Japan-Famous Warabimochi Kamakura Opens In Holland Village, Their 1st SG Outlet

Warabimochi Kamakura is now open at One Holland Village

Popular Japanese chain Warabimochi Kamakura is here in Singapore! The famous warabimochi brand, which has over 50 stores in Japan, is now open at One Holland Village, with a 1-for-1 promo on their warabimochi drinks from 3 to 5 February 2024. They’re also slated to open at the new Taste Orchard by the end of the month.

In case you’re unfamiliar with the brand, Warabimochi Kamakura started in 2004, with one outlet each in Hong Kong and Canada. This is their first store here.

They specialise in warabimochi, a silky-soft and delicately chewy mochi dessert that’s traditionally coated in kinako AKA soybean powder. Sometimes, the dessert is served with Japanese black sugar syrup, or kuromitsu, on the side.

Currently, you can find warabimochi in selected Don Don Donki stores and dessert shops in Singapore, including 108 Matcha Saro. However, Warabimochi Kamakura might just be the first store on our island that specialises in this Japanese dessert; they’re most definitely the first to have warabimochi drinks!

Their warabimochi is also said to be the only version found here that’s made with 100% bracken starch, unlike others that have got tapioca mixed in. It’s also made with a Kamakura-specific blend which results in its signature light, silken finish.

Each piece of their warabimochi is cut and weighed out in 40 to 45g chunks, and rolled in premium kinako powder that’s roasted at a higher temperature and for longer than your usual soybean powder—you’ll find that the kinako at Warabimochi Kamakura sports a toastier, richer flavour as a result.

You can order their warabimochi in a 2-Piece Cup ($3.90) or with Ice Cream ($5.90), topped with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and Kuromitsu Syrup, which you can get more of at $1.50. This black sugar syrup is entirely made of Okinawan brown sugar, without the addition of corn or sugar syrup!

Otherwise, enjoy your warabimochi in a 5-Piece Box ($7.90) or 10-Piece Box ($14.90). These come in paper boxes, but if you’re looking to gift this, there’s a 10-Piece Paulownia Wooden Box ($17.90) option.

For something novel, their warabimochi drinks one-up your usual bubble tea with two different kinds of warabimochi bases: strawberry crush and kuromitsu crush. The first, made with freeze-dried Japanese strawberries and strawberry syrup, can be enjoyed as Strawberry Yogurt or Strawberry Milk, priced at $7.90 for a medium cup, or $9.90 a large cup.

The more popular option is Strawberry Milk, finished with creamy Hokkaido Yotsuba milk and fresh whipped cream. As with all the other drinks, it’s recommended that you give it a good stir to distribute the warabimochi through the drink.

For punchier options, go for the Coffee Milk or Tenku no Hojicha (from $5.90)—the coffee in the former drink is brewed with a house blend of European beans to complement the kuromitsu warabimochi base.

The caramel-rich flavours of kuromitsu offer a similar balance to the nutty, smoky flavour of hojicha, AKA roasted green tea.

Then, of course, Asakawa-en Matcha (from $5.90) is the one that matcha lovers should choose. It’s prepared with ceremonial-grade green tea powder, giving the drink vibrant, grassy notes.

For their opening weekend, these warabimochi drinks will be buy one, get one free! Simply follow the Warabimochi Kamakura Instagram page and tag a friend on the post to enjoy this discount. Each customer is entitled to two redemptions! Do note that during this opening weekend, they’ll be starting operations at 12pm each day, instead of 10:30am.

For more food in the area, read our guide to the best food at One Holland Village, including stuffed doughnuts and affordable yakiniku. Alternatively, check out our guide to the best mochi waffles in Singapore, best paired with a huge scoop of ice cream!

Address: 7 Holland Village Way, 01-54 One Holland Village, Singapore 275748
Opening hours: Daily 10:30am to 9:30pm
Website
Warabimochi Kamakura is not a halal-certified eatery.

Photos taken by Casandra Nicholas.
This was a media tasting at Warabimochi Kamakura.