Cafe Kuriko is the new Japanese Mont Blanc specialty cafe that offers both Waguri (Japanese chestnut variety 和栗) and Purple Sweet Potato Mont Blanc ($13.90).
It took over the space previously occupied by Workspace Espresso Bar at Funan Mall.
Kuriko (栗子 in Japanese) or simply Kuri (栗) known as chestnut, was one of the important food sources during prehistoric times in Japan before rice cultivation.
While chestnuts are no longer a main staple in the Japanese diet, the two most popular ways of eating savoury chestnuts had drawn influences from China.
One common way is where chestnuts are dry-roasted in a pan before coating with sesame oil and sugar.
The other influence is drawn from France, where pureed chestnut cream and whipped cream is topped with a sugared chestnut, known as a Mont Blanc.
The name comes from “Mont Blanc”, as the dish resembles a snow-capped mountain.
The Mont Blanc became so popular among the Japanese that alternative versions using pureed sweet potato, instead of chestnut cream, are created.
Coming with a choice of chestnut or cheese base, each Mont Blanc is freshly made ala minute upon order.
You get freshly churned out from a metal canister that contains the pureed chestnut or purple sweet potato cream within seconds.
I must say that it was quite therapeutic to watch the chef prepare the Mont Blanc on the spot as each strand is evenly created, coating the entire surface of the cake base.
I had the Purple Sweet Potato Mont Blanc with chestnut base ($13.90), sprinkled with icing sugar and topped with chestnut bits as a finishing touch.
The purple sweet potato cream was lightly sweetened with a smooth and creamy texture, consistent every mouthful.
The chestnut bits added a chewy texture to the overall, giving it a delightful contrast against the creamy purple sweet potato strands.
If you are a fan of chestnut, check out their other signature items made using the Mont Blanc such as the Mont Blanc Parfait ($13.90), Mont Blanc Zuccotto ($10.30) and Mont Blanc Latte ($8.90).
Or if you are looking for a substantial savoury food option, Cafe Kuriko also offers Cha-Nabe ($13.90 – $15.90), a one-pot Japanese savoury soup dish made with either Tonkotsu, Soy Milk, Tomato or Shio soup base.
Cafe Kuriko
Funan Mall, 107 North Bridge Rd, #01-11, Singapore 179105
Opening Hours: 11am – 8pm (Mon – Sun)
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* Written by Nicholas Tan @stormscape who loves all things [NEW]. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.