5 Types of “〇〇-yaki” and Hojicha Koji Amazake Latte at Gardens Matcha Specialty Shop “108 Matcha Saro” [Nishitsu Gourmet]

We picked up some matcha sweets from 一〇八抹茶茶廊 (Ichimaruhachi Matcha Saro), which just opened in Gardens last December.

What we bought at “一〇八抹茶茶廊”

We bought five kinds of imagawayaki!

Results announced: What do you call “imagawayaki”? | Nishinomiya Tsushin

By the way, in a survey we ran on Nishinomiya Tsushin about “imagawayaki,” the overwhelming majority said they call it kaitenyaki, Gozasoro, or Ebisu-yaki.

Now let’s go through all five at once!

Azuki (chunky red bean paste) ¥198 tax included
It’s packed with filling. Rich matcha is kneaded into the outer batter, giving it a very classic Japanese-sweets feel.

Smooth red bean paste ¥198 tax included
Organic tea leaves are kneaded into the batter, making it wonderfully chewy. The bittersweet matcha batter and not-too-sweet bean paste make it easy to finish in no time.

Azuki Shiratama ¥220 tax included
Filled with the chewy shiratama rice dumplings everyone loves. The balance between the matcha batter, red bean paste, and the texture of the shiratama was perfect.

Azuki Cream ¥220 tax included
Chunky red bean paste plus cream. The rich matcha really brings out the sweet flavor of the cream.

Rum Raisin (seasonal item) ¥220 tax included
An unexpected Japanese-Western pairing of matcha and rum raisins. It actually works surprisingly well! You get a gentle aroma of rum.

Matcha drink↓

Hojicha Koji Amazake Latte, size S ¥495 tax included

Judging by the color, it’s rich hojicha with koji amazake. Are you supposed to mix it before drinking, or drink them separately?

I tried drinking it without mixing. Hmm, maybe it’s a little too strong. It might be a bit astringent. But then the koji amazake comes through from within the hojicha, which feels fresh and new!