Japan’s Kumamon-Themed "Doll Cake" With 4 Different Fillings Coming To Singapore For A Limited Time Only

By Rachel Yohannan on 26 Oct 2022

Senior Digital Editor

Even if you haven’t yet set food in Kumamoto, Japan, you’re probably familiar with their official bear mascot, Kumamon. This cute black bear has not only been seen on promotional posters and the packaging of Kumamoto-made products, it’s also made live appearances for meet-and-greets, and has been made into merchandise like plushies.

Kumamon-themed snacks are also a thing, and almost too cute to eat are the Kumamon ningyo yaki from Japan, which you will now be able to get in Singapore once again for a limited period of time this 2023.

Photo from Monario

“Ningyo yaki” directly translates to “baked dolls” - named as such since they’re traditionally shaped like the Seven Lucky Gods or traditional bunraku puppets. These days, however, they take on all sorts of modern designs, including cute animal faces and popular cartoon characters like Doraemon.

This Japanese street snack is basically a baked sponge cake which often comes with red bean paste filling, also known as anko. The Kumamon version comes in four versions - red bean, cream, chocolate, and sweet potato.

Photo from Monario

The Monario Kumamon Ningyo Yaki can be purchased in Singapore exclusively at the Sakura Matsuri organised by Isetan at NEX, from 14 to 25 March 2023 . A single piece costs $4.50, but a full box might be slightly cheaper.

Sakura Matsuri at NEX
Dates: 14 March to 26 March 2023
Time: 10.30am to 9.30pm daily | Last day: 10.30am - 8pm
Location: NEX Atrium Level 1