Warabimochi Kamakura in London Review and What to Try at the New Oxford Street Store

My friend Chin recently reached out saying that he is opening a Warabi-Mochi shop in London. And not just any kind but THE Kamakura in London.

Kamakura warabi-mochi was viral for its unique look and taste and I never thought London would have one. Cause it is not a usual texture and not many people actually like it (Especially if you are an Asian who didn't grow up with the texture).

What Warabimochi Actually Is

Warabimochi looks a little like mochi, but it’s made in a completely different way. Instead of glutinous rice, it uses bracken starch mixed with water and sugar. The mixture is heated and stirred until it becomes translucent and stretchy.

then cooled and cut into soft cubes.

After the mochi will be coated with kinako. Kinako will make the mochi not stick together.

And top with more kinako.

The flavor is mild, so most of the taste comes from kinako which is roasted soybean powder or brown sugar syrup.

This style of mochi has been part of Japanese dessert culture for almost 800 years.

And the Kamakura is bringing it to London was created to preserve that tradition in a simple, careful way. Their stores in Japan prepare it fresh every day, and the London location follows that same rhythm.

The Kamakura London Opening

A Small Corner Inside John Lewis

The new shop is inside John Lewis on Oxford Street, a space designed to feel close to a Japanese tearoom. It uses wood, soft lighting, and small green touches that match the calm look they use across their stores in Japan.