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Mochi Mochi: It’s so delicious, you have to say it twice

March 23, 2023 (Last Updated: March 22, 2023)

Whether you’re an avid Japanese dessert enthusiast or simply looking to try something new, we’ve got some news for you. South Africa’s first mochi (pronounced mow-chee) café has found an oh-so-kawaii (which means cute in Japanese) new home in Cape Town’s city centre.

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The inception of Mochi Mochi began as a pop-up within Tjing Tjing, the Mother City’s much-loved Japanese restaurant and rooftop bar. The explosion of new Japanese flavour and texture combinations soon became an instant hit and the idea for a mochi café was born.

Mochi are traditional Japanese treats, and it’s all about the texture. Sticky, squishy and delightfully chewy. Made from glutinous rice, they’re pounded and hand-moulded into tiny truffles (smaller than traditional mochi) you see displayed.

While the truffle menu sees new flavours frequently, head chef Adri Morel stays true to the authentic principles of mochi magic.

Alongside the sweet, truffle-sized mochi (whose fillings change regularly), fluffy Japanese cheesecake, mitarashi dango (rice dumplings in a soy caramel), miso sticky buns and daifuku doughnuts.

But in true South African style, Adri also celebrates its playful nature by experimenting with touches of local twists on others to suit local palates.

Alongside mochi ice creams, S’mochis, and mochi/miso cookie variations, some Saffa flavours you might find at Mochi Mochi include (but are not limited to) milktart, peppermint crisp tart and pink nesquick mochi truffles, koeksister cheesecake doughnuts and holiday-themed delights.

The café also serves a range of sweet and savoury pan (milk bread buns) with fillings that range from chocolate to melon and French toast for sweet tooths; and chilli-cheese to wagyu beef and atsui (which translates to hot dogs) dogs.