Traditional warabi mochi usually lasts for only a few days due to its high water content, which can cause it to spoil. However, the Kyo-Nishijin Kasho Souzen, a wagashi cafe in Kyōto, created kushi warabi mochi, which can be stored at room temperature for up to three months or kept in the refrigerator for a chewier or cooler mouthfeel. Each kushi, or skewer, has three pieces of warabi mochi.

The Kyōto Mizuo Yuzu flavour contained yuzu embedded into the warabi mochi. This is the flavour most recommended one for consuming chilled.

The pieces were opaque and light yellow in colour with a fresh yuzu aroma. Consumed chilled, the mochi was soft with the usual tenderness of warabi mochi but with a drier mouthfeel that gave it the moreish chewy quality of typical mochi. The yuzu flavour infused every bite with its refreshing taste that was gently zesty with a balanced sweetness and acidity. This was our favourite of the three flavours we tried.

The Sakura flavour contained sakura powder embedded into the warabi mochi.

The pieces were opaque and deep pink in colour with a bright floral aroma of sakura blossoms. Consumed chilled, the flavour of the sakura was more mellow, coming through as a gentle floral undertone, with the dusted kinako giving the briefest hint of savoury to recall pickled sakura blossoms, before a sweetness dominated the finish and the sakura returned to linger subtly in the aftertaste.

The Kinako flavour contained kinako, or roasted soybean flour.

The pieces were opaque and tan in colour with a gentle nutty aroma of roasted soybeans. Tasting chilled, the mochi had a much softer and wetter texture than the other two flavours and was much closer to the mouthfeel of regular warabi mochi. The notes of kinako came through gently, first from the powder dusted on the surface and then in combination with a deep sweetness that gave the kinako a surprisingly spiced hint that recalled cinnamon yet without actually containing it as an ingredient.

These warabi mochi captured their flavours remarkably well and their kushi format made them a convenient light and refreshing snack.

These Kyo-Nishijin Kasho Souzen Kushi Warabi Mochi contained 33.6 g each. They were produced in Japan and purchased in Sydney, Australia in 2022.