In Obihiro City, Hokkaido, “Tokachi Totepop Factory” offers sweets made with high-quality ingredients from Tokachi, one of the finest in the region. Their monthly parfait, the “Shima Enaga Parfait,” known for its adorable appearance, is especially popular.
Related Photos:Here are 11 other images, including the adorable and popular sweet Shima Enaga Parfait, which is boosting Obihiro City
Located near the site of the former Tokachi Railway tracks, the store’s name, “Totetsu,” is a combination of the abbreviation for “Tokachi Railway” (“Tokachi Tetsudo”) and the sound of a train whistle (“Poppo”). The affectionate nickname for this railway is “Totepo.”
The menu takes advantage of the region’s focus on dairy and agriculture, using only Tokachi-produced sugar, cheese, and milk. During holidays such as Golden Week and Obon, the store sees long lines of customers. People from both Japan and abroad flock to the store, particularly for the “Shima Enaga Parfait” and the “Natural Cheesecake.”
The parking lot is spacious, but on busy days, it can be so crowded that it becomes difficult to find a spot. The interior lighting is calm, making good use of natural light. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom, allowing visitors to enjoy the season with both their taste and sight. It’s about a 5-minute drive from Obihiro Station. The area around the store also has many supermarkets, chain stores, cafes, and convenience stores. The building is black and located in a natural setting, so the entrance can be a bit hard to find.
The store-exclusive eat-in menu item, the “Shima Enaga Parfait,” often sells out in less than an hour after being offered starting at 11 AM, even on weekdays. It features seasonal ingredients each month, and the size of the glass is adjusted to maintain a balanced taste experience as you eat.
The charming “Shima Enaga Parfait” is offered with the same content every month. Inside the light and airy cheese mousse, there is plenty of blueberry jam as an accent. Beneath that, the tart crust is filled with ruby chocolate ganache.
The fluffy texture of the Shima Enaga Parfait is achieved using premium eggs called “Kometuyu,” sourced from a poultry farm in Otofuke Town, Tokachi. These eggs, known for their white yolks, are used to create a pure white sponge that is sprinkled on the surface, giving it a fluffy appearance.
The limited flavor for May features matcha as the main ingredient. One highlight is the Memuro peanuts, which can only be tasted in this parfait. With the branding of Memuro peanuts from Tokachi, this month’s parfait includes three varieties: MemPi Cream, MemPi Dacquoise, and MemPi Blancmange.
The MemPi Cream, in particular, offers a robust peanut flavor and aroma, with a light texture that pairs well with matcha and other ingredients. It is not overly traditional, making it a taste that even children can enjoy. The parfait also includes shiratama (rice flour dumplings), candied chestnuts, sweet red bean paste, MemPi Dacquoise, and warabi mochi, providing a delightful variety of textures.
Another standout product is the “Natural Cheesecake Assortment Box.” This signature item, available since the company’s founding, represents the essence of Totetsu Factory. It is a popular item that can be purchased outside the store as well. Made with 95% Tokachi ingredients, this baked cheesecake is produced in a dedicated factory. The standard flavors are “Hokkaido Fromage” and “Camembert Fromage,” and there are additional flavors available for mail order and store-exclusive options, including chocolate, tiramisu, haskap (blue honeysuckle), and strawberry milk.
The cheesecakes offer a satisfying experience, with a robust cheese flavor and a smooth, creamy texture. They are made to be light and not overwhelming, allowing you to enjoy as much as you like. This is achieved by combining mascarpone cheese and cream cheese.
The “Camembert Fromage,” which emphasizes the cheese flavor, includes a blend of Camembert cheese in addition to the other cheeses. It offers a smooth cheese texture combined with the crispy tart crust. The “Hokkaido Fromage” is designed to be easy to eat even for those who are not usually fond of cheesecake.
Tokachi Totepop Factory
Address: 6-3-1 Nishi 6-jo Minami, Obihiro City, Hokkaido
Phone: 0155-21-0101 (Totepop Factory Shop Reception)
Official Website
https://www.toteppo-factory.com/
Interview, Photography, and Text by: yume
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