Desserts are a huge popular food culture in Japan and the Japanese definitely have a sweet tooth. Here are some of the more popular Japanese desserts that you have to try if you are in Japan.

1) Parfait


A delightful rendition of an icecream sundae that boasts layers of icecream, fruit, cream, cereal, chocolate and biscuits. The Japanese often have eating competitions of who can finish the biggest bowl of parfait. A very popular dessert for all seasons, parfait also comes in a variety of flavours. Although some may claim that eating too much parfait, particularly because of the large servings of cream, will eventually make you sick.

2) Crepes


Probably originating from Europe, Crepes have quickly made its mark in Japan and burst into popularity with two types, the savoury and sweet type. A thin pancake that is filled with ingredients of your choice be it bananas and fresh cream or even teriyaki chicken and lettuce, it is then rolled into a handroll that you can eat on the go.

3) Mochi/Daifuku


A sticky rice cake that usually has red bean or strawberry filling. Traditional shops have seasonal ingredients like chestnut, sakura or even yam and it usually eaten after a meal served with tea. It also can come in an array of shapes and colours, sometimes packed into a bento-like box to be enjoyed on picnics or events. There is also an ice cream version now which is also very common in Japan.

These are only but a small percentage of the wide variety of desserts that Japan has to offer. If you walk into any supermarket or cafe, there is sure to be a maze of desserts for you to choose from. They also make their own renditions of european desserts like gelato and macarons that are highly favourable among the masses.