#Japan #Tokyo #Valentine's Day #Minimal #Strawberry Chocolate

Experience the Indulgence of Minimal's 2026 Valentine's Day Special

As the winter season approaches, Minimal - Bean to Bar Chocolate - is set to delight chocolate lovers once again with its much-anticipated Valentine’s Day cake for 2026. This year, the renowned "Strawberry生Gâteaux Chocolat" is back on the menu, featuring a generous increase of strawberry content by 1.6 times compared to last year. Behind this exclusive creation lies a blend of high-quality cacao, aromatic rare strawberries, and premium brand eggs, making it a luxurious treat for sweet-toothed indulgers.

A Taste of Luxury with Rare Strawberries

Minimal, operated by βace, a company based in Shibuya, Tokyo, has partnered with a special strawberry farm called "いちご家めい" in Kagawa Prefecture. They procure the exquisite "女峰" strawberries, known for accounting for only about 1% of domestic production. These strawberries are meticulously developed through unique cultivation methods that ensure they stand out with their large size, delightful aroma, and perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. The farm’s dedication to finding the pinnacle of "女峰" ensures that each bite is an experience to relish.

To maximize the strawberry’s appeal, the strawberries are slowly cooked into a jam, keeping the fruit intact to preserve its juiciness. The production process involves two key steps: first, baking with the chocolate cake, and second, layering fresh strawberry jam on top, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. This year, the jam portion has been increased to approximately 1.6 times, providing a more intense aroma and refreshing tartness that is sure to please.

Chocolate That Compliments the Strawberry Flavor

The cake’s base is made of smooth chocolate crafted from Ghanaian cacao beans, known for their creamy sweetness and subtle spice notes similar to vanilla. This combination intensifies the strawberry flavor, allowing the tart and sweet notes to shine even brighter when enjoyed together. The thoughtfully chosen ingredients reflect Minimal’s commitment to quality, ensuring that every chocolate layer enriches the overall taste.

Sustainable Practices to Enhance Quality

Furthermore, the cake’s custard cream is prepared using Tanaka Farm's "宝玉卵," a premium egg recognized by Michelin star restaurants. This egg is not just any ordinary ingredient; it results from an upcycling initiative where discarded cacao husk from Minimal’s production is fed to the hens. This sustainable approach not only contributes to the farm’s eco-friendly practices but also perfects the texture and flavor of the custard, creating an exquisite balance with the chocolate and strawberry jam.

Availability and Pricing

For those eager to indulge in this delightful creation, the “Strawberry生Gâteaux Chocolat -いちご家めい-” will be available online starting January 1, 2026, with in-store sales at the Yoyogi Uehara location commencing on January 2, 2026. Each cake will be priced at ¥3,990 (tax included). Sales will continue until the end of February 2026, perfect for sharing sweetness with loved ones this Valentine’s Day.

Minimal prides itself on crafting chocolate with a team of skilled chocolatiers and patissiers, applying the philosophy of careful craftsmanship and maximizing ingredient potential. By focusing on quality, the brand continues to impress with delightful confections that leave a lasting impression.

Visit Minimal's official website and online store for more details and further information on this delectable offering. Savor the joy of artisanal chocolate and experience an exceptional Valentine’s Day this year.