The Japanese say you have a separate stomach for dessert, and there is always room for dessert, especially when Yukimi Daifuku is on the menu.
Ice cream wrapped in a thin chewy layer of mochi is here to blow your mind.
A trip to Japan will always include Mochi (a delicious soft rice cake), but how about a Mochi ice cream? Japanese confectionery company, Lotte, has combined these two favourite Japanese sweet treats into one piece of deliciousness called Yukimi Daifuku.
This popular ice cream is a great snack after a dip in the onsen to cool down or after a conbini (convenience store) run for a tamago sando or a yakitori lunch. After all, as the Japanese say, betsubara (you have a separate stomach for dessert), and there is always room for dessert.
Let’s break down what makes this mochi ice cream so tasty and well loved amongst the Japanese.
Lotte has combined two favourite Japanese sweet treats into one piece of deliciousness called Yukimi Daifuku.
- A Quintessentially Japanese Treat: Since its introduction into the Japanese market 40 plus years ago, Yukimi Daifuku has taken Japan by storm and revolutionised the ice cream industry by being the first of its kind. Lotte had spent years refining a technique to keep the traditional Japanese sweet, mochi, soft whilst maintaining a chewy and sticky consistency at a freezing temperature. And they succeeded, making the once impossible possible. Its inclusion in school lunches makes it a nostalgic delicacy for several generations and has led to its reputation as a beloved treat amongst adults and kids alike.
- Seasonal Flavours: There have been more than 50 different flavours as of late 2021. From a decalant truffle chocolate version to Hokkaido pudding flavour and a Valentine’s Day strawberry heart edition, Lotte really does keep you on your toes and keeps innovating the ice cream game to keep things exciting.
- Diversity: This isn’t just ice cream you can eat straight from the packet. Yukimi Daifuku is incredibly versatile and can be incorporated as part of a range of savoury and sweet dishes. In fact, Japanese Michilin Star chef, Shusaku Toba, from the restaurant Sio has shared his recipes of using Yukimi Daikfu as a core ingredient as part of a sweet apple pie toast and a savoury bacon and egg toast.
Since its introduction into the market 40 plus years ago, Yukimi Daifuku has taken Japan by storm.
- A (Somewhat) Healthier Alternative: Mochi is a low-saturated fat dessert with abundant vitamins and minerals, making it a healthier alternative compared to other ice creams. Due to its relatively smaller size (in comparison to pints of ice cream), the packaging and bite size nature of Yukimi Daifuku has made it a popular alternative.
- Price: For less than $2 (167 Yen) for two pieces of delectable goodness at convenience stores, need I say more? You can grab the goods for an even cheaper price at supermarkets.
- Convenience: You can buy this anywhere. Due to its status as one of Japan’s most popular ice cream, Yukimi Daifuku is stocked in whichever convenience store or supermarket you walk into. You really can’t miss this on your next trip to Japan.