Come summer in Japan, kakigori shops begin sprouting all over the cities. The food trend has shown no signs of slowing down in recent years - a quick scan of social media proves that countries like Taiwan and Hong Kong have also embraced the chilled treats.
The syrupy shaved ice cups share a fair bit of common ground with Hawaiian shave ice, though Japan’s take on the frozen dessert usually includes a dairy component like sweetened condensed milk, ice-cream or yoghurt, and of course, local ingredients.
Sydneysiders can get in on the kakigori craze sans the long-haul flight throughout the month of October. has announced they’re transforming into a Kakigori Pop-Up for one month only, shaving up a new flavour each week.
“Kakigori is the perfect way to cool down as Sydney weather starts to get warmer,” says Devon's owner and head chef Zacharay Tan of the tall, Insta-friendly treats.
A new flavour is on rotation each week (see below for the full list) kicking off with Taro ABC: shaved butterfly pea flower ice, bubur cha cha (a sweet coconut dessert) and taro ice cream. Then there’s the fresh and fruity Watermelon/Rose/Strawberry built with shaved watermelon ice, rose ice-cream, whipped yoghurt and fresh strawberries.
Week two's flavour is Watermelon/Rose/Strawberry with whipped yoghurt and fresh fruit. Source: Devon Cafe
Tan says that each of the flavours are made slightly differently with some common steps along the way.
“First, I use our ice shaver to shave naturally flavoured ice into the bottom of a shallow bowl. I then add a scoop of ice-cream and add more shaved ice until the dessert is impressively tall. I add another scoop of ice-cream on top for good measure and garnish with ingredients including fresh fruit, whipped yoghurt and coconut jellies.”
A recent trip to Hokkaido and Sendai inspired Tan to roll out the bright desserts at Devon. “I love how visually appealing kakigori is. It’s bright, colourful and delicious. It’s also versatile so I can experiment with lots of fun flavours.”
Friday 6 October – Friday 3 November; Mon-Fri 7am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3:30pm
76 Devonshire Street, Surry Hills, NSW
Week 1: Taro ABC
Week 2: Watermelon/Rose/Strawberry
Week 3: Mango Lassi
Week 4: Surprise!
