Kamakura Warabi-Mochi (Vic Park) — Restaurant in East Victoria Park

At first visit, I thought the store nailed it, the perfection for black sesame ice cream. You could taste & smell the aroma of grinded black sesame. The mochi, not too bad too. I had black sesame, too soft too my liking, but acceptable. I was so looking forward to get back for macha ice cream. And I did went last night, which it was a huge disappointment! Firstly, if you proclaimed this is Japanese ice cream, then you have to deliver the pure quality of it. Secondly, if you're selling ice cream, you have to sell like one, offer the options either go with cup or cone. I asked for macha in cone, however it was not programmed to do it that way, therefore, ok, cup it is. Thirdly it will be my last visit, when the two scoops of macha ice cream being served in a cup, it was scooped very unappeased. It should have been perfectly curled-silky-round shape, stacking stably on top of each other in a cup. But it was MUSHY looking hulk green costed $8. On that split second, I was not happy at all. I took it away, and the first scoop in my mouth, I felt my happiness has been robbed last night . All I could tasted was a bland ice cream with green colour (HULK kind), nothing on matcha essence. Worst part, I could taste crusty icy bits in the ice cream, signalling that the ice cream may have been kept in unideal refrigeration. The operator should have this QC, you can't serve this to customer. It is unacceptable, at all cost. Having ice cream is about indulging one's happiness. As a matcha ice cream enthusiast, it is a NO RETURN to this store, and I would stay with Whisk, and although Messina serves no matcha, but they offer that kind of HAPPYNESS.

** No photo taken due to huge...

Japanese culture, from ikebana and origami to architecture and cuisine, continues to shape how I live and appreciate beauty in the everyday.

Yesterday, on my way home, I stumbled upon a little tea room called Kamakura. The charm of its minimalist design and nostalgic vibe instantly drew me in. I couldn’t resist treating myself, partly from curiosity, partly from love for all things Japanese.

I ordered a roasted matcha iced tea and a box of black sesame mochi. The tea was refreshing, not overly sweet, and carried a deep, earthy aroma. The mochi was soft and delicately sweet, filled with that rich nutty flavour only black sesame can offer. My mum tried one and absolutely loved it.

Kamakura beautifully blends traditional Japanese elements with a modern touch. Their signature trio of mochi: black sesame, kinako (soybean powder), and matcha, paired with a delicate green tea drink menu, offers a quiet yet flavorful experience.

A hidden gem for those who seek gentle moments and authentic tastes. ✨🍵

Thank you again for your memorable service,...

I finally got to try this super hyped warabi mochi spot in Victoria Park, and it was worth the wait. After two unsuccessful attempts (those lines, wow!), I decided to show up 20 minutes before they opened on a Monday afternoon—there was already a line, but I was ready this time 😆

I tried the original warabi mochi, matcha mochi, and hojicha warabi mochi. The original flavor was a dream—so chewy, just the right amount of sweetness (I skipped the brown sugar), and the kinako was nutty and slightly sweet, a perfect match for the mochi.

For the matcha, I added brown sugar to cut the bitterness, and it balanced the flavor beautifully. But the real winner for me? The hojicha warabi mochi! They’re super generous with the mochi pieces, and you get that chewy goodness in every slurp. Heaven!

The store has a minimalist and clean ambiance, very much in line with traditional Japanese aesthetics. The staff at the counter was lovely—super friendly, full of smiles and patient with everyone. Overall, an easy 5-star experience, and I’ll...