This Japanese chestnut specialty shop opened in 2019 along Kamo River in Kiyamachi/Kyoto. Among the many prized Japanese chestnuts, the sweets at Saori are made with heaps of “Tanba”, a specifically high-end variety of chestnut. Their hottest menu item is the super silky, high-end Tanba Chestnut mont blanc, made with 1-mm thin, delicately woven spirals of Japanese chestnut. It’s made solely with rare Tanba chestnuts and only 100 orders per day. Rich chestnut flavor meets round and creamy goodness and a lightly crunchy merengue inside to finish it all off.
The menu has a line up of other popular dishes, including the “Japanese Chestnut and Seasonal Fruits Parfait”, filled with plenty of seasonal fruit and Japanese chestnut, Kuriko-mochi, made with shiratama, Japanese chestnut cream and chestnut powder. Starting at 11am there’s even a takeout option, the 1-mm Japanese Chestnut Mont Blanc Softserve Ice cream served in an adorable cup.
The shop itself was a Machiya house inn and lodging in a past life, but is now revamped in its Kiyamachi-dori location along with the other veteran eateries and shops. On the first floor you’ll find an open kitchen where you can watch the final touches go on the freshly-made, gorgeous sweets. This spot is especially popular so it’s best to hurry up and grab a numbered ticket that they begin handing out in the morning.
Highlights
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Both the “silk” and “woven” mont blanc are their hit items.
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Made with “tanba” chestnuts, some of the rarest Japanese chestnut varieties.
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Plenty of vibes to enjoy at this location along Kamo River.
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Takeout menu available.
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Each guest most order their own dessert.
