Shirokuma

It seems at first that the odds are against Shirokuma.

First of all, it is tucked along PIK’s street that is lined with restaurants, including a few dessert stores. Secondly, given that it is a dessert focused store, it faces much cut-throat competition from familiar names in the area such as Taiwanese desserts Hong Tang, Black Ball and Japanese dessert joint Sumoboo.

I cringe at the thought of another similar concept. I have to admit the Shirokuma experience has proved me wrong, When I arrived, there was a snaking line of patrons in front of this Japanese inspired shophouse.

Further crushing my skepticism, Shirokuma offers its own unique angle on dessert and deserves a two thumbs up.

The owner, Michelle Widjaja herself, graciously took the time to explain each of her products in detail that day to The Fat Corner team.

Credit to the store’s overwhelming crowd definitely goes to her, having spent close to half a year to create the perfect mix and sourcing quality ingredients.

It is no wonder that Shirokuma’s star product; the matcha (green tea) soft serve ice-cream, hits some very high notes.

 

MatchaAnmitsu – Rp29k

The matcha ice cream is the base for most of the dessert combination found here.

It tasted creamy, smooth and thick, but most importantly, has a pleasantly strong matcha flavor that was so lacking in your typical green tea ice cream.

The condiments, such as matcha jelly, azuki beans and shiratama (dango/mochi) were very suitable and well thought out pairings.

 

MatchaShiratama Float – Rp33k

I specially loved the parfaits. Along with the usual toppings, it has an extra cornflake layer, allowing for a nice contrasting texture in my mouth.

A well-balanced dessert in both sweetness and texture.

 

Shiratama parfait – Rp35k

Chocolate parfait (Rp37k) & Matcha Cake parfait (Rp37k)

Shirokuma’s take on snow affogato is interesting. You get the chance to melt the neatly placed soft cotton candy into the soft serve with espresso.

I wouldn’t say that its normal (white-colored) soft serve is the best I have ever tasted, but who could resist a hands-on dining experience?

 

Snow Affogato- Rp35k

Snow MatchaAffogato – Rp35k

Of course, knowing that dessert alone would not satisfy her hungry customers, Michelle has thoughtfully included some intriguing savory menu for this chic Japanese dessert café.

Here’s to Indonesia’s own Japadogs!

 

KuroJapadog (Teriyaki sauce, mayonnaise, nori) – Rp43k

It’s hard to find decent pork sausage in Indonesia, so I was quite amazed that Michelle had managed to found a good supplier.

The sausages were incredibly juicy and tender. Perfect with the soft bun that is finished off with rich mayonnaise and fragrant seaweed topping.

 

Okonomi dog (Okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, nori) – Rp42k

Tonkatsu dog (battered sausage, tonkatsu sauce, mayonnaise) – Rp45k

Michelle obviously saved the best for the last. The deep-fried oreos was ingenious.

Arguably the only restaurant locally serving doughnut dough deep-fried oreos, it reminds me of the sinfully delicious deep-fried Mars I had in Bondi beach, Sydney.

 

Deep fried oreos – Rp29k

A return visit is certain given that I’m an avid matcha fan. It serves one of the best matcha soft serve in Jakarta.

Did I mention they have a decent coffee machine serving Tanamera beans (read our review here)?  I recommend you to come during odd hours as this café only seats 60 people and it is typically full!

 

Food: |***  |     Ambience: |*** |     Price: This was a closed event for invited guests only.

Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 11 am-10 pm; Fri-Sun 11 am – 12 am

Location: Ruko Crown Golf Block A No. 32, Pantai Indah Kapuk, Jakarta.

Telephone: +62 21 2923 7523

Posted by TheFatCorner