Kawaii Ice-cream at Glaciel Omotesando

50 SHADES OF TOKYO DESSERTS | SHADE 23

There are a few things that go hand in hand with summer and I’d say ice-cream is certainly on top of the list (along with sandy toes, salty hair and cocktails on the beach, of course). I must confess, I’m not a huge fan of ice-cream and eat it quite rarely, mainly with a freshly baked brownie or when I’m traveling in Italy. I mean, gelato… it’d be rude not to! Japan has definitely been more tempting with colorful soft-serve available in dozens of flavors in every public place. Although last weekend I saw ice-cream elevated to a totally different level. I was strolling in Tokyo’s Harajuku area when I bumped into the most vibrant and sophisticated ice-cream shop I have personally been to. Glaciel serves an array of ice-cream cakes in all forms and shapes. How could one not be tempted to try one (or all) of these? Inside, you have an option to get a cup of ice-cream or a whole cake to-go on the first floor. Freshly made ice cream with a variety of rich flavors similar to gelato was very popular. Alternatively, you can request to be seated upstairs in a little salon de the. The menu features so called Entremets Glaces and you have two options: you can order your choice of any two or three cakes or opt for the individual cute creations, parfaits and even waffles served with fruit, ice-cream and sorbet (now that would make a wonderful breakfast!!). I just had to try a lady bug, which, according to the menu, “brings happiness”. It was served on a beautiful platter with a cookie and refreshing lemon sorbet on the side. I guess I don’t even have to say how adorable it looks. Japanese do excel at their presentation, especially when something needs to be kawaii (cute). I hated the fact that I had to destroy this beauty by eating it, but I couldn’t wait to savor it all. Bringing together dacquoise, mascarpone sorbet, cream cheese ice-cream and a thin layer of strawberry gelée every bite of it was simply divine. Ice-cream was rich and creamy, while the layers of dacquoise provided nice textural contrast. The best part? All this was not overwhelmingly sweet, which made me feel less guilty.

Tokyo is never short of eye-catching and delicious desserts and Glaciel certainly deserves a spotlight. Personally, I have a sneaking suspicion I will be back here more than once during these hot summer months.

Details:

Address: 5-2-23 Jungumae Shibuya, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00 ~ 20:00 (last order at 19:00)
Closed: every Tuesday

xoxo, nano

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