In Advertorials, All, Events, Media, Tips

media invite: japanese sweets collection

Posted on March 21, 2014

Last weekend, I was invited to a media event featuring popular sweets from one of my favourite places in the world, Japan! From March 14 – 23, Isetan @ Westgate will be having a Japanese Sweets Collection Fair, featuring the best of Japanese pastries. That’s right, you don’t have to travel all the way to Hokkaido, Kyoto or Tokyo for that particular famous confectionary you’ve been yearning to try!

I was really impressed by the range of sweets they had. I have been to Hokkaido fairs organized by Isetan but this particular fair was a sure winner for me. (Although I may be biased partly because of Sadaharu AOKI’s macarons…) There were even live demonstrations and sampling opportunities — more details below.

Another highlight of the event was meeting up with fellow foodies and bloggers who understand the pains of food photography and unfavourable indoor lighting.

Meet Shirley from LittleMissBento – the creator of the most amazing and creative bentos. She’s such an inspiration to me. As you can tell, we both fell in love with their mascot, “Bukubuku”.

Here’s a short write-up on Bukubuku:

“Bukubuku are cream fairies and can only be seen by children. Bukuku has five members in his family. They are: Bukubuku Papa, Mama, Bukulina the little sister and Bubbu the little brother.” How adorable is that!

Besides food, they also stock some pretty homeware, such as the Japanese bowl (pictured below)

Now let me share with you some of my favourites, in no particular order:

1. Mariko No Sato – Matcha Green Tea latte. I loveeeed this. Was never of fan of instant drinks (especially matcha) but this one exceeded my expectations. Not too sweet, right intensity of bitterness and best of all, convenient!

Price: $9.50 (1 packet)

2. Uji Matcha Fresh Chocolate – contains a secret ingredient, Japanese Sake! If you love nama chocolate, you will love this. It has the right amount of bitterness and the sweetness from the chocolate was not too overpowering.

Price: $19.50 (1 box of 18 pcs)

3. MILKISSIMO Gelato – One of the best and smoothest gelato I’ve ever had! They have a wide range and we were so spoilt for choice. Ended up picking Cherry Blossom (Sakura), Matcha and Sweet Potato. Would love to try their Sicilian Pistachio and Passion-coconut during my next trip! Not kidding when I said I felt like I was in Japan again. Such a pretty and delicious combination! (Credits to LittleMissBento for taking the picture!)

Price: $6 (single scoop), $7.50 (double scoops), $9 (triple scoops)

4. danish Bar (Crisp Sugar and Maple) – For people who love textural breads , it’s crispy on the outside and chewy and doughy in the inside. Best eaten when it’s warm. They have it in bite-sized portions, which are more crisp in texture! Check out those air-pockets!