Recent Reviews
Oiwake Dango Honpo Shinjuku Honten is a wagashi (Japanese confectionery) shop located just a 2-minute walk from Shinjuku Sanchome Station. The red noren (traditional Japanese curtain) is eye-catching, and you can enjoy dango (dumplings) on the benches outside the shop. Takeout is self-service, and the shop is so popular that there are often lines. This time, I ordered "mitarashi" (sweet soy sauce), "goma tare" (sesame sauce), and "shoga" (ginger). The "mitarashi" was not too sweet, with plenty of sauce that coated the dango perfectly, a classic and delicious flavor. The "goma tare" had a nutty, gentle sweetness, with a strong sesame flavor. The "shoga" had sliced ginger and seaweed, which provided a unique accent, and the soy sauce aroma and spicy kick were truly delicious. All of the dango were smooth and soft, but the "shoga" was particularly addictive.
Located just a 2-minute walk from Shinjuku Sanchome Station, I finally visited this dango shop that I had been wanting to try for a long time. It's an old-established shop that has been around for years, and it consistently ranks high in the Shinjuku Tabelog point rankings. While they offer takeout, I decided to dine in this time. Even though it was a weekday around 4 PM, the place was packed, and I had to wait about 10 minutes for a table. It seems like it would be even more crowded on weekends... The seating capacity is larger than I expected, but the tables are close together, so it's not exactly a relaxing atmosphere. It wasn't a problem for me since I was dining alone and just wanted a quick bite. **Order:** ▫️Japanese Chestnut Shaved Ice (¥1848) ▫️2-Piece Dango Set (¥748) ・Sesame Sauce (¥11) ・Nori Roll (¥11) I couldn't resist ordering the Japanese chestnut shaved ice even though it was summer! The sauce had a strong chestnut flavor, and there was a similar sauce inside the ice as well. The ice itself was plain, without any syrup, but the sauce was thick and rich, so it didn't feel too plain. It was quite delicious for a non-specialty shop. However, it might be a bit pricey for this small size. I was tempted to just get the shaved ice since I'm trying to watch my weight, but since it's a dango shop, I had to order some dango as well. I couldn't choose just one flavor, and I really wanted to try three, but I restrained myself and ordered two as a responsible adult. They were warm and chewy, and incredibly delicious! Maybe they were freshly made? The dango was even better than the shaved ice! (No surprise there.) They seemed to be made differently from the dango they sell for takeout. I also noticed seasonal dango and 'Adult Mitarashi' with sansho pepper and fresh chili, so I definitely want to come back and try more dango.
A long-standing and reliable shop known for its delicious dango. Their signature offering is the 'adult' mitarashi dango, featuring a fragrant blend of sansho pepper and ginger, perfect for a sophisticated Japanese sweet. For those who prefer a richer flavor, the sesame dango is a must-try, with its intense and addictive taste. The seasonal apricot bean paste dango was also a delightful treat, with its sweet and tangy flavor. It felt like the dango was merely a vehicle for enjoying the delicious bean paste and sauce. I'd love to try their eat-in option sometime.
It was incredibly popular, with a line out the door. I joined the queue, but most people were getting takeout, so the turnover was quick. Inside, the counter was lined with dango (Japanese dumplings)! The display case showcased colorful and cute samples. They also seemed to sell anmitsu (a Japanese dessert), but I only bought dango. I got the following flavors: * Yomogi (mugwort) with koshian (sweet bean paste) * Mitarashi (sweet soy sauce) * Matcha An (green tea bean paste) The dango were chewy and the anko (bean paste) was just the right amount of sweetness. They were delicious! This time I only bought the classic flavors, but next time I want to try some of the more unique ones.
I visited the tea room on the middle day of the three-day weekend in September, around 3 pm. There was a line that stretched out of the store, and I waited about 30 minutes to enjoy the ice apricot and cream Uji kintoki. The Uji kintoki had a strong matcha flavor, which was very good, but the apricot with its abundance of fruit and tart sweetness was truly exceptional. It was topped with a single dried apricot. The refreshing apricot, the mellow matcha, and the sweet red bean paste of the Uji kintoki were a delightful combination when eaten alternately. All the staff members were very professional, embodying the old-fashioned charm of the establishment. They were discreet and efficient, yet courteous, truly exemplary service. The restroom was spacious, clean, and had a pleasant, slightly Japanese-inspired scent. On my way out, I purchased apricot daifuku, bean daifuku, and apricot dango as souvenirs. The skewered dango offered a variety of flavors beyond the usual, including plum and ginger, and sansho pepper and seven-spice mitarashi, adventurous options unique to Oiwake dango. It's a place worth waiting in line for.