ALFORT "Sailboat Chocolate Biscuits" are a true classic that never gets old!
The top layer is rich chocolate with just the right amount of sweetness, so it's not too heavy; the bottom layer is a crisp, crunchy whole-grain biscuit. Together, the two layers create a wonderfully varied texture.
Nakatanido
The lively shout of "Haiyo!" kicks off the action, followed by the rhythmic "pachi, pachi!" of pounding mochi echoing through the air. As the pace intensifies dramatically, the crowd erupts into cheers. Famous for its lightning-fast mochi pounding performances, Nakatanido is not just putting on a show-it's showcasing a traditional technique from the owner's hometown of Kamikitayama Village in Nara Prefecture, which produces exceptionally soft and chewy mochi.
You have to try Nakatanido’s mochi when you’re in Nara! The mochi I had this time was incredibly chewy, soft, and springy. It had a really pleasant texture when I bit into it and didn’t feel heavy at all.
The sweet filling went really well with it, and the mochi’s chewy texture made it hard to stop eating. Having the mochi fresh and warm on the spot made it especially delicious!
It’s just a simple piece of mochi, but it left a strong impression. If you’re out exploring Nara, I highly recommend stopping by to try one!
Pengin Shokudo’s Ishigaki Island Chili Oil
Made from carefully selected local ingredients-like island chili peppers, turmeric, pipāchi (Okinawan pepper), sea salt, and brown sugar-all nurtured by the strong sun of Ishigaki Island, Pengin Shokudo’s Ishigaki Island Chili Oil is a signature condiment born of passion and craftsmanship. Created by the owner couple of Pengin Shokudo, this chili oil is free from additives, allowing the natural richness of the ingredients to shine through. The result is a bold yet balanced flavor with a satisfying heat.
I bought Pengin Shokudo’s Ishigaki Island Chili Oil, and as soon as I opened it, I could smell its incredibly fragrant aroma! The aroma is very rich, but it isn’t overly spicy. Instead, it has a pleasantly fragrant heat that makes me want to keep adding more.
It’s great for mixing with vegetables or noodles, and it’s especially good with dumplings! The aroma of the chili oil adds another layer of flavor to the dumplings without overpowering their original taste with too much heat.
PISTA & TOKYO TOKYO GIFT PALETTE
Located inside TOKYO GIFT PALETTE at First Avenue Tokyo Station, just outside the Yaesu-side ticket gates of PISTA & TOKYO TOKYO GIFT PALETTE, this pistachio sweets specialty shop is produced by KCC Co., Ltd. With the concept of “sharing the allure of pistachios from Tokyo,” it offers a wide variety of pistachio-based treats.
I bought some gifts at PISTA & TOKYO TOKYO GIFT PALETTE. Even the packaging is cute and has a distinctive Tokyo feel! There were quite a few flavors to choose from, and I ended up getting the pistachio sandwich cookies and berry sandwich cookies.
The pistachio filling was rich and had a deep, nutty flavor, while the berry filling was sweet and tart. Each had its own character, and the crisp cookies and smooth fillings created a nice combination of textures.
I planned to take them home and enjoy them slowly, but once I started eating, I couldn't stop having one after another. They were all really delicious, and the packaging felt high-quality too! Next time I come to Tokyo, I'll want to buy them again as gifts to take home.
