Kyoto restaurant’s new gift sweets reinterpret traditional Yokan jelly with Western ingredients

「お茶と酒たすき」Ocha to Sake Tasuki is a tea parlor, cafe and bar based in the picturesque neighborhood of Gion in Kyoto, with two additional locations in the Yuzo Kondo Memorial Museum in Tatsumicho and another one in Torayacho. The tasuki (meaning "baton") in their name represents a desire to offer Japanese traditional hospitality to all those who visit. Although they are known for their innovative shaved ice creations matching the changing seasons, they decided to develop a line of take-home gifts to extend this idea and allow the possibility that guests will not only enjoy their brand at home but also "pass the baton" to their family and friends.

The first product in their gift line is YO KAN KA, an original dessert that goes just as well with tea as it does with sake or wine.

Qualities

YO KAN KA is a yokan made by a pastry chef based on French confectionery, and isn't limited to the traditional Japanese techniques of making yokan.

Freshness is important for YO KAN KA. Yokan traditionally uses a lot of sugar and is considered suitable for long-term storage, but YO KAN KA cuts down on sugar and prioritizes freshness.

YO KAN KA goes just as well with tea as it does with sake or wine. You can enjoy pairing it with your favorite drink.

Six varieties

YO KAN KA is available in the following six delicious varieties:

Red wine and figs

This yokan is made with a compote of figs, red wine, and a blend of spices. It combines tartness, sweetness, and a rich flavor profile with a long, pleasant aftertaste.

Recommended pairing: Red wine

Strawberry and milk

This yokan achieves a harmonious balance by blending condensed milk to red bean paste and domestic sweet Amaou strawberry puree and seeds. The tartness and sweetness of the strawberries and the fun texture of the seeds create an interesting and tasty offering.

Recommended pairing: Black tea

Rum and 70% cacao chocolate

In appearance, and at first bite, it looks and tastes like a rich chocolate terrine but as the flavors blend in your mouth, and the elegant rum accent evaporates, you can enjoy an aftertaste which has the unmistakable signature of a traditional yokan.

Recommended pairing: whiskey

Pistachio and white chocolate

Combining white bean paste, white chocolate, and pistachio paste, this yokan has a sweet and rich flavor profile. You can also enjoy the crunchy texture of crushed pistachios.

Recommended pairing: coffee

Yuzu and apricot

The gentle flavor of white bean paste, the refreshing citrus notes of yuzu come together at first, then the stimulating tartness of apricot lingers in the aftertaste. Cane sugar creates a gentle sweetness that isn't cloying.

Recommended pairing: Lemon herb tea

Cheese and bread

This unusual yokan combines rich gouda cheese and white bean paste and blends crushed cracker pieces for a dessert unlike any yokan you've ever tried.

Recommended pairing: red wine

Product details

Name: YO KAN KA
Available at Ocha to Sake Tasuki locations (Kyoto Gion, Shimpukan, Yuzo Kondo Memorial Museum)
Price: set of 3 for 1,440 JPY + tax, set of 6 for 2,880 JPY + tax
On sale from December 12th, 2020
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