Find These Spring Sweets at Kulu Kulu and Minamoto Kitchoan

It’s cherry blossom season in Japan, which means anyone lucky enough to go is feasting their eyes on sakura blossoms floating in the spring breezes and filling their bellies with pale pink sakura-inspired desserts. For the rest of us, especially foodies, two Japanese shops in Honolulu have pretty-in-pink treats that are limited-time spring specials.

Photo: Lauren Kaneshiro

Kulu Kulu

Our first stop is Kulu Kulu, which is known for its kawaii Japanese style cakes and other desserts. The sakura lineup is impressive, with Sakura Tiramisu ($6.25), Sakura Matcha Strawberry ($6.25), Sakura Butter Cake ($6.00), Sakura Jelly Latte ($5.95), and Sakura Twist and Vanilla & Sakura Twist soft serve ice cream (both $5.50). All are only available for the month of March at Kulu Kulu’s two locations at Royal Hawaiian Center and Eaton Square.

Photo: Lauren Kaneshiro

My favorite is the Vanilla & Sakura Twist soft serve. We get it in a cone, but you might want to opt for a cup to avoid any drips. The soft serve is absolutely delicious with its mixed flavors of creamy vanilla with light hints of cherry throughout.

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Photo: Lauren Kaneshiro

The first bite of the Sakura Tiramisu melts on my tongue and the whipped frosting is smooth and creamy. At this point the sugar rush is kicking in, but not enough to dampen my enjoyment of the Sakura Matcha Strawberry cake with its thin layer of mousse on-top and fruity strawberry jelly center. All the cakes are pleasantly light and airy. Bite after bite reminds me of all the beautiful cakes and treats on display at Tokyo’s countless dessert shops.

Photo: Lauren Kaneshiro

Minamoto Kitchoan

The next day we head to Minamoto Kitchoan. Both the flagship at Ala Moana Center and the kiosk at Kāhala Mall are known for high-end selections of traditional and contemporary Japanese snacks. The springtime lineup here is available while supplies last: Ouka Shigure ($4.50), similar to a soft steamed manju; Beni Hogyoku ($4.80) a soft, sugar-coated mochi with a whole cherry fruit wrapped in white bean paste inside; Hanahana Ichigo ($4.20), a strawberry tart; Sakura Goromo ($4.50), a fluffy pancake filled with red bean and mochi; and the Sakura Waffle ($3.70), two crunchy cherry waffle cookies sandwiching a creamy filling.

Photo: Lauren Kaneshiro

I love the Hanahana Ichigo, a light strawberry tart with a filling of white bean paste with cream cheese. There are hints of sweet strawberry as you bite in. The crust slightly crumbles and the cream frosting is smooth to the touch.

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The Ouka Shigure is a more traditional treat that represents seasonal symbols of nature. It’s topped with a real cherry blossom and is delicate and soft enough to nearly dissolve in your mouth. Inside is a center of sweet white bean. Beni Hogyoku, the whole cherry mochi, is a new item and the first sakura dessert I’ve seen with an actual cherry inside.

Photo: Lauren Kaneshiro

Minamoto Kitchoan’s packaging is always beautiful and sophisticated, almost too cute to tear open, which is why they’re so popular as gifts. Each dessert had a unique filling and packaging was almost too cute to tear open. Now remember, these desserts are only available during springtime. If you’re like me and you miss the flavors of Japan, it’s fun to know that these shops can bring us a little taste of the season.

Kulu Kulu: Multiple locations, kulukulucake.com, @kulukulucake

Minamoto Kitchoan: Multiple locations, kitchoan.com, @minamotokitchoanhawaii