A Summer Treat Like No Other: Shirakuma Kakigori Castella
This summer, indulge in a delightful and unique dessert from GRAND CASTELLA, renowned as the birthplace of Taiwanese sponge cake in Tamsui, Taiwan. Introducing the
Shirakuma Kakigori Castella—a limited-time offering designed to bring summer chill to your palate.
The Shirakuma Kakigori Castella features a fluffy Taiwanese sponge cake infused with an azuki bean flavor. It's topped with a cool, crunchy milk icing and an assortment of vibrant fruits, perfectly mirroring the famous Kyushu dessert,
Shirakuma (Shirokuma), known for its adorable presentation. With every bite, it feels like enjoying a bowl of crushed ice, refreshing and delicious, making it a perfect summer treat.
A Flavorful Fusion
At a price of
2,605 yen (2,905 yen including tax), this innovative dessert redefines the concept of baked sweets. The challenge was to capture the essence of kakigori in a castella, and GRAND CASTELLA has truly succeeded. Traditionally, baked goods become harder when chilled, but due to the high-quality ingredients used—premium eggs and milk—the castella maintains a soft, airy texture that enhances when served cold. The contrasting textures of the crunchy milk icing combined with the fruits create an unexpected yet nostalgic flavor experience reminiscent of kakigori.
Fruit Toppings Galore
To elevate the dessert further, a medley of toppings including mandarin oranges, kiwi, peaches, strawberries, mangoes, and Daifuku (sweet rice dumplings filled with red bean paste) is available. This colorful array not only enhances the visual appeal of the castella but also introduces a burst of flavor that complements the overall experience, bringing the taste of summer to your table.
Limited-Time Pop-Up at Ueno
For those in Tokyo, there’s an exciting twist! From
June 16 to June 29, 2025, a special
POP-UP store will be hosted at Ekūto Ueno. As a celebration of their first appearance in Ueno, a special version called
Taiwan Panda Castella will be exclusively available. This delightful creation transforms the classic