It’s never too late to say, “Itadakimasu!”
‘Tis the season for everyone to tick off the last of their vacation leaves of the year, because the holidays are here. Although sakura season has been long gone, Japan is always the place to be. But if you’re staying on our tropical shores for Christmas, these Japanese desserts will make everything a whole lot cooler.
Also read: The Best of the Best Japanese Restaurants in Metro Manila this 2017
From mochi and takoyaki sweets to croissants and matcha with a special Japanese twist, take a bite of these sweets that’ll make you say sugoi.
Rising Sun Takoyaki Desserts, Nippon Tiramisu – Soru Izakaya
Influenced by the Robotayaki style of Izakaya, Soru Izakaya offers a tasteful blend of after-work gastropub drinks accompanied with fresh Japanese eats. From sashimi plates and savory yakitori combinations to refreshing beverages and speakeasy cocktails, Soru Izakaya completes the whole modern Japan experience that brings you a glimpse of the Tokyo night life. Cap it off with their Takoyaki desserts and Nippon Tiramisu.
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140 Maginhawa St, Sikatuna Village, Diliman, Quezon City
(02) 738 2543
Pablo Cheesecake, Matcha Azuki Bean Cheese Tart – Pablo
Pablo is an international franchise from Japan and is tagged as the “best cheesecake in the world.” Bestsellers include their classic cheesecakes and the Matcha Azuki Bean Cheesecake. Hungry for more information on Pablo? Click here.
No reservations accepted
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Level 1, Pedro Gil Wing, Robinsons Place Manila, Adriatico St, Ermita, Manila
Soft Served Ice Cream, Dojo On-The-Go – Dojo Dairy
Dojo Dairy is a Japanese ice cream brand that serves Hokkaido milk ice cream, soft serve, milkshakes and milk blends. Some of their unique flavors include wasabi, black sesame, green tea, and miso sake.
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Little Tokyo, 2277 Chino Roces, Pasong Tamo, Legazpi Village, Makati
(0918) 888-3656
Everything Matcha – Kissako Uji Matcha Cafe
Kissako Uji Matcha Cafe is a homegrown restaurant is known for their selection of matcha-infused food. Their special menu ranges from sweet to savory treats like shakes, cakes, and even matcha ramen.
Also read: 28 Of the Most Beautiful Matcha Desserts Around the Metro
No reservations accepted
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Pioneer Center, 8006 Pioneer St., cor. United and Brixton St., Kapitolyo, Pasig
(02) 730-3356
Matcha Yakigashi, Krones, Hanjuku Cheesecake – Kumori
Cafe Kumori is the latest dine-in store concept of the famous bakery from Japan. Some of their must-try pastries include the apple buns, krones, and the Hanjuku Cheesecake.
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G/F SM North EDSA, The Block, North Ave. cor EDSA, Quezon City
(0977) 837 3798
Mille Crepe Cakes, Strawberry Shortcake – Paper Moon Cafe
This franchise from Tokyo made headlines last year with their special layered mille crepe cakes. Another recent addition to their bestsellers is the decadent strawberry shortcake, which is made fresh with real sweet strawberries.
Also read: 13 of the Most Beautifully-Layered Crepe Cakes in Manila
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2/F SM Megamall, Bldg A, Ortigas, Mandaluyong
(0999) 884 0624
Mini Croissant – Yamato Bakery Cafe
If you’ve been to this place chances are you’ve accidentally come across it after your ramen trip along Jupiter in Makati. Good thing this quaint Japanese-inspired bakery now has three branches spread around Manila so everyone can get their fix of their freshly-baked pastries and cakes. Try pairing their freshly brewed coffee from UCC with an order of the addictive mini croissants.
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22 Jupiter St., Bel-Air, Makati
(02) 823 0960
Matcha Lava Cake – Torii Donburi
Torii Donburi of the Crave Park in Marikina, aims to serve Japanese donburi bowls with a modern twist. For dessert, they have matcha lava cake, matcha cookies, and soon, matcha crepe cake!
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Crave Park, Blk 3 Lot 22 and 24 Mayor Gil Fernando St., Centro de Buenviaje, Sto. Niño, Marikina
(0917) 886-0018
Matcha Warabi Mochi, Matcha Anmitsu – Yayoi
Yayoi is a Japanese franchise dedicated to Teishoku set meals. Popular sets include the fried chicken steak, sukiyaki, unajyu and saba. They also have unique matcha desserts such as the Matcha Warabi Mochi and Matcha Anmitsu. Read our full feature here.
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3/F SM Megamall, Bldg B., Ortigas, Mandaluyong
(02) 634-4865
Matcha Brulee – Ippudo
Ippudo is a world-renowned ramen joint that specializes in Hakata-style Tonkotsu (pork-based) ramen from Fukuoka, Japan. Like any other Japanese restaurant, they have unique matcha desserts such as this beautiful Matcha Brulee.
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3/F Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, Ortigas, Mandaluyong
(02) 470 1837
Remember, you can search specific cuisines on the free Booky app, just type in “JAPANESE” to search over 1,000 Japanese restaurant listings in Metro Manila. If you still haven’t, download the Booky app now on your iOS or Android device.