Mochi

B135 at Masatomi Patisserie
A form of rice dumpling, the mochi at this patisserie are a combination of the chef’s classical French training from the Cordon Bleu and a strong Japanese influence. That means exciting new flavors like chocolate banana and mango alongside more traditional offerings like red bean and green tea. They now also offer a new takeaway kiosk on the 5/F of Emporium.
3/F, The Portico Langsuan, 31 Soi Langsuan, 02-652-1977. BTS Chit Lom

Dangko and Daifuku

B30 and B45 at Vanilla Garden
Dangko and daifuku are traditional Japanese dumplings made from rice flour and stuffed with different fillings (often red bean paste). They might not sound so exciting, but they can actually be delightfully sweet and gooey affairs. Vanilla Garden is a great spot to find out for yourself and both these treats go great with a cup of tea in their cute retro house.
53 Ekkamai Soi 12, 02-381-6120, 02-381-6122. www.vanillaindustry.com

Chou Cream

B35 at Bake a Wish
While the name comes from the French choux à la crème the recipe is derived from the Japanese co-founder’s family. It might be the reason why you’ll spot many Japanese expats dropping by. Bake a Wish offers a wide range of different baked goods but we say plump for the original and popular chou creams, light, sweet and slightly crispy with a lovely soft, fragrantly-sweet cream inside. Their strawberry shortcake (B95) is also a must-try.
The Circle, 39 Ratchapruek Rd., 085-043-7577, 086-055-0992. bakeawish-japanesecake.com

Hokkaido Chocolate

B270 for 15 pieces at Melt Me Chocolate
The Hokkaido chocolate craze started by Royce gets its local counterpart courtesy of Melt Me. Owner Ing (wife of green tea baron Tan Ichitan) went to Japan to study the Hokkaido-style of chocolate making and brought back this recipe, which contains more than 70% Hokkaido dark chocolate. The result is a melt-in your mouth truffle that is so rich in buttery milk it must be kept refrigerated.
Arena Ten, 225/11, Thonglor Soi 10, 02-542-2100.

Honey Toast

B165 at After You
This dessert started getting a buzz in Japan a few years ago and then Bangkokians went truly crazy for it last year. Many claim that After You has the best toast in town and it was mobbed when it opened. Their Shibuya honey toast (B165) comes in various styles—crispy, soft, salty and sweet—but be warned the result is pretty addictive.
2/F, La Villa Ari, Paholyothin Rd., 02-613-0597. www.afteryoudessertcafe.com. BTS Ari

FRESH IMPORT Hokkaido Ice-cream

We’re now being invaded by Japanese dessert franchises instead of udon ones. The latest is a pink dessert café from Japan that has just popped up in Terminal 21 and Paragon. They strongly recommend their ice-cream teppan no. 20, “Twinkle Night Cinderella” (strawberry ice-cream, caramel, cheesecake, strawberry jam and fresh cream), made from 100% Hokkaido milk—and its clearly popular judging by the crowds. B169 for regular. G/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-7511. BTS Siam