If you’re looking for something special in Singapore’s dessert scene, Warabimochi Kamakura at One Holland Village should be on your radar. This specialist shop brings an authentic Japanese sweet that’s genuinely different from the usual offerings around town. I recently visited and found myself impressed by this distinctive confection that’s quietly gaining popularity among Singapore’s food enthusiasts.
Discovering One Holland Village
My hubby and I had just finished a scrumptious Korean lunch in the Bukit Timah area when we decided to drive over to One Holland Village. We hadn’t visited the Holland V area in quite some time and as is our tradition after a good meal, we were on the hunt for sweet treats.
One Holland Village is relatively new in the area, having opened just 1.5 years ago. It’s a pet-friendly mall with numerous cafes and eateries that welcome furry companions so you can bring your four-legged friends along for brunch and/or mingle with fellow animal lovers at the same time.
We thoroughly enjoyed exploring the mall. It’s remarkably green, spacious and airy. Spotted lots of dogs (yeah, I love dogs!), including this adorable fellow taking a break in the middle of a walkway. Must have been tired from the heat!
What Makes Warabimochi Kamakura Special?
During our exploration, we decided to try Warabimochi Kamakura. If you’ve never tried warabimochi before, let me clarify: it’s not the same as the mochi or muah chee that most Singaporeans are familiar with. Warabimochi is crafted from bracken (warabi) starch rather than glutinous rice flour, giving it a distinctly soft, jelly-like texture. It’s traditionally topped with kinako (roasted soybean flour) and served with kuromitsu (Japanese black sugar syrup).
Warabimochi Kamakura isn’t new to the dessert game – they’ve been a warabimochi specialty shop in Japan since 1991 and have expanded to include over 50 outlets across Japan. Their One Holland Village location marks their first venture into Singapore’s competitive dessert market. Beyond this outlet, they’ve also expanded to Takashimaya, Taste Orchard, JEM and Waterway Point.
Our Warabimochi Kamakura Experience
We purchased the 10-Piece Original Box priced at $15.90, which includes one portion of Kuromitsu syrup. Feeling that the syrup might not be enough, we opted for an additional serving. Like most Japanese confections, everything was immaculately packaged, with disposable chopsticks and a skewer stick thoughtfully provided.
When I opened the box of warabimochi, I couldn’t help but laugh at the enormous heap of kinako powder covering the entire surface. There was so much kinako that I couldn’t even see the individual pieces of warabimochi beneath!
However, the generous dusting of kinako wasn’t excessive – it was perfect. Since warabimochi isn’t sticky like regular mochi, each piece doesn’t naturally pick up much kinako powder. That’s where the kuromitsu comes into play. We poured the Okinawan black sugar syrup all over, and the combination of warabimochi, kinako and kuromitsu created a truly remarkable flavour profile.
A Flavour Experience Like No Other
The kinako delivers a deep, roasty flavour that complements the warabimochi beautifully. Meanwhile, the kuromitsu offers a rich caramel-like taste with distinct malty and smoky undertones. Despite its complex flavour profile, it’s not overly sweet and somehow manages to feel light and refreshing on the palate. I could easily devour the entire box by myself!
Warabimochi’s texture is truly unique – it’s soft yet firm, with a pleasant bounce when you bite into it. It’s neither sticky nor chewy like traditional mochi, but rather smooth and silky. The Japanese dessert tradition focuses on subtle textures and flavours, and Warabimochi Kamakura executes this philosophy perfectly.
Is Warabimochi Kamakura Worth the Price?
At $15.90 for a 10-piece box, the prices are admittedly on the steep side. But what can we expect in today’s inflation-high era? Despite the cost, if you’re new to warabimochi or simply craving an authentic Japanese sweet treat, Warabimochi Kamakura is absolutely worth trying.
One bite and you’ll be transported to Japan, lol.
Final Thoughts
Warabimochi Kamakura offers a truly unique dessert experience that stands out in Singapore’s crowded sweet treats market. The combination of the soft, jelly-like warabimochi, nutty kinako, and rich kuromitsu creates a harmonious flavour profile that’s both sophisticated and accessible.
While it may not be the cheapest dessert option available, the quality and authenticity justify the price. It’s perfect for those moments when you’re craving something different from the usual cake or ice cream offerings that dominate Singapore’s dessert landscape.
The next time you find yourself at One Holland Village or any of their other locations across Singapore, do stop by Warabimochi Kamakura. This traditional Japanese treat will perhaps become your new favourite indulgence after a meal. It’s definitely a sweet spot that deserves a place on every food lover’s must-visit list.