Minamoto Kitchoan
“The Sakura Mochi had the perfect combination of savory and sweet, the after taste left a light scent of Sakura(cherry blossom petals).”
“During this particular visit, I purchased the 10-piece usagisan (usagi means rabbit) and the gift set of red bean and chocolate buns.”
“Although pricey, these Japanese sweets are adorable and the layout of the shop is eye candy itself.”
Minamoto Kitchoan
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Price range.
$$$ Price range Pricey
8 reviews
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I visit Minamoto Kitchoan every few weeks to see what they got that is new, especially since sone seasonal items are available only once a year, and I lucked out this time. They had Sakuranbo – Cherry in Jelly, which I waited 18 month before I saw them again in the store.
These wagashi are in celabraions of japanese cherry blossom session. The Sakuranbo contains a delicious candied cherry inside a clear cherry flavored jelly it's not just the flavor you get when you put it in your mouth the sensation of the jell on your taste bubs. You should chill this before eating to deduce the liqued that me be on the bottom of the wrapping. Most of the ones I had the jelly shape in not a solid shap but still taste good, Oh and they still have the cherry pit so don't chew them but these are real soft so use your tongue.
The Japanese cherry blossom item is Okashigure is muchi pink colored kidney bean version.
They also had a new item for me which was is Sakuragoromo, a Red Bean Cake in a delecate folded pink muchi pancake. I got one of the gift boxes that also included Oukashure , cherry bean paste cake, and Ayashirabe Maccha bean cake.
The box cost less than and contains more items than buying individual pieces. Not that wagashi here is cheap it cost $$$ but this is the best place I found in NYC that has delicious tasting wagashi, not the floury dry stuff you may find else ware.
The gift boxes make a perfect gift to some who like Japanese deletes and let people know how special they are to you because you made the extra effort. And of course you need to treat yourself to a good treat sometimes don't you?
Ambiance: A+
Service: B-
Food: B
Price: Not sure how a letter grade would do. Too expensive for what it is.
I almost missed the store the first time I came here, since it's business looking from the outside. Very clean interior, with everything nice and organized.
I think I may have came on an off day, since the ladies didn't seem all that interested in helping me pick something. Actually, they sort of had a judge-y attitude for my being there and not knowing what I want, and bothered by my curiosity. It's not like the store was bustling with business at those prices.
Now this brings me to the price of the goods. If you knew how to cook/bake and know the actual price/cost to making some of them, you'd know you're getting ripped off sky high. Yes, you can argue that it's the professional service of them making it look very presentable, and "high quality ingredients". But a red bean paste can only go so far.
It's really a gimmick for Japanese goods in the city that the store goes for, making itself as high end.
It's definitely a place I'd be very appreciative in receiving a gift. I don't think I can ever force myself to buy something for others or myself though. Imagine spending a lot of money, and seeing their less than impressed faces upon tasting the goods.
Nice friendly place, got lost trying to find this place in NY. It's a small store, so I walked past it many times before I noticed.
I was looking for some goodies to bring back home and stumbled upon this place on Yelp.
I started looking around and sampled the macchamochi. It was delicious. So I bought a box. Then tried the white peach one (Hakutoumochi) and it was just as good, so I got a box of those as well. I also bought a few Aya-shirabe. I tried one after I got home and wasn't really a fan of it. I think I only bought it bc it was cheap. Haha.
The highlight of this place was that they wrapped everything really nice for me to take home. Yes… Wrapping paper, I was impressed. And I'm sure it impressed my friends too when I gave it to them.
Will come back for more goodies in the future. Only con was I wish they let you try more before buying. Haha
This was a very interesting sweet shop. I am always intrigued by authentic Japanese sweet shops. The way they display their samples is unique.
We bought an assortment of items from this shop. Some were great, some were odd.
We had:
Hakutou Jelly – the hubby liked this, it wasn't my favorite. It was too sweet and had too much peach flavor.
Kasutera in Honey and Green Tea – this cake had a very unique consistency. It was springy like a Lady M cake but wasn't as flavorful. Again the hubby liked it better than I did.
A mochi covered treat with red bean paste – This item I really liked, but the hubby took a pass on. He is not a fan of mochi.
If you are looking for a unique dessert option, I would recommend giving this shop a try.
Delicate, creative, loyal-to-original, delicious, beautifully packaged, cute, cool… I can use countless of good words to describe Minamoto. Thoughtfully designed pastries are like art pieces!
There are seasonal items like Sakura (cherry blossom) Mochi and Sakura cake (spring specials) available once a year. Def worth a visit if you like Lady M, Royce chocolate and pastries in general.
Never seen a bean cake like this – it's like a baby secretly hidden inside a piece of pink blanket, so adorable!! Minamoto was very skillful in designing its pastries in a way such that no girls could resist from trying even just for a single bite!
Some other things to try out – white peach jelly! It was a bit pricey but definitely worth it. Besides this location near my company, there's also one in the Mitsuwa market in Jersey city.
i visited this spot not too long ago during a lunch break and i had such a New York City moment.
for whatever reason, there were a few women in traditional japanese kimonos who were performing a green tea ceremony. fascinated, i watched them for a bit . . . and then they asked me to join!
i had my first cup of delicious, traditional green tea with these lovely ladies and in the process, i learned that they teach kimono and green tea ceremony classes! i got a business card for future inquiries, so maybe one day i'll learn how to wear a kimono and pour green tea!
I somehow thought that the sakura mochi would not be as salty as it was; it was like I bit the ocean and wasn't sure if I wanted to do it again or not. So, I did until I finished it. My husband made all kinds of faces that I've never seen before, so I guess it was his first and last. Be the judge; this is one of their signatures this time of year.
Beautiful packaging is something that I've always admired about anything Japanese, and these sweets are of no exception. Handled with loving care, each package is like a little present. Yes, the prices are steep, but these are imported goods from Japan, and you will not find anything more authentic than here. Can't decide? Take your time – they will not try to rush you in any way.
After wandering around the store for a few minutes, I headed straight to the back where they had showcased their sakura line of sweets. I opted for two sakura filled pancake-looking tacos that were in fact pink and the two sakura mocha. They were placed in an elegant bag after I paid and I was on my way! Really this place is something to see if you're in the area.
Would I frequent again? Maybe next year.