Shangri-La Tokyo Introduces Mascot Bear-Themed Luxury Melon Kakigō

Shangri-La Tokyo, one of Tokyo's premier hotels, has launched its innovative melon-flavored 'kakigō' (Japanese shaved ice dessert) prepared specially for this summer season. Available to guests at the hotel's 'The Lobby Lounge', a lounge and bar located on the 28th floor known for its unique views, this special dessert was added to the menu starting 1 Temmuz. Kakigō, one of the indispensable refreshing flavors of the summer months, has been presented this year to the appreciation of food enthusiasts with a highly innovative design. Moving to a completely different concept from previous years, the dessert was designed based on the hotel's cute mascot 'Shangri-La Bear' (Shangri-La Bear). The product of intense labor and culinary arts, this specialty stands out with both its visual feast and the rich flavor palette it offers.

The dessert, shaped like the mascot bear, features striking details brought together by different and complementary ingredients. Macarons, specially prepared for the bear's ears, were used and filled with Earlgrey (Earl Grey) ganache. The bear's cute eyes and nose were expertly shaped using cocoa cream (crumble). Additionally, an innocent expression was added by forming the area around its mouth with Swiss meringue, known for its lightly sweet and baked texture. The dessert was further enriched in taste and texture by adding rare cheese (rare cheese) whipped cream and fragrant coconut flour on top.

At the center of the shaved ice dessert is the hotel's signature creation: 100% fruit juice obtained entirely from fresh melon, frozen and then shaved. Since this spectacular dessert is prepared using approximately one whole melon, it boasts a highly luxurious content. The serving vessel used for the dessert was created by taking a native Japanese 'Earl's Melon' (melon) fruit, cutting it in half, and hollowing it out to form a natural bowl. Sweet tofu made from almond milk and white chocolate chips were added inside this special bowl, adding a unique crunch to the dessert's texture. Alongside the generously placed melon-flavored shaved ice on top, ice cream made from rich Jersey milk made the dessert even more filling.

The 'Dubai-style chocolate grissini', a surprising flavor accompanying the dessert, is one of the most striking details of the menu. Filled with crispy kadayıf, pistachios, and white chocolate filling, these sticks are coated on the outside with dark chocolate. Later decorated with fine coconut flakes, this snack adds a sharp taste and a striking contrast to the refreshing nature of the shaved ice. Thanks to perfectly designed plating aesthetics, the rich aroma of the melon and the freshness of the ice achieve an incredible harmony with the intense taste of the pistachio chocolate. Thus, guests find the opportunity to experience both a traditional Japanese flavor and modern culinary trends at the same time.

This special summer menu is available from 1 Temmuz to 30 Eylül, between 11:00 and 23:00 (last order at 22:00). In addition to the dessert's price set at 6.050 Japanese Yen, a %15 service charge is applied. Opened in 2009 and celebrating its 17th anniversary this year, Shangri-La Tokyo has been awarded five stars by Forbes Travel Guide, a globally respected travel guide, for six consecutive years. Guests can use the hotel's website, phone number, or email address to get detailed information and make reservations regarding the dessert.