These Gorgeous Japanese Desserts Look Like Real Gemstones, Here’s Where To Get Them In Singapore
We know all about mochi, Hokkaido milk soft serve, and all things matcha when it comes to Japanese desserts, but kohakutou is still relatively unheard of among Singaporeans. Literally translated to “amber candy”, this traditional Japanese wagashi resembles gemstones and comes in a myriad of shapes and colours - and we found a small local business called Project Panichi that handmakes them for sale in Singapore!
P.S.: Check out our review on the newest onsen in Singapore with both public and private baths, Hokkaido milk parfaits, and a photo-worthy zen garden!
Read on to find out more about kohakutou from Project Panichi in Singapore!
Photo from Project Panichi
Project Panichi was started in late 2020 by a half-Japanese Singaporean who found a fair bit of free time on their hands while working as a full-time chef during the pandemic. At that time, they were looking to raise funds to help the less fortunate affected by the pandemic, and happened to come across a TikTok video on kohakutou, which piqued their interest in making their own.
Photo from Project Panichi
Everything is handcrafted to order, with the whole creation process taking roughly 5 days per batch, where agar jelly is creatively shaped before being dehydrated, resulting in a crystalline outer crust and soft jelly-like centre. While the candy has a firm texture, it’s not at all hard, so eating it is an easy and pleasant experience that won’t involve hard crunching.
Photo from Project Panichi
Rest assured that everything is vegan, gluten-free, and made with only natural ingredients - no additives or preservatives included. Kohakutou is traditionally enjoyed with tea, so brew yourself some sencha or hojicha for the full experience!
Photo from Project Panichi
Flavours are inspired by the owner Leona’s own experiences and Singaporean-Japanese heritage, with some of the bestsellers being Tanzanite (pulut inti), Garnet (strawberry lavender), and Citrine (lychee osmanthus jasmine).
Photo from Project Panichi
Look out for exclusive seasonal flavours as special occasions approach too! The most recent Carnelian (Singapore Sling) kohakutou created to celebrate Singapore’s 56th birthday was a real hit among customers.
Photo from Project Panichi
A 5-piece set costs $13 while an 8-piece set costs $20. Bite-sized pieces cost $28 per jar, or $51 for 2 jars. Delivery costs $7 to $10 depending on location, but you can also opt for free self-collection at Holland Village MRT. Place your order with Project Panichi via Instagram.
More Japanese snacks in Singapore:
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Text by: GirlStyle Singapore
