Summer in Japan is hot, humid and heavy. So what could be more refreshing than some wonderful kakigori shaved ice desserts? The annual Omotesando Hills Adult Kakigori Festival, which runs from June 24 to August 31, will have some unique versions of this icy treat. Don't worry about the festival's slightly odd name – it's all about showcasing grown-up versions of this classic childhood treat.
Seven stores featured in the festival will offer special frosted creations with surprising flavour combinations. At Yasaiya-mei you can enjoy a kakigori made with freshly ground wasabi and muskmelon (¥2,000). The shaved ice is placed inside one half of a melon, while a large dollop of melon-and-wasabi-flavoured espuma sits on top.
Bar à vin Partager, on the other hand, serves a kakigori topped with Japan’s famous shine muscat grapes, grape syrup and a shiso leave-flavoured mousse (¥2,300). The surprise, however, is a gorgonzola cheese cream hidden inside the mountain of shaved ice.
Other exclusive kakigori variations include one made with ground Himalayan rock salt and condensed milk. It’s topped with raspberry sauce and filled with nata de coco jelly (¥2,300). Coffee lovers will enjoy a shaved ice that’s made with espresso from Vietnamese coffee beans, boasting a smokey yet fruity flavour (¥750). It turns into a frappe when mixed with regular and condensed milk.
Note: some of the festival kakigori are limited to between 10 and 30 servings per day, depending on the store and day of the week. Hours vary by store, see the website for details.