Warabimochi Kamakura Serves Unique Mochi Delicacies in SM Megamall
Restaurant Background
Funnily enough, Victoria Riingen discovered Warabimochi Kamakura in Singapore. A tech executive and F&B entrepreneur, Victoria is the generous businesswoman who has brought the brand to Philippine shores.
“I used to live in Singapore and in Singapore, people line up for food [all the time],” she laughingly recalled. “But I never did. But one day, my friend told me about [Warabimochi Kamakura], how people would take a one-hour train ride out from Central to queue up for two hours under the sun just to try warabi mochi.”
Her interest sparked, Victoria undertook the journey herself, lining up for two hours for a bite of warabi mochi. “If I could, I would have taken that journey every day just to have a bite,” she laughed.
Since moving back to the Philippines however, Victoria has had to manage her cravings. The only time she got to have warabi mochi again was when she flew out to Japan. Fortunately, she was encouraged by family members and has since managed to bring the respected Japanese brand to the Philippines. She also plans to open another branch of Warabimochi Kamakura in the coming months.
“I was definitely intrigued by how different warabi mochi is,” Victoria said. “Filipinos are often familiar with mochi as a circular ball that could have filling or ice cream inside. But warabi is completely different, it’s so simple but so delicious.”
In Japan, Warabimochi Kamakura already has over 50 branches, and franchises are popping up all over Southeast Asia. As a population that seems absolutely enamored with Japanese food and culture, Filipinos are bound to discover and fall in love with warabi mochi in the same way Victoria has.
Vibe and Venue
SM Megamall is often known as a haven for shoppers; but if you’re looking for respite from the hustle and bustle of busy mall days, then the Warabimochi Kamakura café has what you’re looking for. The place itself is cozy, tucked behind a minimalist storefront. Inside, you’ll find a spacious counter and a handful of tables and chairs, all of which are perfectly in line with the traditional Japanese aesthetic. Wooden furniture and black accents make the place homey and comfortable, while the storefront acts as a shield from the busyness of mall activity.
The Menu
Mochi, mochi, and more mochi! As its name implies, Warabimochi Kamakura celebrates the best of this unique delicacy, both as a snack and a beverage. The snack version comes in two flavors: warabi mochi topped with either kinako (roasted soybean) or matcha (green tea) powder.
What truly stands out, however, are the beverages, all of which have warabi mochi in every serving! At the moment, there are seven options to choose from: those looking for a creamy drink can opt for the Luxury Strawberry Yogurt or Luxury Strawberry Milk. More refreshing (and lighter) choices would include the Lemonade and Matcha Lemonade. The last three choices can be served either hot or cold: these include the Asakawa-en Matcha, the Tenku Hojicha, and the Coffee Milk.
The Cost
Costs at Warabimochi Kamakura will depend on your appetite; servings are priced between P200 to P600.
Warabi mochi, which is made from bracken starch, can be filling so if you just want to try it out then your best bet would be to order a “cup” of mochi. This includes two pieces of either kinako flavor (P180) or matcha flavor (P230). This can be topped with ice cream for an additional P50.
There’s also a dine-in exclusive where you can avail of both three pieces of mochi plus any drink of choice (whether matcha or coffee); it is P380 for kinako mochi and P460 for matcha. If you want to share the mochi love, go for a box of ten, which are priced at P480 for kinako or P550 for matcha.
What We Tried
Traditional mochi is often made from glutinous rice, but warabi mochi is different. This special delicacy is made from warabiko, also known as bracken starch. As such, warabi mochi comes away with a completely different texture. While traditional mochi can be tough and chewy, warabi is the complete opposite – it is soft, smooth, and silky, but still chewy.
From Warabimochi Kamakura, we tried the matcha-flavored mochi, which comes coated in matcha powder and a side of kuromitsu drizzle (sugar syrup). Victoria had mentioned that the warabi mochi had been slightly sweetened to be tailored for the Filipino palate so ordering the matcha mochi was a good choice. The earthiness of the matcha balanced out the sweetness of the mochi; of course, sweet tooths can always add kuromitsu if they want a little more.
Some people might be confused with the concept of a mochi drink. Trust us, we were too! But you may be pleasantly surprised once you take a sip of this incredibly fun drink. While other brands often use mochi as sinkers, they usually do so with circular-shaped mochi balls. At Warabimochi Kamakura, the mochi sinkers are cut into longer strips, making them easy to drink and swallow. Every sip is sure to include some of that silken, chewy taste too!
For the drinks, our favorite was definitely the Matcha Lemonade. This refreshing beverage was incredible; if you’re worried about the usual bitterness of matcha, don’t be! This fun combination balances out in the end, as the earthy tang of the matcha complements the sweetness of the mochi sinker.
We also tried the Asakawa-en Matcha, which – funnily enough – reminded us of Sago’t Gulaman. It was quite sweet, with the taste of brown sugar taking center stage. Of course, there’s also a bit of earthiness from the matcha, but very subtly so. This is definitely one for the milk tea lovers!
Lastly, we had to take a sip of the Luxury Strawberry Yogurt. Made with real strawberries, this creamy and indulgent drink was fruity and filling. It tasted like high-quality yogurt, but with a fun twist: the warabi mochi! It is our assumption that the yogurt comes at a thicker consistency than the milk would so if you’re looking for something lighter – perhaps as an after-dinner drink – then we suggest going for Luxury Strawberry Milk rather than yogurt.
Check out their website and Instagram for more details.
Location: Warabimochi Kamakura Philippines, 3F Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, EDSA, corner Doña Julia Vargas Ave, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City
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