#Japan #Tokyo #be GELATO #Nordic Culture #Gelato Shave

A Unique Dessert Fusion: Nordic Coffee and Berry Inspired Gelato Shave

The world of desserts is constantly evolving, and in the heart of Tokyo, be GELATO is redefining sweet treats with its innovative approach. From September 19 to September 20 and again on September 26 to September 27, the Japanese gelato brand will host a limited-time event called Open Lab | Gelato Shave, where Nordic food culture is at the forefront.

The Gelato Shave experience intricately blends traditional Japanese kakigori (shaved ice) with the creamy textures of Italian gelato, creating a unique dessert that captivates the senses. Drawing inspiration from beloved Nordic customs—like sipping coffee while enjoying sweet treats and indulging in forest berries—the event promises two special menu items that elegantly quintessence these culinary traditions.

The Inspirations Behind Gelato Shave

North European culture has a strong presence in everyday gatherings where coffee and pastries are enjoyed together. The sweetness of baked goods infused with spices like cardamom, along with the utilization of forest berries for desserts, acts as context for this unique dessert experience. However, the team at be GELATO does not aim to simply replicate these dishes; instead, they transform the cultural ingredients into a sensory journey. By dissecting components such as temperature variation, texture, aroma, and the process of tasting, they create a modern interpretation that calls forth the essence of Nordic flavor profiles.

The two flavors being introduced this September are: Caramel & Coffee and Forest Berry & Honey. Each is designed to evoke the feeling of a cozy Nordic gathering or the essence of a forest berry-picking adventure, but offered in a completely new format.

Discovering Nordic Dessert Culture

What does Nordic food culture feel like? Imagine enjoying coffee accompanied by sweet pastries or savoring delectable treats made from raspberries, bilberries, and rhubarb mixed with honey. Such flavors tell tales of resilience against nature while celebrating a rich agricultural heritage. For this special event, be GELATO aims to convey not merely the specific dishes but the memory and the context of consumption that envelop these flavors.

Through Gelato Shave, guests can experience the layered combination of textures, temperatures, and flavors as they savor each bite. With the shaved ice forming a delicate foundation, each ingredient—gelato, fruit, herbs, spices, sauces, and jellies—shows disparate temperatures and moments of enjoyment, allowing the dessert's complexities to reveal themselves gradually.

A Closer Look at the Menu

1. Caramel & Coffee Gelato Shave (¥1,600 including tax)
This creation focuses on the cherished Nordic tradition of enjoying coffee with sweet accompaniments. It features layers of shaved ice topped with two types of caramel sauce, velvety vanilla gelato, and rich coffee gelato blended harmoniously. The experience begins with a smooth vanilla and caramel taste before transitioning into the brighter notes of lightly roasted coffee beneath. Cardamom adds a distinct aromatic touch, rounding out the dessert beautifully.

2. Forest Berry & Honey Gelato Shave (¥1,600 including tax)
Inspired by Finnish forest flavors, this dessert celebrates the diversity of berries. Instead of mixing them into one flavor, the dish separates them by temperature and state, creating a tasting experience where the sweetness of strawberries and the rich fruit flavor of bilberries emerge successively. Accompanied by honey gelato, rhubarb confiture, and hints of mint, this dessert evolves in flavor complexity as it’s enjoyed.

A Culinary Experience Transcending Borders

The Gelato Shave concept aims not just to recreate Nordic delicacies but rather to translate their essence into a modern treat. Chef Naohiro Akiyama leads the charge, utilizing his expertise from over 30 years of French culinary experience to craft these unique cold desserts. The goal of be GELATO is to take familiar ingredients and flavors and reframe them through the lens of modern dessert-making, making them accessible and enjoyable in a new format.

With the belief that food experiences can open avenues for cultural exchange, be GELATO aims to sow the seeds of mutual interest between Japan and Nordic nations through this unique event. Expect an engaging mix of tastes and flavors that spurs conversations and insights into culinary adventures.

Event Details

• - Event Name: Open Lab | Gelato Shave
• - Dates: September 19 & 20, September 26 & 27, 2026
• - Location: be GELATO, 3-6-7 Shinohashi, Koto, Tokyo
• - Reservation: Reserve a seat via official LINE or enjoy standing at the high counter without reservation.

This exciting venture by be GELATO is more than just a dessert—it's an exploration of cultural identity through flavors that connect distant lands. Don’t miss your chance to participate in this unique culinary dialogue.