A Kyoto-Style Kinako Dessert: The Case of the Disappearing Parfait
In Kyoto, the most common flavor you see for Japanese-style desserts is probably matcha green tea. But likely coming in second place is “kinako”.
If you are familiar with Japan you may already know, but kinako is a golden-brown colored fine powder that is often used as a topping on one of my favorite foods, warabi mochi. Actually, kinako is made by grinding up roasted soybeans, and this uniquely Japanese food is packed with nutrition such as B vitamins, protein, and fiber. In Kyoto where they value traditional Japanese flavors, it’s very common to see kinako-flavored sweets.
The other day, I visited Demachiyanagi with the purpose of sinking my teeth into a kinako parfait.
The café I chose was called “Isehan”, and when I stepped inside the tiny shop (or at least tried) it was already full of like-minded people giving in to their kinako cravings (or matcha cravings, as matcha menu items were available, without fail). The entire exterior was a light-brown—actually, kinako color, further intensifying my kinako hankering. When I was shown to a tiny table, I glanced over the menu briefly before ordering the “kuromitsu kinako parfait”. The waitress dashed into the back and returned with my treat minutes later.
Although smaller than most parfaits, this one had lots of layers: soymilk soft-serve, azuki red beans, kinako ice cream, gelatin, kuromitsu syrup, pineapple and banana chunks on the bottom, and extra kinako powder and a honey wafer stick to top it off.
First, I tried the soymilk soft-serve. Smooth, tasty, not too heavy--a perfect match for the kinako powder on top. Next, the azuki red beans. A nice, subtle sweetness and lovely texture. And then came the real treat: the kinako ice cream! Because it was made with kinako, the ice cream had a very unique texture; it was more powdery than creamy, but the kinako flavor was delicious. The honey wafer stick was surprisingly yummy, too! Did I detect a hint of cinnamon?
I had taken a taste of Kyoto. But before I knew it, my parfait had vanished into thin air.
I wanted more kinako ice cream! My only complaint is there appears to be some magic that makes Isehan’s parfaits disappear rather quickly….