tabelogdesu
Around November 2020, a popular restaurant featured on Retty, Kansai Walker, and winner of the Japan Sweets Award 2016, was visited by MBS announcer Yohei Oyoshi in September 2019. This establishment has been selected as one of the top 100 sweets shops in the West by Tabelog for three consecutive years from 2018 to 2020. They offer a variety of traditional Japanese confectionery and sophisticated Western sweets, ranging from authentic classics to modern trends. The shop specializes in natural taiyaki (fish-shaped cake) and shaved ice, originating from the renowned taiyaki shop established in 1909, Naniwaya Sohonten. The original Naniwaya Sohonten is a century-old establishment known for being the model for the character "Oyeg Taiyaki-kun." The taiyaki mold, shaped like a sea bream, was created based on the word "auspicious." The shop has branches in Asakusa, Minami-Senju, and Azabu-Juban, with the latter being a branch of Naniwaya Sohonten in Azabu-Juban. The interior of the shop exudes a retro charm with a cozy atmosphere, featuring a small counter and tatami seating area with tables adorned with fish designs. The ceiling has a large rotating gray cover, adding a unique touch to the ambiance. The walls are decorated with warm-toned light bulbs, creating a nostalgic setting. The menu includes a variety of shaved ice options, such as Uji sweet potato, milk, and seasonal fruit flavors, as well as toppings like milk, cream cheese, and chestnuts. In addition to shaved ice, they also offer traditional Japanese desserts like zenzai (sweet red bean soup with rice cakes) and anmitsu (jelly and fruit dessert). The shop's signature taiyaki and ice cream sandwich are also popular choices. During my visit, I tried the Chestnut and Berry Shaved Ice and the Seasonal Milk Kiwi Shaved Ice, both of which were delicious and beautifully presented. The Chestnut and Berry Shaved Ice had a generous amount of sweet chestnuts and a refreshing berry sauce, while the Seasonal Milk Kiwi Shaved Ice had a delightful combination of kiwi and milk flavors. Overall, the shaved ice was finely shaved, creating a smooth texture without any icy chunks, and the flavors were well-balanced. I highly recommend trying the shaved ice at this establishment for a delightful and refreshing treat.