Sakanoue Kakigori at LaLaport BBCC
We Malaysians love our ice kacang. But it’s hard to say no to other forms of ice-cold desserts, especially when it’s always hot outside.
Making its debut in Malaysia with a series of authentic Japanese kakigori is Sakanoue Cafe from Tokyo. The popular kakigori spot has been drawing huge crowds in Japan for its eye-pleasing kakigori with a trademarked delicate texture, and a variety of toppings and syrups like matcha, strawberry, and tropical fruits.
Now, food enthusiasts in KL can try this icy delight without the need to buy a plane ticket to Japan.
Ambience at Sakanoue Kakigori
When you start to crave something sweet while shopping at LaLaport BBCC, think of Sakanoue Cafe. What makes its kakigori stand apart from other typical shaved ice desserts is that the block of ice that’s used to make its star dessert is slowly frozen over four days, resulting in fluffier shaved ice.
There are wooden tables and chairs inside and outside the shop for you to sit. You don’t have to worry about being under the scorching sun when seated outdoors, as the store is in a shady area so the dining area barely gets any direct sunlight.
When you arrive, the shop owner will welcome you in Japanese and bow his head – it’s all part of the Japanese hospitality that you’ll receive here.
Upon stepping into the shop, you’ll see a few more tables and chairs. The interior is simple, with a greyish wall and a wooden counter. The shop also has an open kitchen, so you can peek at the staff making the shaved ice.
Food at Sakanoue Cafe
There are six flavours of kakigori to choose from at Sakanoue Kakigori: Strawberry Shortcake, Apple Earl Grey, Uji Matcha, Grape Cheese Honey, Cheese Berry Panda, and Mango Passion Custard.
We tried the signature Strawberry Shortcake, as well as adorable Cheese Berry Panda and the popular Mango Passion Custard.
The Strawberry Shortcake in a cup (RM18) tasted sweet and milky. You can also choose to get it in a sharing bowl (RM26) too, but opt for the cup if you’re looking to order this to-go.
The shaved ice has a soft texture to it that melts like snow, unlike the usual ice kacang we eat at the mamak stall. And it even has small pieces of strawberry with every bite you take.
If you’d like a dessert to post on your ‘Gram, we recommend you get the Cheese Berry Panda (RM30). The overall presentation is adorable, as they shaped whipped cream into a cute panda’s head and added pieces of chocolate to resemble the eyes, nose, and ears.
The flavour tasted a little sour because of the yoghurt and camembert cheese, but pair a bite with the berry sauce, and you’ll get a sweet and sour taste. When you spoon up the crumbled cookies, you’ll get an additionally satisfying crunchy texture.
We also tried the popular Mango Passion Custard (RM26). The special thing about this flavour is that the custard crème brûlée will be placed at the peak of the shaved ice, for a crusty topping.
The passion fruit made the shaved ice flavour a little sour, but the mango sauce and crème brûlée balanced out the sourness when eaten together.
The verdict
Sakanoue Kakigori doesn’t disappoint when it comes to Japanese shaved ice – it’s as authentic as you can get, with recipes for its kakigori straight from Tokyo.
Although the price of desserts here are on the higher side, we can’t deny that the taste is so flavourful that your tastebuds will be thoroughly satisfied. To top it off, the presentation of each dessert is Instagrammable.
Address: G-74, LaLaport, Bukit Bintang City Centre, No.2, Jalan Hang Tuah, 55100, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11am-8pm, Daily
Contact: Sakanoue Cafe’s Instagram
For more desserts around Klang Valley, you can check out our other guides to RM3.60 tong sui in Kepong and cafes in PJ worth a visit for desserts.
Cover image adapted from: TheSmartLocal Malaysia
Photography by Jasmyne Foong.