Isetan’s Japanese Summer Festival Is Happening At Northpoint City: Here’s What We Tried

Isetan Singapore launches Japanese Summer Festival in Yishun

PSA: Isetan Singapore is bringing its Japanese Summer Festival to the north for the first time, with a selection of Japanese snacks, sweets, and savoury bites at Northpoint City! The fair runs from 25 August to 6 September 2026, with a pineapple-inspired lineup created for the mall’s ong lai theme.

The festival takes place at the South Atrium on Level 1 of the South Wing. Visitors can look forward to treats from Japanese brands including Gourtens Gourmet, Bashodo, Nakayama Shokuhin, and Taimatsu.

One of the more unusual offerings is Gourtens Gourmet’s Coconut Pineapple Canelé ($5.50). The canelé had a deeply caramelised crust that was almost biscuit-like, while the inside remained soft and custardy. There was a noticeable bittersweet edge from the caramelisation, though the pineapple topping tasted fairly mild. Most of the flavour actually came from the canelé itself.

Bashodo’s Warabi Manjyu Pineapple ($10.50 for three) is another pineapple-themed option. The traditional Japanese sweet has a soft, jelly-like exterior and a pineapple filling, making it a lighter option compared to the richer pastries.

For a nostalgic bite, head to Taimatsu for their Pineapple Brown Sugar Cake ($5.50). Soft and moist, with a dense interior, it reminded us of the traditional steamed cakes you might find at a pasar malam, with brown sugar lending it a deep sweetness and pineapple adding a citrusy note.

If you prefer savoury snacks, look out for Nakayama Shokuhin’s Mentaiko Mayonnaise Takoyaki ($10 for six).

These were sizeable and rather hefty, with squid in each ball and a generous amount of mentaiko mayo and seaweed on top. The intensely savoury and umami-rich octopus balls were easily one of our favourite snacks.

At the same stall, you’ll also find the Green Onion Hashimaki ($6), which was more like a rolled-up okonomiyaki, with cabbage, ginger and a drizzle of mayo wrapped around the pancake-like batter.

For something sweet, Monario’s Kumamon Pancakes ($5) come in flavours such as Red Bean and Sweet Potato.

We found the former sweeter, while the sweet potato flavour was barely noticeable. The pancakes themselves were, unfortunately, on the dry and doughy side.

The Isetan Summer Festival is happening from 25 August to 6 September 2026 at Northpoint City. Head there soon before it ends!

For more Japanese food recommendations, read our guide to the best Japanese restaurants in JB. Otherwise, read our guide to the best mooncakes in 2026 for gifting!

Address: 930 Yishun Avenue 2, South Atrium, Level 1, Northpoint City, Singapore 769098
Opening hours: Sun-Thurs 10:30am to 9pm, Fri-Sat 10:30am to 9:30pm (25 Aug to 5 Sep), 6 Sep 10:30am to 7pm
Website
Isetan Summer Festival is not halal-certified.

Photos taken by Chan Zi Xuan.
This was a media tasting at Isetan Northpoint.