Gion Kinana

eenomsiki

If there is a taste that reminds you of your grandmother in Japan, it would be here. Despite the rise in dessert destinations in Korea, parfaits seem hard to come by. The layered concoction of various ingredients in a parfait offers a comprehensive gift set of sweetness, with each spoonful presenting a different flavor and texture. Among the many cafes in Japan that specialize in parfaits, Kyo Kinana, located near Kyoto's Clear Water Temple, is popular for its parfaits and desserts made from traditional Kyoto ingredients. Ingredients popular in Korea for their 'grandmotherly taste', such as beans, sesame, matcha, mugwort, and chestnuts, are primarily used. The menu, utilizing homemade rice cakes and ice cream, boasts flavors that are moderately sweet and enjoyable for all ages. The limited-time parfait available during my visit featured pickled chestnuts, black sesame ice cream, and matcha ice cream, a celebration of nuttiness that brings together tastes from the East Asian region. Regardless of the cold weather, purchasing any dessert comes with a complimentary warm green tea, making it a cozy stop to warm up with delicious desserts this winter in Kyoto.