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Fun fact: Kumori, in Japanese means cloudy.
While that may have you thinking of gray and gloomy weather, a bite off Kumori’s signature Hanjuku Cheesecake will have you imaging those fluffy white clouds inside instead.
Kumori Japanese Bakery gave Metro Manila a 1-2 punch of an entrance, opening in two locations almost simultaneously. Both kiosks, selling Japanese breads and pastries, are found in Makati.
Kumori Japanese Bakery is a grab-and-go kind of a thing. Japanese goodies are displayed in glasses to be enjoyed at home — within two days, please, because breads, pastries, cakes here don’t contain any additives and preservatives. They are proud of the fact that they only sell natural and handmade breads and pastries — no softeners or stabilizer or emulsifiers here.
A surprising thing to hear especially after trying the Hanjuku Cheesecake (PHP48). We are persistent about the cheesecake because it is easily the early favorite, and possibly the banner item that will carry the brand to popularity.
It comes as a palm-size treat, with a paper hugging the cake to maintain its form, and as Japanese items go, are individually wrapped in plastic. Carefully undress the packaging, and take a bite. A reminder: please, don’t wharf it down your mouth. Relish its soft and airy texture. And then notice the mousse-like mouthfeel. Lovely, isn’t it?
It also has a chocolate variant, which is just as delightful — nothing too sweet, or too creamy.
Kumori sells it per piece or in a box of five. We suggest you get the latter.
Of course, Kumori offers other bread variants, similar to bakeries from Asia that we’re already familiar with. There are savory variants like the Salmon Bonito (PHP55), which is filled with salmon filling. ‘Dessert breads’ like the Fuwa Fuwa Cream Bun (PHP58) comes aplenty in Kumori. As, of course, regular breadstore finds like the croissant (PHP55).
But if you’re going to try just one thing (which is impossible, but we’re willing to make the case), let it be the Hanjuku Cheese.
Basement, Landmark Makati, Ayala Center. Mon-Sat, 8:30am-9:30pm. Sun, 8:30am-8:30pm. +63 2 8943306. Lower Ground Floor, SM Makati. 10am-9pm.
Fuwa-Fuwa Cream Bun (PHP55)
Match Soft Bun (PHP58)
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