“Amai-ko”, a sweet shop located about a 4-5 minute walk from Nishi-Ogikubo Station on Tokyo’s JR Chuo Line, is a dessert hotspot that gathers tremendous support for its ‘anmitsu’ and ‘shaved ice’ sweets.
What you’ll definitely want to try at this serene shop is the azuki beans and shiratama (rice flour dumplings). The plump azuki beans are individually distinct, providing a natural and gentle sweetness. The chewy, smooth shiratama melt softly in your mouth and pair excellently with the azuki beans and shaved ice.
If you order the ‘Milk Kintoki Shiratama’ from the shaved ice menu, you’ll be treated to an abundant serving of syrup, condensed milk, azuki beans, and shiratama. The heaped, crispy ice has volume and provides a satisfying eating experience. The menu item is easily enjoyable for people of all ages, and its quality is highly refined.
Additionally, the shop offers “shaved ice” from April to the end of October, and warm “oshiruko (sweet red bean soup)” from October to the end of March. The red bean paste in “anmitsu” changes from tsubuan (chunky red bean paste) from April to October, to koshian (smooth red bean paste) from November to March. Noteworthy menu items that allow you to savor the taste of the ingredients include “Cream Shiratama Zenzai,” “Tokoroten (agar noodles)”, and “Mamekan(bean jelly)”.
“Amai-ko” is a popular shop where lines can form. Many menu items sell out if you go too late in the afternoon, so it’s recommended to visit as early as possible if you have something specific in mind.
They normally operate until 6 PM, but they will close for the day once they run out of ingredients. Shaved ice is especially popular in the summer, and they often close as early as the 4 PM hour, particularly on weekends and holidays.
You can also write your name on a waiting sheet at the front of the store and step away for a while, so you don’t have to stand in line. However, be cautious: if your name is called and you’re not at the storefront, your turn will be skipped, and the next person will be served.
Amai-ko
Address: 〒167-0053 Tokyo, Suginami Ward, Nishi-Ogi Minami 2-20-4
Hours: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Phone: 03-3333-3023
Closed: Mondays (with irregular holidays for preparation)
Relatede Post
Nishi-Ogikubo: A Brilliant Tale Indeed – The Cafe “Typica,” Offering the “Seasonal Parfait” that Became an Explosive Hit on Social Media
Koenji: Time-slip back to those nostalgic days at “Azuma,” a sweet shop offering classic menus and desserts at affordable prices
Nishi-Ogikubo: “Nishiogi Sanji”, a popular traditional house cafe known for its Japanese-style jewel parfaits and gelato
Azabu Sabo: Take a Sigh of Relief, Enjoy the Change in Texture and Temperature with “Creamy Sweet Potato ~ Matcha Kintoki ~”
“Anniversaire Omotesando” will open a new patisserie named “CAKE” during its renovation in September