnuts are combined with cocoa. This one is filled with chocolate whipped cream, a tiramisu, and milk crunch pieces for an amalgamation of tasty flavours and textures.

 

Tiramisu Uji Matcha Whip

The chocolate whipped cream of the previous doughnut is replaced with Uji matcha whipped cream for this luxurious delight. The cream is also embedded with almonds.

 

Uji Matcha Chocolate Pie

The name speaks for itself: a lovely layered pie of Uji matcha chocolate and chocolate cream.

 

Tiramisu Doughnuts & Chocolate Pie

Running: April 10, 2020 – Early May 2020

Available: At most Mister Donut branches in Japan