The Raindrop Cake is the newest culinary trend in New York, a translucent dollop of mineral water mixed with gelatin or agar, served with roasted soybean flour and sugar cane syrup. Created by New York City-based chef Darren Wong, people are rushing to NYC’s Smorgasburg to get a taste.

A photo posted by @raindropcake on

As weird and innovative as it may seem, the Raindrop Cake was actually inspired by a traditional Japanese dessert — Mizu Shingen Mochi. It is popular in Japan not just for its delicious combination with the soybean flour and syrup, but also for its delicate, crystal-like appearance.

But people have also likened it to breast implants, which is also true. You can get it at Smorgasburg for 8 USD, although you would likely be able to eat Mizu Shingen Mochi in Japan for about half the price (just saying).

A photo posted by @raindropcake on

As the name suggests, the Raindrop Cake has the texture of water — it doesn’t melt in your mouth, but rather liquifies into a mouthful of H2O. And just like water, it will evaporate if you leave it out in the open for too long, so you’ll want to eat it before it’s gone.

Wong told Slate that it took a lot of trial and error to give the cake the perfect consistency, but it looks like New Yorkers are loving the final product.

Wong also shared that the Raindrop Cake reminds him of “that scene from A Bug’s Life where they drink water drops off of leaves,” and that it “tastes like eating a giant raindrop.” The flour and syrup give it a sweet kick, though, so your tastebuds won’t be left wanting of some sugary flavor.

The cake is visually and gustatorily stimulating, which is one of the biggest reasons Wong was inspired to make it.

There are very few foods that engage this many senses at the same time, which is what attracted me to this dessert in the first place.

Slate ーDarren Wong

As for the Japanese who have long been familiar with the Mizu Shingen Mochi, most seem to be celebrating the fact that it has entered the Western culinary world, but are also quite surprised all the same.

And if you're curious but don't want to dish out $8 (or don't live in New York), you can try making something similar at home with this Sakura Mizu Shingen Mochi recipe by Little Miss Bento.

A photo posted by @raindropcake on


By - grape Japan editorial staff.