Mochi Sweets is now in Manila

mochi pasalubong from Hong Kong

I love mochi! In fact, I recently asked a colleague of mine to buy me two boxes of mochies on her way back from her Hong Kong trip. She was so kind that she bought me two boxes.  I first tasted mochi during a business meeting with a Taiwanese client.  She gave away individually packed mochi that we shared during the meeting and I even brought home five. Sadly there are not much stores here in Manila that offer mochi. So I would really grab the chance to ask a colleague or a relative to buy me mochi whenever they go out of the country.

What are mochies? “Mochi” (according to wikipedia.org) is a well-loved Japanese rice cake made from glutinous rice flour pounded into shape.  Mochi's popularity has grown not only in Japan but spread all throughout the East and Southeast Asia since there are also similar rice cakes from these regions usually prepared during New Year celebration.

Incidentally, a blogger friend of mine gave me a good news. She said that Mochi Sweets, one of the largest Japanese Luxury Sweets from Hong Kong has finally find its way to the Philippines. As Filipinos are not only lovers of anything tasty and delectable but also have the flare and penchant for embracing food from around the world, Mochi Sweets is expected to win our hearts and create a craze seen in countries like Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong and China.

Now, I don't have to ask my colleagues and relatives to by me authentic Mochi when they travel. And most of the time, these mochies are not as good as the fresh ones. Thanks to Mochi Sweets, I can now easily visit their Mochi Sweets kiosk at the SM Mall of Asia as often as I want to and satisfy my craving for this Asian rice cake hit.

I was told that Mochi Sweets has taken this traditional dessert further by creating small balls of luxurious and flavorful cream and wrapping it in chewy mochi skin.  Wow! Imagine dessert dumplings with frozen cream or mousse in the center and a mochi covering made with just the right thickness, moistness and stickiness. Now I'm craving.

Kudos to the business partners Jason Yap and Samatha Paz for chancing upon Mochi Sweets in their trips to Malaysia and Vietnam and saw the store drawing huge crowds. Both only in their early 20s but with entrepreneurial exposure from their parents, they decided to write to J Sweets in Hong Kong and were soon awarded the official franchise for Mochi Sweets in the Philippines.

photos from https://www.facebook.com/MochiSweetsPh

Accoring to Yap, who is the president of Mochi Sweets Philippines, “First impression counts, Mochi Sweets first tempts you with how it appeals to the eyes. But the real pleasure is the taste and experience once you bite into it. This is because Mochi Sweets are made from the best ingredients. There is meticulous control to ensure consistency of quality. We do not short-change our customers. We aim to satisfy each customer and make them enjoy life’s simple indulgent treats.”

Boy, just hearing these made me want to buy Mochi Sweets now. I'm weak when it comes to sweet temptation like this. I am sure I will never be able to resist the urge to taste these decadent treats. Oh and I also need to be patient, Mochi Sweets are frozen and I have to wait 10-15 minutes before I can experience its gummy chewy goodness. I've tasted similar products but the difference is Mochi Sweets don't melt fast allowing me to take it home and put it in the fridge and share it with my nieces.

Yap also said that  “A box of Mochi Sweets has 6 to 12 pieces and will definitely be a fun gift for sharing during special moments and celebrations. Customers can pick different colors and flavors of Mochi Sweets based on the personality and preference of the lucky recipient and this makes each box of Mochi Sweets special and personal.”


"Mochi Sweets has a wide array of flavors – from the classic favorites to inspired special concoctions. Clear winners for chocolate lovers are the wickedly good Chocolate Mousse, Cream Chocolate and Dark Chocolate. Coffee aficionados will find delicious comfort in Caramel Macchiato. Kids and kids-at-heart looking for something wholesome will enjoy the fruity confections: Strawberry Mousse, Mango Yoghurt and Honey Lemon Cream. Those who want something different and exotic can try Sakura (or cherry blossom, which is very popular in Japan), Green Tea and Durian Mousse. Currently, Mochi Sweets offers 17 flavors and will continue to dish out cool and yum variants that will make customers think Mochi Sweets when they crave for desserts and comfort food."

Mochi Sweets is expected to open three more stores this quarter. Like them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MochiSweetsPh