Tasty Treat Tuesday – Kakigōri
Welcome back to Tasty Treat Tuesday here at MickeyBlog.com!
We all know that Walt Disney World is known for its iconic eats – popcorn, pretzels, ice cream and even Mickey waffles. HOWEVER – did you know that the theme parks are about SO much more than those classic well-loved treats? Each week, I’m ready to show you a unique tasty treat and where to find it on your next Disney vacation!
So, come join me on this weekly journey to find your new favorites! It’s time to create a new tradition!
Tasty Treat: Kakigōri
Summer break is fast approaching for many travelers. For guests visiting Disney World in Orlando, Florida, it is important to find ways to cool off AND spots to relax while at the theme parks. Taking a break during the day to rest and escape the bustling crowds for even a moment can be rejuvenating and help you go from dusk until dawn – if that’s your goal! Today, I’ve got a treat for you that satisfies ALL of these requirements. Not only is it cold and refreshing, it is located in a spot known for its zen-like atmosphere and picturesque spots! Oh – and if you are like me and like to go, go, GO – there is a MALL there too!
So, what is this magical treat? Today, Tasty Treat Tuesday is featuring the refreshing treat known as … Kakigōri!
What is it?
Kakigōri is a Japanese shaved ice dessert flavored with syrup and a sweetener, often condensed milk. Available flavors of shaved ice are strawberry, melon, cherry, or tangerine. Or, guests can request rainbow flavor which is a mix of all four. For guests 21 and older, Kakigōri is also sold as a “sake mist” in which consists of alcoholic shave ice available in blood orange, chocolate cherry or coffee.
Why try it?
During the hot summer months, kakigōri is sold virtually everywhere in Japan. It looks like a snow cone, but the consistency of the ice is drastically different. Kakigōri is traditionally made using a hand cranked machine to spin a block of ice over a sharp blade, shaving the ice. This results in a much smoother, fluffier ice consistency. I can best describe it as tasting freshly fallen snow. Disney’s version of kakigōri uses a modern day electric shaver to create this consistency and it works beautifully. The shaved ice forms a soft mound above the cup before the selected syrup flavor is pored over the ice. The ice in a snow cone can be hard and crunchy which makes the syrup flavoring fall down to the bottom of the cup leaving a dry crunchy top and a soupy syrupy mess at the bottom. Kakigōri’s fine ice melds with the syrup creating a flavorful soft bite of sugar and cold from top to bottom. I highly recommend adding the Sweet milk topping. Basically sweetened condensed milk, the topping adds just a touch of richness to the otherwise dairy-free treat. Finally, the addition of cold, dry sake in the Sake Mist version of kakigōri further enhances the chilled ice shave and makes the treat even more refreshing on a hot Florida day!
Where can I find it?
Kakigōri can be found in Epcot’s World Showcase at a little snack kiosk called Kabuki Cafe. Kabuki Cafe is located in the Japan Pavilion almost in the very center of the World Showcase Lagoon (just next door to the American Adventure Pavilion). The Japan Pavilion is often most recognized by the bright red torii gate that sits at the waters edge of the World Showcase Lagoon. In addition to Kakigōri, Japan has a variety of really good food offerings, including the popular table service restaurant Teppan Edo which is a Teppanyaki-style dining experience where guests interact with their chef while watching their food cooked before their very eyes! In addition to the food offerings, the Japan Pavilion has picturesque streams brimming with water lilies and koi fish, making it a quiet “halfway” spot to relax and rest while enjoying a Kakigōri.
But my very favorite part of the Japan Pavilion (other than the food) is the replica of the coronation and ceremonial halls of Japan’s Imperial Palace which is home to the Mitsukoshi Department Store. This shop is “the mall” of Epcot’s World Showcase. And it’s amazing!!! The store includes … well EVERYTHING Japanese you can think of and things you would NEVER think of… Hello Kitty, Tamagotchis, “Anime” trading cards, i-Pets, Kingdom Hearts action figures, and model cars for children. Traditional Japanese footwear, clothing, cooking items, lanterns, fans, incense, bonsai trees, Iwach Wind Bells, the Japanese Tea Kettle, and Calligraphy brushes for adults. There is also an extensive selection of books about Japanese gardening, architecture, martial arts, origami, cooking, and language. Oh, and a pearl shop within the shop! So, whether you are strolling the World Showcase and need a refreshing treat, or stopping by Japan for some shopping, pop over to Kabuki Cafe for a Kakigōri!
Will you try Kakigōri on your next visit? Let me know in the comments below!
I am a self-professed Disney foodie who loves planning Disney vacations! Want to try a Tasty Treat on your next Disney vacation? Contact me today for a FREE quote!
Kelli Hughes
MickeyTravels, LLC
Authorized Disney Vacation Planner – Platinum Level
1-214-458-4626 (cell)
1-855-MICKEY-9 (toll-free)
khughes@mickeytravels.com
www.mickeytravels.com
