Take Out: Snow Skin Mooncake Set 2024 from Daan Go Cake Lab

For Mid-Autumn Festival this year, I decided to go to Daan Go Cake Lab for their Snow Skin Mooncakes again because, frankly, they are tastier, prettier, and more unique than those plebe lotus seed paste mooncakes. (I had said last year that I hoped these would be released again this year, so I'm glad they were popular enough for a comeback!)

Snow Skin Mooncake Set Box — Artwork by Kimiko Nogomi

Snow Skin Mooncake Set Box

Snow Skin Mooncake Set

Snow Skin Mooncake Set

This year, we have two returning flavours and two new ones:

• Pistachio Raspberry (new): Pistachio pastry cream with a raspberry gel centre and raspberry pistachio croquantine
• Salted Duck Egg: Salted duck egg pastry cream with a salted duck egg lava centre and white chocolate coconut crisp
• Passion Fruit Cheesecake (new): Cheesecake filling with a passion fruit gel centre and white chocolate graham crumble
• Jamocha Nut: Chocolate pastry filling with an almond lava centre and milk chocolate almond crumble (a.k.a. the GOAT of mooncakes)

Snow Skin Mooncake — Pistachio Raspberry

Snow Skin Mooncake — Pistachio Raspberry (Inside)

Snow Skin Mooncake — Salted Duck Egg

Snow Skin Mooncake — Salted Duck Egg (Inside)

Snow Skin Mooncake — Passion Fruit Cheesecake

Snow Skin Mooncake — Passion Fruit Cheesecake (Inside)

Snow Skin Mooncake — Jamocha Nut

Snow Skin Mooncake — Jamocha Nut (Inside)

Regardless of where your mooncakes are from, I hope everyone has a delightfully food-filled Mid-Autumn Festival!

Daan Go Cake Lab

Times Square Richmond Hill

550 Highway 7, Building C, Unit 70

Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3Z4

(905) 707-9098

Osaka 2024 Travel Log: Day 3 — Dotonbori Street Food Tour

We fought our way through crowds and spent way too much time waiting in queues, but it wouldn't be a trip to Osaka without a plethora of street food:

Original takoyaki

A variety platter of takoyaki

Mitarashi dango

10 yen cheese coin pancake

Sweet potato taiyaki

Melonpan with strawberry ice cream

Ichigodaifuku with strawberry cream and matcha cream

Sweet corn with strawberry soft serve

Not a single disappointing item. ONLY DISAPPOINTED IN MYSELF BECAUSE I COULDN'T FIT ANYMORE IN. 

Dotonbori

Chome Dotonbori, Chuo Ward

Osaka, Japan 〒542-0071

+81-06-6211-4542

Take Out: Snow Skin Mooncake Set 2023 from Daan Go Cake Lab

I'm just gonna go ahead and say it: Lotus seed paste is boring. All the mooncakes my parents ever bought or received when I was a kid had the traditional lotus seed paste and salted egg yolk filling so I grew up totally indifferent to mooncakes. However, mooncakes now come in all sorts of different flavours and fillings that are way more exciting. So for this Mid-Autumn Festival this year, I decided to try out the new Snow Skin Mooncakes from Daan Go Cake Lab, which are gorgeous mochi-wrapped works of art:

Snow Skin Mooncake Set Box — Artwork by Wenting Li
Snow Skin Mooncake Set Box
Snow Skin Mooncake Set(Clockwise from top left: Coconut Salted Egg Yolk, Premium D24 Durian, Matcha Yuzu Pistachio, and Jamocha Nut)
They come frozen and are meant to be defrosted for an hour before eating, but I like to defrost for 30 minutes instead so that they have a firmer texture — like mochi ice cream, but a bit softer and with a fun crunchy middle. After much deliberation, I chose the set with durian (they have a set without it as well) — I got it in hopes that it would change my mind about the fruit, which is really reminiscent of a buttery fart. (To be fair, the last time I actually ate durian fruit was 23 years ago on a family trip to Thailand, so my memory of it might be a little skewed. But it was unpleasant enough that I have not felt the need to eat it again.)

Snow Skin Mooncake — Coconut Salted Egg Yolk
Snow Skin Mooncake — Coconut Salted Egg Yolk(Yolk lava filling, salted egg yolk, milk crunchy)
Snow Skin Mooncake — Premium D24 Durian
Snow Skin Mooncake — Premium D24 Durian(D24 premium durian, durian filling, caramel crunchy)
Snow Skin Mooncake — Matcha Yuzu Pistachio
Snow Skin Mooncake — Matcha Yuzu Pistachio(Yuzu jelly, matcha pastry cream, pistachio croquant)
Snow Skin Mooncake — Jamocha Nut
Snow Skin Mooncake — Jamocha Nut(Almond gianduja, jamocha filling, almond crunchy)

Sadly, my mind has not changed about durian, however, I will say that it is significantly better in this mooncake form than the fruit itself. (Anyone that plays The Sims 4 will know there is a fruit you can grow called the trash fruit. I imagine that it tastes like durian.) The other three flavours are delightfully interesting and tasty, especially the Jamocha Nut, a crowd-pleasing flavour that would be delicious in any form of dessert. Daan Go Cake Lab did an excellent job at combining unique but cohesive flavours and textures for these mooncakes, so I really hope they release these again next year. (Note to self: Leave out the durian. You're just not meant to like it.)

Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!

Daan Go Cake Lab

Times Square Richmond Hill

550 Highway 7, Building C, Unit 70

Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3Z4

(905) 707-9098

Sakuraco Japanese Snack Box: July 2023 — Heritage of Nikko

My July Sakuraco box arrived a couple of weeks ago, and this is the very last box in my subscription.

For those who don't know, Sakuraco is a monthly premium Japanese snack box subscription program. I decided to do six months to start and accidentally subscribed for another six months, which ended up being approximately $65 CAD per box after shipping costs. (I want to note that they sometimes use DHL to ship. Out of the 12 boxes I've received so far, I only got charged for duties on one box, but I want to be transparent about additional fees.) It is not a cheap subscription, but the snacks have proved to be quite unique. Each box includes 20 items — including a tea, traditional sweets, seasonal treats, baked goods, and one home item — all centred around one specific Japanese region or theme. All monthly boxes are available from the 15th of every month to the 15th of the next month. 

Sakuraco July 2023 "Heritage of Nikko" Japanese Snack Box
July's theme is "Heritage of Nikko," which features the city of Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. For this box, Sakuraco wrote, "Nestled in majestic mountains, Nikko embodies the essence of the revered Edo period. The region is home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Toshogu Shine, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the most powerful man in Edo period history... Experience the captivating allure of Nikko's rich heritage and indulge in these sweet and savoury offerings that honour its history." 

Sakuraco July 2023 "Heritage of Nikko" Greeting Postcard — Sacred Bridge by Hasegawa Chikuyo
Sakuraco July 2023 "Heritage of Nikko" Snack Guide
Sakuraco July 2023 "Heritage of Nikko" Snack Guide — Introduction
Sakuraco July 2023 "Heritage of Nikko" Snack Guide — Discover Japan and Maker Highlight
Sakuraco July 2023 "Heritage of Nikko" Snack Guide
This month's box comes with a postcard featuring the artwork, Sacred Bridge, from the series, Twelve Views of Famous Places in Nikko, by Hasegawa Chikuyo.  On the back is a message from the founder of Sakuraco about why she chose to feature this particular theme this month. Every box also contains a "snack guide," which includes an introduction and a brief history of a particular maker, snack, and prefecture, as well as information on the the month's selected tea and snacks. Of course, the guide also showcases every item included in the box, with detailed descriptions and allergy warnings. Included in this month's "Heritage of Nikko" box are the following items:

Clockwise from top left: 88th Night Shincha x 2, Hinohikari Senbei x 2, and Seven Flavour Senbei

• 88th Night Shincha by Hagiri (Shizuoka) — "Translating to 'new tea,' shincha refers to the first harvest of green tea. This tea, meticulously plucked on the 88th day after the first day of spring, holds a profound historical significance. Imbued with the promise of good health and longevity, it has been revered as a lucky elixir since ancient times."
• Hinohikari Senbei by Ishidaya (Nikko) — "Ishidaya's time-honoured dough recipe for this crunchy senbei has been passed down for generations. Shaped like the sun, the soy sauce-based sauce embodies simplicity and depth."
• Seven Flavour Senbei by Ishidaya (Nikko) — "Delight in the colourful shapes of Seven Flavour Senbei, a stunning array of bite-sized rice crackers with seven distinct flavours. From the smoothness of salted butter to the whimsy of colourful sugar and shrimp senbei, each piece offers a unique taste and texture."

Clockwise from top left: Waka Ayu Marshmallow, Chigiri Kusamochi x 2, and Kuzukiri

• Waka Ayu Marshmallow by Yachiyodo (Osaka) — "In Japan, the ayu, or sweetfish, holds a special place as a symbol of summertime. This sweet, shaped like the iconic ayu, is not only a treat but a symbol of the season and its cultural traditions."
• Chigiri Kusamochi by Seiki (Ehime) — "Kusamochi, a Japanese sweet with roots tracing back to ancient Japan, is a traditional treat that captures the essence of yomogi, Japanese mugwort. These bite-sized mochi pieces unveil a harmony of flavours, as their velvety coating of black sesame kinako imparts a deep and aromatic taste."
• Kuzukiri by Nakaki Foods (Aichi) — "Kuzukiri is a summer delicacy known for its smooth, chewy texture. This version is adorned with rich black honey and can be enjoyed on its own or elevated with seasonal fruits. Indulge in its refreshing allure, a perfect treat for warm days."

Clockwise from top left: Skyberry Waffle Cookie x 2, Sesame Anko Donuts, Nikko Rusk, and Sesame Tetra x 2

• Skyberry Waffle Cookie by Nagatoya (Tochigi) — "Skyberry strawberries from Tochigi are known across Japan for their exceptional quality and exquisite flavour. The strawberries impart a delight scent and essence when used in this crispy cookie, adding a touch of fruity bliss to the thin and crispy baked cookie."
• Sesame Anko Donuts by Motohashi Seika (Tochigi) — "Motohashi Seika has crafted anko donuts with their tried and true recipe for over half a century. Here, these fluffy donuts feature sesame-filled sweet bean paste, offering a unique, nutty flavour. Enjoy with milk for a truly delightful experience."
• Nikko Rusk by Nisshodo (Tochigi) — "With its crispy and light texture, this sweet rusk is carefully baked by the makers at Nisshodo with milk from Tochigi. Embodying attention to detail and dedication to experience, it perfectly represents Nikko's cultural heritage and natural beauty."
• Sesame Tetra by Uchiyama Tosaburo Shoten (Niigata) — "Witness Ichiyama Tosaburo's meticulous artistry as a single sesame seed is delicately coated with batter and adorned with an outer layer of sesame seeds. Their satisfying crunch is followed by the rich nuttiness of sesame flavour that lingers on the palate."

Left to right: Thousand Samurai Procession Manju, Soy Sauce Okogemeshi x 2, Salt & Pepper Yuba Crisps, and Patchwork Furoshiki

• Thousand Samurai Procession Manju by Fukado (Tochigi) — "Delve into the velvety embrace of milky white bean paste nestled within a tender dough. Adorned with its namesake on the packaging, this treat is sold as a souvenir gift at Toshogu Shrine."
• Soy Sauce Okogemeshi by Fujiya (Osaka) — "Traditionally, rice was cooked in heavy iron pots called kama or kettles over an open flame. As the rice simmered, the water would evaporate, and the bottom layer of rice would toast and develop a fragrant and crispy texture. This layer, called okoge, turned into a deliciously crunchy treat. This senbei captures the essence of okoge with a flavour profile reminiscent of the special culinary treat."
• Salt & Pepper Yuba Chips by Nikko Foods (Tochigi) — "Yuba is made from the thin film that forms on the surface of heated soy milk. This thin film is carefully harvested and dried, resulting in thin sheets of yuba. Nikko is known for this velvety smooth delicacy. Crafted from 100% domestically grown soybeans, these chips boast a rich flavour mixed with the familiar tastes of salt and pepper."
• Patchwork Furoshiki by Nishio (Osaka) — "Furoshiki, a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth, carries a rich history that dates back centuries. The furoshiki was initially utilized in temples to wrap and transport sacred objects as far back as the Nara period (710-784). This versatile wrapping cloth doubles as a handkerchief, bandana, or bento box wrap."

This month's box includes more savoury snacks, making it the perfect last Sakurco box for me, since I prefer salty snacks over sweets. It also includes a furoshiki as this month's "household item," which they also included in last December's box. I remember being so disappointed when I first got one of these, partially because I don't consider it a household item, but mostly because I wouldn't use such a beautifully designed cloth to wrap anything in. But I've since discovered that it makes a gorgeous bandana and a pretty purse accessory, so I'm not even mad that this isn't really a household item. 

As this is my last Sakuraco box, I waited until I finished most of these snacks to actually make this post so I could pick my favourites: Seven Flavour Senbei (I love the variety of rice crackers here; most senbei are salty, so it was delightful to get some different flavours in the mix), Nikko Rusk (my god, this might be my favourite snack from all the Sakuraco boxes I've gotten — buttery and subtly sweet like a croissant, but in crunchy toast form — and I could easily eat at least 12 in one sitting), Sesame Anko Donuts (I love Japanese donuts because they're not as sweet as their North American counterparts, and these ones are like deep-fried versions of my favourite black sesame tangyuan); and Soy Sauce Okogemeshi (okay, you'd be hard-pressed to find an Asian who doesn't love the crispy bottom layer of rice when it's cooked in a stone pot, and this senbei is based off of that but, like, crunchier with more flavour).

Now, my picks from June's box: Lemon Pie (it's like a Passion Flakie but way crispier and filled with lemon jelly — my favourite item in June's box), Momo Kibidango (peach-flavoured mochi that isn't too sweet and has the perfect chewy texture — I shared this one with my colleagues, and it was a huge crowd-pleaser), Kabosu Nut Sable (sable cookies are one of my Top 5 favourite cookies, and this one has an amazing citrus aroma, like a lemony butter cookie), and Melon Gaufrette (one flavour that I think the Japanese do especially well is honeydew melon, and it's really tasty in these thin wafer cookies — especially refreshing for summer).

I have decided not to re-subscribe to Sakuraco after two consecutive six-month subscriptions. It's been a great experience and I do think that they offer a great variety of interesting Japanese snacks and teas, but at $65 CAD per box after international shipping fees, it's just not worth it for me at this time. (Note that Sakuraco charges their fees in USD, so if you live in the US, it will be more worth it to you as it's $46 USD per box after shipping. But as someone living in Canada, the value diminishes significantly after the currency conversion.) Finally, a reminder to those who have decided to subscribe to Sakuraco: Sakuraco will auto-renew your subscription if you do not cancel before your previous subscription ends. Remember that any amount paid is final and non-refundable. So always double-check when your subscription will end so you don't get surprise charged.

Sakuraco Japanese Snack Box: June 2023 — Mochi & Fruit Marvels

My June Sakuraco box arrived last week!

For those who don't know, Sakuraco is a monthly premium Japanese snack box subscription program. I decided to do six months to start and accidentally subscribed for another six months, which ended up being approximately $65 CAD per box after shipping costs. (I want to note that they do use DHL to ship. Out of the 11 boxes I've received so far, I only got charged for duties on one box, but I want to be transparent about additional fees.) It is not a cheap subscription, but the snacks have proved to be quite unique (and I say this after coming back from Japan). Each box includes 20 items — including a tea, traditional sweets, seasonal treats, baked goods, and one home item — all centred around one specific Japanese region or theme. All monthly boxes are available from the 15th of every month to the 15th of the next month. 

Sakuraco June 2023 "Mochi & Fruit Marvels" Japanese Snack Box
June's theme is "Mochi & Fruit Marvels," which is obviously centred on mochi. For this box, Sakuraco wrote, "Among the many delicacies that define Japanese cuisine, mochi and fruit hold a special place in the hearts and palates of those who indulge in their unique flavours and textures. Mochi, a soft and sticky rice cake, symbolizes good luck and longevity. It delights the senses with its chewy texture and subtle sweetness. Meanwhile, fruit offers a refreshing and colourful complement to the savoury flavours of Japanese cuisine and is renowned for its high quality and freshness. This month, we invite you to celebrate the artistry and flavour of both of these unique Japanese flavours with this specially curated selection of treats and tea." 

Sakuraco June 2023 "Mochi & Fruit Marvels" Greeting Postcard
Sakuraco June 2023 "Mochi & Fruit Marvels" Snack Guide
Sakuraco June 2023 "Mochi & Fruit Marvels" Snack Guide — Introduction
Sakuraco June 2023 "Mochi & Fruit Marvels" Snack Guide — Maker Highlight and Prefecture Spotlight
Sakuraco June 2023 "Mochi & Fruit Marvels" Snack Guide
This month's box comes with a postcard featuring a Japanese painting of a man kneading mochi. On the back is a message from the founder of Sakuraco about why she chose to feature this particular theme this month. Every box also contains a "snack guide," which includes an introduction and a brief history of a particular maker, snack, and prefecture, as well as information on the the month's selected tea and snacks. Of course, the guide also showcases every item included in the box, with detailed descriptions and allergy warnings. Included in my "Mochi & Fruit Marvels" box are the following items:

Clockwise from top left: Shine Muscat Jelly x 2, Lemon Pie, Genmaicha with Green Tea x 2, and Ichigo Mochi Manju

• Shine Muscat Jelly by Kuniwa Sangyo (Okayama) — "This treat is crafted from the finest Okayama-grown Shine Muscat grape, certified as 'The Fruit of Okayama' by Japan's Chamber of Commerce. The makers at Kuniwa Sangyo have infused this jelly with liqueur from the famous fruit to give it its sweet taste and heavenly fragrance."
• Lemon Pie by Shoeido (Hyogo) — "Handcrafted with Hokkaido wheat and infused with tangy lemon pulp, this fresh and fragrant pie is a masterpiece of flavour and texture. Let the zesty aroma transport you to sunny groves with every bite."
• Genmaicha with Green Tea by Brooks (Kanagawa) — "Savour the delicate flavour and subtle sweetness of genmaichawith green tea. With its gentle notes of roasted rice and matcha, this tea offers a savoury and clean taste that lingers on the palate."
• Ichigo Mochi Manju by Nakamuraya (Saitama) — "Enclosed under the surface of this delectable manju sits a soft, pillowy mochi. Tucked away in the mochi's centre, you'll find a strawberry red bean paste infused with the juice of Japanese strawberries. It is the perfect bite."

Clockwise from top left: Momo Kibidango, Lemon Vinegar Arare x 2, Kabosu Nut Sable, and Melon Gaufrette x 2

• Momo Kibidango by Seiki (Ehime) — "This delectable Japanese treat combines the irresistible sweetness of Ehime white peaches with the soft, chewy texture of kibidango. Kibidango is a traditional Japanese confectionery made with millet flour and sugar, and is often associated with the legend of Momotaro (Peach Boy), an admired hero in Japanese folklore."
• Lemon Vinegar Arare by Morihaku Confectionery (Gifu) — "This refreshing Lemon Vinegar Arare is crafted with 100% domestic glutinous rice. Infused with the refreshing, tangy aroma of Setouchi lemons and the zesty sourness of vinegar, this traditional Japanese snack delivers a delightful combination of flavours and textures that will tantalize your taste buds."
• Kabosu Nut Sable by Dontoyaki Honpo (Oita) — "Kabosu is a citrus fruit native to Japan and primarily grown in Oita. It has a tart and refreshing flavour, similar to a mix of lemon and lime. This rich, nutty Kabosu Nut Sable is baked perfectly with roasted almond chips and a special ingredient — powdered kabosu from Taketa, Oita Prefecture."
• Melon Gaufrette by Itokawaya (Mie) — "These crispy, thin gaufrette wafers are carefully filled with a luscious melon cream, delivering a gentle burst of sweet and refreshing flavour."

Left to right: Chrysanthemum Dish, Honey Apple Mochi, and Hana Moyou

• Chrysanthemum Dish by Bloom (Gifu) — "Experience the refined elegance of traditional Japanese artistry with this beautiful dish, featuring a delicate design of chrysanthemums and arabesque patterns. Mino ware pottery is renowned for its warmth and meticulous attention to detail since the 7th century; this piece is no exception."
• Honey Apple Mochi by Tengudo Takarabune (Hokkaido) — "Enjoy the sweetness of honey and the fruity goodness of apples with every bite of this delectable mochi. Made using apple powder sourced from Nanae-machi in Hokkaido, the birthplace of Western apple cultivation, it offers a unique and flavourful experience. This treat is also wrapped in an edible oblate wrapper, ensuring your hands stay clean while you enjoy it."
• Hana Moyou by Sakura Confectionery (Niigata) — "This sachet of diverse flavours contains seven distinct rice crackers, each leaving a lasting impressing on the palate. Featuring a well-balanced mix of savoury and sweet tastes, it's the perfect snack for any occasion."

Clockwise from top left: Wasabi Kabocha Seeds x 2, Ajiko Mochi Crackers x 2, and Setouchi Lemon Squid Tempura

• Wasabi Kabocha Seeds by Uchiyama Tosaburo Shoten (Niigata) — "A delightful treat, this biteful features a crunchy kabocha, or Japanese pumpkin, seed core enveloped in a zesty wasabi coating that is sure to tantalize your taste buds with its aromatic heat."
• Ajiko Mochi Crackers by Realize Planning (Gifu) — "In Japanese cuisine, 'mochi' refers to a soft, chewy rice cake made from glutinous rice. However, in the context of these crackers, the slightly chewy texture lays underneath its crispy, crunchy surface. This snack features two unique tastes: a savoury soy sauce, and a refreshing salad flavour."
• Setouchi Lemon Squid Tempura by Maruka Foods (Hiroshima) — "Setouchi, located in the Seto Inland Sea area, is a region known for its mild climate, clean water, and fertile soil, which makes it an ideal place for growing citrus fruits like lemons. This treat has a refreshing acidity and flavour from Setouchi lemons that perfectly complements the squid tempura, resulting in a delicious and fresh culinary experience."

I'm particularly excited for this month's box partially because I like mochi, but mostly because I think the Japanese incorporate fruit exceptionally well into their snacks. I also love the combination of both mochi and fruit with the clean, delicate flavours of green teas, so I'm also glad to see that this month's tea is a genmaicha (roasted rice tea) with sencha (green tea). The chrysanthemum dish, which is this month's home item, is really pretty as well (and it's both microwave- and dishwasher-safe), and far more useful than last month's tea glass that can't be used for hot beverages. 

Now, my picks from May's box: Genji Pie (basically the Japanese version of French palmier cookies — flaky, crunchy, and subtly sweet) and Ichigo Roll (a soft, not-too-sweet sponge cake with a thin layer of strawberry cream — pairs particularly well with green tea). Unfortunately, the rest of the items in last month's box weren't particularly noteworthy or just weren't good. (To be fair, I'm not a fan of sakura-flavoured food in general, and last month's theme was all about sakura.)

Finally, a reminder to those who have decided to subscribe to Sakuraco: Sakuraco will auto-renew your subscription if you do not cancel before your previous subscription ends. Remember that any amount paid is final and non-refundable. So always double-check when your subscription will end so you don't get surprise charged.