Tag: Japan

Japan’s Favourite Chocolate Cake By Ken’s Cafe Tokyo Is Coming To S’pore On 1 Dec

Tucked away in the Shinjuku neighbourhood, Ken’s Cafe Tokyo is lauded by many for one thing: their gâteau au chocolat (French Chocolate Cake), prized for its soft, decadent and melt-in-your-mouth richness.

And trying to get your hands on their cake is like trying to buy a Hermès Birkin bag. You have to reserve your cakes in advance with waiting times that can stretch up to 3 months long.

If you’re wondering what’s all the fuss about this famous chocolate cake coming to our shores, let us tell you why.

Most Popular Chocolate Cake In Japan

Each bar of gâteau au chocolat weighs approximately 280g, and is made with super atas ingredients that we can only dream of trying. Ken’s Cafe uses a customised blend of Domori grand cru chocolate with 70% cacao, Japanese unsalted butter, and eggs that have “mukashi no aji“, which means “a nostalgic flavour from the past” – it’s supposed to have an ‘eggier’ flavour than the average egg. Best part, it’s gluten-free!

What you get is a rich and chocolatey cake, and they can also be savoured in 3 ways: a dense Terrine Chocolat at room temperature, a creamy Chocolate Ganache when chilled in the refrigerator, and a molten Fondant Chocolat when heated slightly in the microwave!

With long waiting times and reviews describing the cake as “addictive” and “overwhelmingly delicious”, it is no wonder Ken’s Cafe was ranked Japan’s #1 chocolate store on Tabelog (a Japanese crowd-sourced restaurant review website).

Previously only produced exclusively in Ken’s Cafe Tokyo, the cakes will be available in Singapore on 1st December. While they aren’t made by the founder Chef Kenji Ujiie himself, they will be prepared by Chef Ito from Watanabe Coffee, who studied directly under the man himself!

So mark your calendars for 1st December and make sure to head down early because there’ll only be a limited quantity of just 20 cakes available every day! Each slice will cost $8, while an entire cake will retail at $48.15 (280g).

Watanabe Coffee
Address: #01-01 Isetan Scotts Shaw House, 350 Orchard Road, Singapore 238868
Opening Date: 30 November 2018
Contact No.: 6235 0608
Website

Also Read Renowned Japanese Chef Teppei Opens First Halal Eatery Serving Fukuoka’s Famous Udon

(Header Image Source: @nuttnutty)

Calling All Trainers In Singapore: A Pokémon Centre Is Coming To Jewel Changi Airport In 2019

If you’re saving up your yennies for a trip to the Pokémon Megastore in Tokyo, drop whatever you’re doing.

Your long-life dream is about to come true. From March 2019 onwards, Singaporeans and travellers can look forward to a whole new Pokemon experience at Jewel Changi Airport.

The Pokemon Centre at Jewel Changi Airport will be the first permanent store outside Japan!

Ready, Set, Pokémon Go!

If there’s ever a heaven for Pokémon fans on Earth, it’ll look something like this,

…and this

…and this

You get the point.

Long time fans of Pokémon can look forward to expanding their collections once the Pokemon Centre opens at Jewel Changi Airpot next year. Live out your childhood dreams of transforming your bedroom into a Pokémon Wonderland because the merchandise are endless!

From bedroom slippers to figurines, cushions, utensils and towels – there’ll be endless shelves of Pokémon merchandise in all shapes, sizes and forms.

The obvious reason one might visit the Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo is for the extensive range of Pokémon branded merchandise. Another reason would be to see the Pokémon statues. So we’re praying real hard that we’ll see a couple of these giant statues in Singapore’s Pokémon Centre as well.

We’re pretty sure once the Pokemon Centre opens in Singapore, it will be full of frenzied fans clutching shopping baskets overflowing with merchandise (because, you “gotta catch ’em all,” right?).

While there’s no news on how big the shop at Jewel Changi Airport will be, we’re sure it won’t disappoint!

Also Read All Aboard The Pikachu Train! This Event At Tanjong Pagar Lets You Indulge In Japanese Food And Movies From Oct 11-14

(Header Image Source: YouTube)

2017 Cherry Blossoms In Japan: Here’s Everything You Need To Know For A Trip There

Every year, throngs of people make their way to Japan in Spring just to participate in Hanami. It’s more commonly known as the Cherry Blossom viewing and it refers to the age-old Japanese custom of appreciating the delicate sakura blooms.

The cherry trees bloom all over Japan at different times. They are known to be at full glory after their first week of blossoming when they’re at their fullest. However, it’s a short time frame and the flowers are unpredictable.

To ensure you don’t miss the 2017 cherry blossoms in Japan, here’s a look at the cherry blossom schedule:

Tokyo

Home of the famed Tsukiji Fish market, Disneyland and sea, Tokyo offers a mix of the modern and traditional.

You can take part in the peaceful Hanami tradition, and slip right back into the bustle of city life without missing a beat.

2017 cherry blossoms in Japan: Tokyo
Estimated Opening: March 26
Estimated Best Viewing: April 2 – 10
Best Viewing Spots:
Shinjuku Gyoen (10 minute walk from Shinjuku Station)
Ueno Park (a few steps from Ueno Station)
Sumida Park (a few steps from Asakusa Station)

Kyoto

Previously the ancient capital of Japan, Kyoto has much to show from its beautiful past.

Here, you will be able to experience one of Japan’s few still-operational geisha districts, as well as visit a collection of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Not forgetting the most well-known site, the Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Shrine with its impressive views and photo-worthy captures.

2017 cherry blossoms in Japan: Kyoto
Estimated Opening: March 29
Estimated Best Viewing: April 4 – 12
Best Viewing Spots:
Philosopher’s Path (between Ginkakuji and Nanzenji Temples)
Maruyama Park (next to Yasaka Shrine)
Arashiyama (northwest of central Kyoto)

Osaka

Japan’s second most populous city, only after Tokyo, is a unique blend of cosmopolitan style and country charm.

There’s something for everyone –  kids can enjoy a fun day out at Universal Studios Japan and the Osaka Aquarium, while adults can enjoy the friendly vibes and night scenes at Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori.

Also, read Forget Tokyo, Niigata Is The Next Top Japan Travel Destination!

Forget Tokyo, Niigata Is The Next Top Japan Travel Destination!

Where and what is Niigata, Japan all about exactly, you might ask?

Niigata prefecture prides itself for its agriculture and breathtaking scenery. Geographically blessed with a location near the coast, tourists will be able to enjoy the best seafood and local delicacies too!

There is definitely a whole lot to eat, see and do!

Hello Niigata

As Niigata is a relatively new tourist destination, Mediacorp TV Channel OKTO aired a two part series, Hello Niigata, that provided a peephole into the region’s best-kept secrets.

The hosts chat up Niigata locals and provide tips on where to go, what to do and where to eat.

To celebrate the preview of Hello Niigata, we were treated to a 5 course meal at Tomi Sushi that showcased Niigata’s culinary flair.

Niigata cuisine at Tomi Sushi

If you would like to have a taste of Niigata cuisine before travelling there, we’ve got you covered!

You can have an authentic gastronomic experience right here in Singapore. Tomi Sushi specialises in Niigata cuisine and gets all their fresh ingredients from Niigata as well.

Also, Tomi Sushi uses 100% Niigata KOSHIHIKARI rice and a special blend of soy sauce specially curated for the restaurant. The first Tomi Sushi was opened in Niigata and presently, they have opened 3 branches in our little red dot (Millenia, Novena, Katong).

These are the famous Le Lectier pears which were impossibly sweet and juicy.

They are also hard to get your hands on as they are only in season in November and December, a good justification of its nickname, “the Phantom Pear”.

While enjoying our meal, they screened the Hello Niigata trailers. We had a first hand experience trying the highly popular KOSHIHIKARU rice (the rice balls made an excellent pairing with sake!) from Niigata.

The owner of a rice farm in Niigata was present to explain all about KOSHIHIKARU rice.

It was exceptionally inspiring to meet the men and women behind the companies in the flesh, speaking passionately about their craft.

Many of the farms were passed on from one generation to the next so you can only imagine the amount of effort and sheer hard work it takes to shoulder family tradition and legacy!

Hello Niigata – Catch Up On The Two Episodes On Toggle

If you are planning a trip to the land of the rising sun, Niigata is a must visit destination.

You can discover their unique culture and harvests, such as their famous rice, sake, tea and seafood. We can attest to that from our delightful experience at Tomi Sushi!

To find out more about Niigata, you can also watch the two part series on Toggle to witness everything Niigata has to offer.

Both episodes delve into the lives of the natives where the hosts will get up close and personal with them, giving us an insider view to their hometown.

If you are wondering where the Le Lectier pears originated from, the series will take you on a tour of Shirone’s Kingdom of Fruit. It’s a garden that cultivates high quality fruits such as Le Lectier pears and Echigo Hime (Princess Strawberries) each season.

Besides the realm of culinary tourism, you will be exposed to other recreational activities. For example, Sado Island (an island within Niigata prefecture) is known for Sado Nishimakawa Gold Park and the preserved Shukunegi Village. At this village, you can explore traditional merchant houses and row your own tub boats.

To help satiate your wanderlust tendencies, definitely watch Hello Niigata on Toggle. You’ll see a part of Japan that many tourists may not know about.

Who knows, you might be well on your way to booking your plane ticket to Niigata, Japan sooner than you think!

Hello Niigata on Toggle

7 Nearby Travel Destinations To Consider For Your 2017 Long Weekends!

Summer Sonic Festival – Party Like There’s No Tmr In Japan!

Always wanted to go for the Summer Sonic Festival in Japan but don’t know how to go about the ticketing process? Worry no more, because 2016 might just be the year you’ll cross Summer Sonic out of your bucket list thanks to GigOut!

Get your tickets now!

For those who’d love to attend the festival but can’t get past the Japanese (and Engrish) ticketing system, GigOut will make it very easy for you to attend the Summer Sonic this year.

All you have to do is download their GigOut app (Summer Sonic 2016
Date: August 20 & 21, 2016
Venue: Tokyo (Chiba Marine Stadium & Makuhari Messe), Osaka (Maishima Arena)
Website:
GigOut app:Facebook: GigOut/ Summer Sonic

Header image source: Choo Choo! JR East To Open Very First Overseas Japan Rail Cafe In SG