It’s Not Just Mochi: 5 Japanese Sweets You Must Eat (And Why They Are Fish-Shaped)
You’ve finished your Ramen. You’ve eaten your Sushi. Now, it’s time for dessert.
In the West, dessert usually means chocolate, cake, or ice cream. In Japan, dessert is a whole new world of textures. We love things that are “Mochi-Mochi” (chewy), “Fuwa-Fuwa” (fluffy), and not too sweet.
Some look weird (Why is there a fish?). Some look like art. As your friend with a sweet tooth, here are the 5 treats you cannot leave Japan without trying.
1. Taiyaki (The Fish-Shaped Cake)
You will see street stalls selling these golden, fish-shaped pastries everywhere. Don’t worry, it doesn’t taste like fish.
- What it is: A waffle-like batter cooked in a fish-shaped mold.
- The Filling: The classic is Anko (Sweet Red Bean Paste). It tastes earthy and sweet.
- Friend’s Tip: If you are scared of beans, look for Custard Cream or Chocolate fillings. They are equally delicious.
- How to eat: Eat it hot, right on the street. The debate over “Head first” or “Tail first” is a serious national argument. (I’m Team Head-First).
2. The “Fluffy” Soufflé Pancakes
You have seen them on TikTok. The pancakes that are so thick and airy, they jiggle when you shake the plate. Yes, they are real. And yes, they taste like eating a cloud.
- Where to go: Chains like “Flipper’s” or “A Happy Pancake” (Shiawase no Pancake).
- The Wait: Be prepared to queue. These places are popular.
- The Taste: They are more like a soufflé than a traditional American pancake. Served with whipped cream and fruit.
3. Fruit Sando (Fruit Sandwich)
Go to a convenience store or a specialized fruit parlor. You will see sandwiches filled with bright white cream and perfect cross-sections of strawberries, kiwis, or oranges.
- Is it weird? Bread and fruit? It sounds wrong, but it is so right.
- The Bread: It uses Japanese Shokupan (milk bread), which is soft and crustless.
- The Cream: It’s not heavy buttercream; it’s light, fresh whipped cream.
- Friend’s Verdict: It’s the perfect refreshing breakfast or afternoon snack.
4. Matcha Parfait
You are in Japan. You have to eat Matcha (Green Tea). But don’t just drink it. Eat it in a massive tower of glory: The Matcha Parfait.
- What’s inside: It’s a geology lesson of layers. Matcha ice cream, mochi balls (Shiratama), red bean paste, matcha jelly, sponge cake, and crunchy cornflakes at the bottom.
- Where to go: Kyoto is the capital of Matcha, but tea houses like Nana’s Green Tea or Tsujiri are all over Tokyo.
5. Warabi Mochi (The Jelly Cubes)
This is a traditional summer treat that surprises everyone. It looks like blocks of translucent water.
- What it is: Jelly made from bracken starch (a type of fern).
- The Topping: It is dusted with Kinako (roasted soybean flour) and drizzled with Kuromitsu (black sugar syrup).
- The Texture: It’s cold, slippery, and melts in your mouth. It is incredibly refreshing on a humid day.
Bonus Warning: “Anko” (Red Bean Paste)
You will see dark brown stuff inside many Japanese sweets. It is not chocolate. It is Anko (sweet beans). Many Westerners are surprised by the texture.
- Friend’s Advice: Don’t expect chocolate. Think of it as a sweet jam. Give it a try! It pairs perfectly with green tea.
Have a Sweet Trip!
Japanese sweets are often less sugary than Western desserts, focusing more on texture and presentation. Go find a fish cake. Shake a pancake. Eat a flower made of sugar.
Want to learn how to make these sweets yourself? Or find the best traditional tea house in a 100-year-old building? Our tours often include a sweet stop. Let’s go get a sugar rush together!
