128kitchen is an online store based in Haymarket that produces handmade mochi.
This Watermelon and Rose Mochimisu ($22.00) is one of their most popular items.
It’s 10 x 10 x 5 cm and consisted of rose-flavoured mascarpone cream between layers of rose-infused lady fingers, fresh watermelon and mochi made with watermelon purée, and topped with rose petals and cubes of watermelon and mochi.
The ‘mochimisu’ far exceeded our expectations in both taste and texture. The ladyfingers were well-soaked to be sufficiently moist and soft, while the gentle acidity and sweetness from the fresh watermelon paired easily cut through with the sweet creaminess of the rose-flavoured marscapone, which was light and used in perfect moderation. The mochi layer could be easily cut through with a spoon yet remained stretchy and soft while delivering a subtle fruitiness. The repetition of the cubes of watermelon, mochi and rose petals on the top added just that extra pop of flavour. Overall, this is a very refreshing and light dessert, well worth the calories.
This pair is their Lychee Rose and Lychee Mochi Cream ($14.00). Each mochi is around 6 x 6 x 3 cm in size.
The Lychee Mochi Cream consisted of mochi wrapped around an interior of rose-flavoured marscapone cream and lychee flesh.
The mochi had the same pillowy softness as the mochimisu, while the dairy notes of the cream dominated the flavour, without enough of the tropical floral notes of the (canned) lychees coming through.
The Lychee Rose Mochi Cream consisted of mochi wrapped around an interior of rose-flavoured marscapone cream and lychee flesh.
This was almost identical to the previous in terms of texture and flavour, with a subtle rose hint to the cream.
Overall, we’re a fan of the mochimisu but the mochi creams were a miss, especially in comparison to the superior ones — both in terms of texture, taste and size — from Mochipang that are similarly priced.
128kitchen is located online with orders available for delivery, pickup from Haymarket NSW 2000 or purchase from Thai Kee IGA Supermarket at 9/13 Hay St, Haymarket NSW 2000.