Boba cake: vanilla cake roll with embedded boba I did a double-take when I first saw this cake. Could boba actually be placed inside a baked dessert (and survive)? This was a really great vanilla cake that had cream inside it flavored with a hint of milk tea. The tapioca balls inside were also quite tender, although not as springy as those in a boba drink. I would give this a thumbs-up as a unique dessert, but for the most part, I still prefer drinking pearl milk tea. … [Read more...]
Foodie Friday: Chocolate Dobash Cake
October 9, 2020 Leave a Comment
Chocolate dobash cake: moist cake with thick frosting I got this at a local Hawaiian bakery as a treat. My friend has been raving about dobash cake for a while, so I'm glad I finally tried it out. This is definitely a winner. The cake itself is moist and fluffy, reminding me of chiffon cake. Despite the thick layer of frosting, it's not overly sweet and has a pudding-like texture. Maybe, like my friend, I should get a dobash cake every year for my birthday... Fun fact: The dobash … [Read more...]
Foodie Friday: Ginger Cake
February 21, 2020 Leave a Comment
Ginger cake: local baked goodie made with lots of ginger and spices This is a kind of cake roll made specially at a local bakery. My friend told me that it’s a seasonal item. The rich spices, which include a heavy dose of ginger, provide winter immunity. It’s got a ton of flavor, including ginger, cloves, and cinnamon. Think of it as the baked love child of a cinnamon roll and a gingerbread cookie. Delicious and good for you? That’s a winner in my book! … [Read more...]
Foodie Friday: Japanese Cheesecake
June 7, 2019 Leave a Comment
Japanese cheesecake: light, airy cake with a hint of sweetness I heard the hype surrounding Japanese cheesecake, so I dropped by a branch of Uncle Tetsu's (est. 1985) to try a slice. I must admit, it's an adorable cake (I mean, look at the cute chef stamped on it!). The cheesecake tastes more like a fluffy sponge cake, with intense cheese flavor that overpowers the slight sugar in the recipe. Sorry, Uncle Tetsu, but I just didn't enjoy it. Maybe because I was expecting the typical … [Read more...]
Foodie Friday: Panda Cake
September 15, 2017 2 Comments
Panda cake: an animal-shaped moon cake I've written about mooncakes before. If you want to know their historical significance, check out my past blog post. Yes, it's time once more for the mid-Autumn Festival. This year it's happening on October 4th. I couldn't resist tasting this animal-shaped panda cake, though. It's got a traditional filling of lotus seed paste but in a super cute shape! Fun fact: I grabbed my box from a nearby Costco. That's right, now you can stock up! … [Read more...]
Foodie Friday: Paradise Cake
October 7, 2016 2 Comments
Paradise cake: three layers of tropical flavor I'm not sure if this cake is labeled "paradise" because it's inspired by the beautiful island of Hawaii, or if it's due to the spectacular flavors in it. I also love the three colors; the rainbow spread makes me feel so happy! This fluffy chiffon cake boasts the flavors of lime, guava, and passion fruit. Yum! … [Read more...]
Foodie Friday: Fried Radish Cake
November 6, 2015 2 Comments
Fried radish cake: square cake made of white radish; often served at dim sum This dim sum dish is a staple when I go yum cha. It's made from a white radish known as daikon. The texture is soft on the inside, but there's a crisp outside edge to it. I like lo bat go either plain, or sometimes, with a side of hoisin sauce. My aunt used to make these from scratch--and my mom, too. It takes a big steamer and a long wait, while the cloying scent floats in the air and seems to permeate even the … [Read more...]
Foodie Friday: Chinese Sponge Cake
July 31, 2015 4 Comments
Chinese sponge cake: light and airy cakes Chinese sponge cake is full of simple goodness. The recipe requires a minimal amount of ingredients. The interesting thing about Chinese sponge cakes is that they're steamed, making them especially light in texture. Sponge cakes bring me back to my youth when we'd eat these as childhood treats. Name a favorite childhood treat. … [Read more...]
Foodie Friday: Ube Cake
July 4, 2014 4 Comments
Ube cake: chiffon cake made with purple yams I really love this bright violet color! It cheers me up whenever I see it. This is a light cake that really gives you the yummy yam flavor (that's if you like root vegetables, though). On a side note, I tend to confuse taro with ube (sorry, Filipino friends), but now I stand corrected: Taro usually white, or maybe a light purple poisonous if eaten raw called "elephant ears" Ube dark purple in color grows on vine above … [Read more...]
Foodie Friday: Asian Cake
June 14, 2013 2 Comments
Asian cake: a lighter version of an American cake, often topped with a variety of fresh fruitI think I made up the term, "Asian cake," but there is a difference between a cake found at an Asian bakery versus an American one. Asian cakes tend to be lighter and fluffier, with their frosting having more of a whipped cream texture. They also incorporate a lot of fresh fruit, on top and inside the cake. The above cake for an early Father's Day celebration has taro inside it. Indeed, my wedding cake … [Read more...]
