Azuma-ya

Shiratama anmitsu brings together sweetness, the chewy texture of rice-flour dumplings and the freshness of fruit. Diners who have tried it at Azuma-ya mention how well the dumplings go with the sweet bean paste, as well as the lightness of the fruit. The shiratama anmitsu is 900 yen and comes with roasted green tea. A hot drink between bites is a welcome part of the experience.

The anmitsu menu also includes cream anmitsu and anmitsu topped with soft serve. One diner who chose the cream anmitsu wished there had been a little more salted pea, a point to note if you particularly enjoy the beans. A diner who tried mamekan, a bean-based sweet, remembered the saltiness and firmness of the beans. You can choose between the added creaminess of soft serve and letting the beans take centre stage.

For a chilled sweet, consider the shaved ice with matcha soft serve and Uji red beans (1,100 yen) or shaved ice with strawberry and soft serve (950 yen). Both come with roasted green tea. Vanilla, matcha and mixed soft serve are also available on their own for 550 yen each, served with tea.

There are savoury options too, including Napolitan and omurice. One diner described the Napolitan noodles as al dente, with a rich sauce seasoned with herbs and pepper. It makes for an easy choice on a day when you want to follow a meal with something sweet.