Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and many shops are gearing up for this special day by offering new and inventive chocolates to sweeten up the occasion. Roppongi Hills, in particular, is hosting a Valentine’s Day fair, where 26 shops and cafés are offering a variety of premium and limited-edition chocolates and desserts, some of which are exclusively to this shopping mall.
If you’re looking for something unique, check out the selection of Japanese-inspired confectionery like the kinako chocolate (¥1,296) from Kissho Karyo. These rich and velvety ganache cubes are dusted with even more kinako (roasted soy bean flour). Hurry though, as only 1,000 boxes are available at this outlet.
Ukeian, famous for its fluffy castella cakes made with Ukokkei chicken (silkie chicken) eggs farmed in Ishikawa prefecture, has also created a special Valentine’s Day treat. The chocolate castella (¥1,706) is available at the newly opened basement gift shop area in the North Tower. You'll also find other limited-edition sweets like a fruit chocolate box (¥1,728) from luxury fruit purveyor Ginza Sembikiya and heart-shaped rice crackers (¥1,296) from Kashi no Kirokucho.
For something boozy, bakery-café Bricolage Bread & Co offers a decadent chocolate cake with a hint of premium Japanese whisky (Ichiro’s Malt Chichibu On The Way 2019). This indulgent creation will set you back ¥4,600 (¥5,200 with wooden box), but you could opt out on the whisky and get the cake alcohol-free for ¥2,400 (¥3,000 with wooden box).
Apparel shop Estnation is carrying a line of sumptuous chocolate bars (¥2,894) by La Cime, one of Japan’s leading French restaurants which was also in last year’s Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list. Its resident chef has created a selection of premium cacao bars topped with fancy ingredients including roasted and smoked nuts, spices and even dried pickles.
The Roppongi Hills St Valentine’s Day fair is running until February 14. Many of the items on sale are limited in quantities, so get there early to score the best picks for your beloved.
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