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.

ALL HEARTS COMPANY, a Japanese company that develops bakeries and patisseries across Japan, is launching an all-new cheesecake shop called Neko Neko Cheesecake which will open in Jiyugaoka, Tokyo on May 20, 2020. Serving cat-shaped cheesecakes, the shop will also take online orders.

Neko Neko Cheesecake is a sister brand of Neko Neko Kuu Pan from the same company which serves cat-shaped bread. Online deliveries will make for the perfect opportunity to bring that cafe experience to your own home.

Neko Neko Cheesecake – ¥1,800 (Before Tax) / Size: 11cm, 475g

The cake is made from the luxurious French brie cheese Brie de Meaux which is mixed with a homemade apricot jam to create rich, deep flavour. This means the cheesecake not only looks cute, but is the real deal too.

Their secret to bringing about amazing flavour and not just adorable looks can be broken down into four simple steps.

①They use the king of cheeses, Brie de Meaux.
②Although baked, the cheesecake is so soft it has a similar texture to a no-bake cheesecake.
③The sweet and sour homemade apricot jam elevates the overall flavour.
④The combination of mature cheese and the apricot jam changes the flavour to create a completely new kind of cheesecake.

The cheesecakes are boxed in box that has a simple yet chic design with two cats sat side by side.

The store will open on May 20, and online orders will launch on ALL HEARTS MALL on the same day.

McCafé by Barista branches of McDonald’s in Japan are releasing two new limited edition drinks on May 20: the “Goro Goro Peach Smoothie” and “Fuwa Fuwa Peach Creamy Frappe.”

The “Peach Smoothie” first appeared at McDonald’s Japan in 2015 and has been popular every year since. But these two new drinks are taking the peachness to the next level. Until now, the Peach Smoothie has been made with only white peaches, but the new beverages add yellow peaches to that for double the peach goodness.

Goro Goro Peach Smoothie: Regular ¥440 / Large ¥480

The Goro Goro Peach Smoothie uses the juice of white and yellow peaches to create its smoothie base. It’s also topped with a sauce made from the juice of white peach. The sweetness of this yellow and white peach combination makes for an even deeper level of flavour, and the fresh white pieces on top elevate it even more.

Fuwa Fuwa Peach Creamy Frappe: Regular ¥490 / Large ¥530

The frappe uses the same smoothie base and sauce, but adds whipped cream into the mix, resulting in a deliciously creamy texture and flavour.

And for an extra ¥60, you can add more sauce to your Goro Goro Peach Smoothie if you feel it isn’t peachy enough!

Eggs ‘n Things Japan has announced that it is releasing its “Harajuku Chocolate Mint Pancakes” and “Mango Salsa Chicken & Eggs” to all branches throughout Japan (excluding temporarily closed branches).

Harajuku Chocolate Mint Pancakes: Eat In ¥1,480 (Before Tax), Takeout ¥880 (Before Tax) | Serving: May 15, 2020 – June 11, 2020

The Harajuku Chocolate Mint Pancakes speak for themselves. Enjoy a serving of mint flavoured pancakes drizzled in smooth mint cream which is sure to send a refreshing tinge through your nose. It’s topped with an Oreo cookie, chocolate mint ice cream, and served with a side of chocolate sauce.

*The takeout option doesn’t come with whipped cream or chocolate mint ice cream

Mango Salsa Chicken & Eggs: ¥1,280 (Before Tax) *Takeout option available | Serving: May 15, 2020 – June 11, 2020

A plate of juicy fried chicken and a punchy mango salsa with a flavourful coriander taste and spicy kick.

Two perfect dishes to enjoy an early summer this year, coming to Eggs ‘n Things in Japan this Friday.

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.

Confectionery crafters LeTAO have re-released their hugely popular “Gateau Pudding A La Mode” on their online store for a limited time only.

Cafe pudding a la mode is a nostalgic flavour to Japanese childrenーsomething which was kept in mind in the creation of this enormous version. The pudding is made with milk from Jersey cattle and a caramel sauce that’s made with maple sugar for richness.

The pudding also has a touch of acidity from the peach and orange which when mixed together with the mascarpone cheese makes for a truly exquisite dessert.

LeTAO’s “Jersey Milk Pudding” is a popular dessert also served at in-store branches. This pudding was used as a base to create the a la mode pudding.

The custard pudding is like a cake filled with the fruity flavours of peach, orange and strawberry coupled with refreshing mousse and mascarpone cheese.

*Please note that LeTAO branches are temporarily closed or have had their business hours changed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Replies to enquiries about the online shop may take some time. Check the official website for more details.

McDonald’s Japan is introducing some mouth-watering new foods to its menu including two which incorporates chicken tatsuta: the “Chicken Tatsuta Mentai Cheese” which is made with walleye pollack roe, and the bite-sized “Hitokuchi Tatsuta”ーthe latter of which is arriving to the side menu.

It is also introducing the “Rice Chicken Tatsuta” burger following the success of the “Rice Burger” which was released at stores for the first time earlier back in February of this year.

These new menu items will be released on May 13, 2020 at all McDonald’s branches in Japan for a limited time.

Chicken Tatsuta Mentai Cheese

Chicken tatsuta is a popular Japanese dish which combines a soft, soy ginger-soaked chicken patty with spicy sauce and stuffs it inside a bun. McDonald’s new “Chicken Tatsuta Mentai Cheese” adds spicy walleye pollack roe mayo and smooth white cheddar cheese to the equation. It will be available all day round, including for the morning menu.

Hitokuchi Tatsuta

Rice Chicken Tatsuta

The “Rice Chicken Burger” will be available in the evenings only.

Japanese actor Toshiyuki Nishida is appearing in the TV commercials to promote the “Hitokuchi Tatsuta” while comedian Nobuyuki Hanawa and actor Katsumi Takahashi appear in the “Rice Chicken Tatsuta” commercials which feature a re-recording of the song SWEET MEMORIES ~Amai Kioku~ by Seiko Matsuda.

With just a small bit of ingenuity, turn everyday food into something cute using Kaori’s easy recipe! With a few simple ideas, an ordinary recipe magically transforms into a cute dish.

Today, I’ll be showing you how to make a Gudetama parfait made with a yogurt mousse and topped with orange and peach jelly.

Ingredients
Yogurt Mousse Ingredients:
100g sugar free yogurt
50ml fresh cream
20g sugar
3g gelatin
*With the gelatin, mix well with 1 tbsp water

Mikan & Yellow Peach Jelly Ingredients:
100ml mikan juice (or any orange juice)
150g tinned peaches (with syrup)
5g gelatin
*With the gelatin, mix well with 1 tbsp water

1

①Mix the sugar into the yogurt well. Add in 7/10 of the fresh cream and mix well again.

②Microwave the gelatin for 10-20 seconds at 500w. Add into the mixture from ① and mix well.

2

Once the mixture has set in about ⅓ of a glass, add sliced chocolate on the inside for the eyes and mouth. I cut mine into shape using a toothpick.

Make sure the chocolate is properly fixed to the glass at this point.

3

Put your yellow peach and mikan orange into a blender (but not the gelatin part). The syrup of the peaches is already sweet so there’s no need to add sugar.

②Microwave the gelatin for 10-20 seconds at 500w. Add into the blended mixture and mix well.

Pour on top of the mix inside the glass. If there are any peach pieces left, cut them up and use them as toppings.

Top with fresh cream and chopped fruit, and you’re done! I stuck Gudetama’s face on well and good so it looks like his chocolate face is on the outside. Be sure to try doing the same.

Kaori invites you into her world of character-themed food dishes in her recipe series. Be sure to check out her Instagram where she has uploaded many pictures of her character dishes!

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.

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.

Character-inspired Japanese confectionery series Tabemas has revealed that its next batch of sweet treats will see Rilakkuma and Kiiroitori arrive at Lawson convenience stores in Japan (excluding Lawson Store 100 branches) on April 28, 2020.

Tabemas Rilakkuma 2020 Strawberry Rilakkuma/Strawberry Kiiroitori – ¥285 Each (Tax Included)

The adorable confections feature Rilakkuma donning a sweet strawberry hat while Kiiroitori has gone the full fruity mile by dressing snug in a strawberry onesie. As you’d imagine, both of these sweet treats are strawberry flavoured.

‘Tabemas’ is an abbreviation of the Japanese words taberareru masukotto, meaning ‘mascots that you can eat.’ It is a Japanese confectionery series that combines well-known characters and Japanese sweets made from ingredients like red bean paste, sugar and rice flour. The sweets are also made with a dough called “nerikiri” which is used in making traditional Japanese wagashi sweets.

What better way to spend your time indoors right now than with a cute Rilakkuma or Kiiroitori sweet?

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