Flaming Shaved Ice Is A Must Try At This Cafe In Tokyo, Japan
The Background
Shaved Ice or “Kakigori” in Japanese, is a classic dessert in the Japanese culture. It’s a very old dessert. It dates all the way back to the Heian Period (794-1185) where wealthy elites enjoyed the refreshing treat. By the 1860’s shaved ice started becoming more readily available. Shaved ice shops started popping up and the general public was able to enjoy the tasty snack.
Today, shaved ice is still immensly popular. Considered more of a summer staple since it’s a great way to cool down during those intense summer days, it’s still enjoyed all year long.
The Evolution of Shaved Ice
Shaved ice has always been served with various toppings, syrups, and condensed milk. That remains the case today as well.
That doesn’t mean shaved ice hasn’t evolved over the many years of its existence. The toppings and syrups have gotten more creative and flavorful as well as the presentation itself. Cafe Lumiere took it to next level status by covering it in merengue and lighting it on fire.
Who would have thought you’d be able to enjoy a “flaming” shaved ice, lol. They really don’t go hand-in-hand with one another. But at Cafe Lumiere it’s the norm!
Cafe Lumiere
Cafe Lumiere is a tiny cafe located on the 4th floor of the Higashiyama building in Kichijoji. In a country full of all things “kawaii”, the ambience and atmosphere of Cafe Lumiere fits snugly into that category. It has the feeling of a children’s story book with many little trinkets hanging on the walls and from the ceiling.
On each table you’ll find little Menu Book story books but you actually order off their online menu you scan to look at. Great ambiance in this cozy little cafe!
I came here specifically for the shaved ice. The choices here all looked incredible so it was a VERY difficult choice on what to get! The below is just a few of the options that were on the menu. I wasn’t sure if all of them were wrapped in merengue and lit ablaze and that’s what I really wanted to experience, so I went with the Lumiere special baked ice (1540 yen, $10.37 USD) and got a coffee (429 yen, $2.89) as well.
The Lumiere Special Baked Ice
This did not disappoint in either deliciousness or spectacle. Coming out coated with a shell of merengue, the shaved ice more resembles an egg than a bowl of shaved ice. It gets covered with some rum concocation and lit of fire right in front of you. It’s really cool to see!
Flaming shaved ice!
Once you dig in and break through the merengue, the shaved ice is extremely pillowy and soft with pieces of strawberry throughout. You get a few sides to dump into and mix the ice with. A strawberry sauce, carmel sauce, and I believe, condensed milk.
Mixing in some of the fluffy merengue added a different type of sweetness and texture to the shaved ice. Overall, just a REALLY delicious, satisfying shaved ice. It’s quite refreshing and light to boot!
If in the Kichijoji area, I’d certainly recommend stopping by Cafe Lumiere and giving one of their shaved ices a try. They always have different kinds depending on the season as well and it will be a fun experience.
Please note, when I went it was cash only so be sure to bring some cash if you plan on visiting!
Address: Higashiyama Bldg., ４F, 1 Chome-2-2 Kichijoji Minamicho, Musashino, Tokyo 180-0003, Japan
Hours:
| Tuesday | 12–6 PM |
| Wednesday | 12–6 PM |
| Thursday | 12–6 PM |
| Friday | 12–6 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–6 PM |
| Sunday(National Foundation Day) | 11 AM–6 PMHours might differ |
| Monday(National Foundation Day (Observed)) | 12–6 PMHours might differ |
