Kakigori is a very light crushed ice and popular in Japan in summer. Presentation:
- Kakigori, a cheap ice cream very popular in Japan
- Kakigori, king of street food in summer
- Customize your kakigori, a modernized version
- Homemade kakigori
- A variant of kakigori, shirokuma, literally polar bear
- Another popular variant in Japan, the Uji kintoki
Kakigori, a cheap ice cream very popular in Japan
The kakigori “かき氷” is a very popular ice cream in Japan. This is grated very finely which gives it an unparalleled lightness. It is then flavored with fruity syrups for the most part, a bit like our sorbets in France and condensed milk added on top.
The whole thing is very light and refreshing! The way the ice cream is made changes everything. Indeed, this is what gives this dessert its originality and its unique taste. This texture could be compared to freshly fallen snow. We are therefore very far from our very compact ice creams. We could compare it to granita, but much lighter and more airy.
Kakigori has existed for a very long time in Japan, since the Heian era (794 to 1185). In the past, kakigori was a sign of wealth and reserved for the nobility but nowadays kakigori is a popular and cheap product that the whole family can enjoy.
The portions are very generous and can be eaten with a spoon or a straw! This mountain of ice cream may scare you but once you have tasted it you will not be able to do without it!
The kakigori, king of street food in summer
You have to know that in summer in Japan the climate is very hot and humid. In this heavy atmosphere, kakigori will refresh you wonderfully while delighting your taste buds! You can get kakigori in many restaurants in summer, including traditional Japanese-style bakeries called amami-dokoro, tea shops and combini (convenience stores). You will also find them at summer street festivals called Ennichi, along with other foods such as cotton candy and other takoyaki. You will also see kakigori stands , the yatai (street stall), all over the street that have the kanji 氷 kouri meaning ice cream in red on their kakemonos. The most popular flavors are strawberry, cherry, lemon, matcha green tea, grape, melon, Blue Hawaii, umeshu … If you hesitate, some restaurants offer to put several flavors in the same kakigori.
Customize your kakigori, a modernized version
Kakigori are so popular in Japan that some restaurants have specialized in this dessert and offer variations of kakigori that make them even more delicious. Here are some possible additions:
- A sorbet or a scoop of ice cream is added
- Red azuki beans called anko can be sprinkled on top
- Fresh fruits are added as well as nuts
- Honey, chocolate..
Homemade kakigori
You can make your own kakigori by buying a special manual or electric machine that you can get on the internet
1 You put ice cubes or a block of ice into the “kakigori-ki” machine “かき氷器” on top then place a bowl to receive the ice 2 You turn the crank or electrically trigger the machine to operate the razor blades that will grate the ice cubes very finely 3 Add your syrup and/or topping and enjoy!
It’s a refreshing dessert that your kids will love too. You can find kawaii (cute) models so that your child can make his own kakigori
. I still advise you to invest in an electric machine for more convenience.
A variant of kakigori, the shirokuma literally polar bear
The shirokuma “白熊” is a variant of kakigori, a crushed ice cream with fruit on top, different mochi of different colors, red azuki beans and condensed milk. There are many variations of shirokuma (chocolates, edamame It is very popular in the south of the country in Kagoshima prefecture and you can recognize it thanks to its mascot: a white bear. The reputation of this dessert goes beyond the Japanese borders, a shirokuma restaurant has opened in Jakarta in Indonesia
Another popular variant in Japan is Uji kintoki
Uji kintori is a crushed ice cream with green tea syrup, accompanied by red beans and matcha green tea ice cream and sometimes mochi. It is a popular dessert in Japan which is often present on the menu of restaurants.Uji kintori refers to the city of Uji in Kyoto: capital of green tea. If you are in the area, don’t hesitate to try this dessert in this city, you won’t be disappointed! If you could get the kakigori machine, you can makeuji kintoki at home with this recipe : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXEax7MJSkE
