Japanese desserts bring something new and versatile to our regular British or American dessert culture. Not overly sweet like American desserts, or fancy like French patisseries, Japanese desserts are considerably easy and fun. Here are few classic Japanese desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth, beyond your typical pies and pancakes.

Strawberry Shiratama Dango

Mochi is one of the most iconic Japanese desserts. Shiratama Dango is a mochi dish usually containing plain or flavored mochis, and is served with ice cream or drizzled with condensed milk on top. Strawberry flavored Shiratama Dango is a special summer treat for its refreshing fruity taste. It is an easy assemble dish with a straightforward mochi recipe.

Dorayaki

Dorayaki is a type of Japanese pancake that comes in a sandwiched form or with filling. The filling inside is traditionally made with sweet azuki bean paste, which is a widely used ingredient in East Asian desserts. Today, it is commonly made with red bean paste. Dorayaki is a perfect option for a sweet breakfast or a light evening snack.

Fluffy Cheesecake

Fluffy cheesecake is probably one of the most widely populated Japanese desserts, caused by the fluffiness being a signature Japanese technique, mostly used in making cheesecakes and pancakes. Unlike a common dense American cheesecake, this Japanese version is famous for its airy and jiggly texture. This particular texture in any cake batter can be achieved by whipping eggs perfectly and then baking it in the oven for the exact right amount of time and using a water bath.

Daigaku Imo

Daigaku Imo is candied Japanese sweet potato dish. Japanese sweet potatoes have a rich natural caramel-y taste, making them perfect for a dessert option on their own. This popular dish levels them up with a glaze made mixing sugar and soy sauce together. Garnishing sesame seeds on top will lend the dish texture and a light crunch.

The most visited city in Morocco, Marrakech is famous for many things like its markets, museums, and now for its many, many restaurants. The young blood of the city, both natives and ex-pats, have expanded on the traditional fare like couscous and Moroccan mint tea and added a twist to the city’s food. From cozy neighborhood cafés to a five-star dining experience, here are three hidden gems of Marrakech’s restaurant scene for you to enjoy!

L’Mida

L’Mida takes the exotics flavors of Morocco and turns them into something new. Nargisse Benkabbou, who wrote the cookbook My Moroccan Fame, was brought in to oversee the menu and her unique approach to the food has made this restaurant a Marrakech gem. Bankabbou has put a new twist on the flavors of her mother country and now diners can enjoy dishes like spiced meatballs on yogurt topped with a fiery pil-pil sauce, and spanking fresh sea bream with sweet and sour chermoula poke bowls. A heavenly spin on food indeed!

Kabana

If you are looking for a side of dancing with your food, Kabana is the place to check out. A darling with Marrakech’s young party crowd, this rooftop restaurant takes a bold approach and marries the flavors of Morocco with those from around the world. Try the Oualidia king crab sushi with asparagus and tobiko or meltingly tender lamb brochettes with boulghroul salads for a lip-smacking experience. But make sure to reserve in advance as walk-ins are near impossible here!

Restaurant El Bahja

This restaurant, which is famous for its succulent mutton tagine, is equivalent to your neighborhood canteen providing budgeted but mind-blowing food. El Bahja stands out among the many other similar restaurants because it still uses a traditional barbecue to grill vegetables for cooked Moroccan salads and brochettes. You can also score one kg of the legendary tangia or lamb mechouia if you book a day in advance!