Tasting "KotoriP Custard Cake: Karon Coffee Room's Catalana Flavor"

The other day, I happened to find "KotoriP Custard Cake: Karon Coffee Room's Catalana Flavor" at my local supermarket. This product is a collaboration between Lotte Co., Ltd., the popular travel guide series KotoriP®, and the renowned café “Karon Coffee Room” in Sapporo, Hokkaido.

Although I haven't had the chance to visit "Karon Coffee Room" myself, I’ve been to Sapporo before. The main highlight of my trip back then was enjoying the breathtaking lavender fields in Furano during July. I vividly remember strolling through Sapporo’s bustling streets in search of delicious lamb BBQ (jingisukan). Thinking back now, I wish I had visited "Karon Coffee Room" during that trip. This collaboration product gave me a chance to savor its unique flavors, making me feel like I was there.

The custard cake has a fluffy texture and is infused with a slightly bitter caramel sauce, perfectly replicating the distinctive flavor of Catalana. The custard cream, made with Hokkaido fresh cream, has a delicate sweetness and a smooth texture, and the aroma of caramel wafts through your senses, creating a luxurious experience. Though I haven’t had the chance to try the original Catalana from “Karon Coffee Room,” this collaboration product certainly captures a sense of its essence.

That said, I must admit that the flavor is not exactly the same as the original. While the caramel sauce on its own is absolutely delicious, I found the custard cream’s hint of liquor a bit overpowering. As a result, the overall flavor felt slightly different from what I imagine the authentic Catalana to be like. However, for enjoying at home, this custard cake offers a delightful experience. The balance between the caramel and custard is just right, allowing me to immerse myself in a virtual travel experience from my kitchen.

Unfortunately, it might be difficult for those of you living overseas to get your hands on this limited-edition collaboration. Japanese confectionery companies, like Lotte, are known for creating unique, seasonal products and collaborating with local stores to bring special flavors to life. Products like KitKats with seasonal flavors or custard cakes based on popular café treats are often available only for a short period and in limited regions, making it hard for international fans to purchase them directly.

That’s why I’ve been working on creating a service to deliver these kinds of unique Japanese snacks to those of you outside of Japan. Under the provisional name “Oyatsu club Japan Mistery Tour”, I’m developing a product lineup that includes a variety of seasonal treats, limited-edition products, and collaborations with local cafés, just like this custard cake. My aim is to let you experience the flavors of Japan no matter where you are.

The website is currently under construction, so please stay tuned! I’m working hard to bring you a luxurious snack box that makes you feel as if you’re traveling through Japan with each bite. I hope you’re looking forward to it as much as I am!