Overview
If it's a culinary hit in Japan, odds are that Harajuku Gyoza will bring it Down Under. If it's a dumpling- or dessert-related food mashup, the chain with outposts in Sydney, Brisbane and on the Gold Coast is likely serving it up as well. The brand's new Mont Blanc air cheesecakes tick both boxes, riffing on Mont Blanc desserts with a Japanese air cheesecake spin.
Already the home of raindrop cakes, as well as pop-up sweet versions of its go-to savoury dishes such as lemon meringue gyoza, marshmallow gyoza and Ferrero Rocher dumplings, Harajuku Gyoza has now combined the air cheesecakes that've been on its menu since 2022 with the vermicelli-style Mont Blanc. Forget chestnut puree, which traditionally features in the latter dish — this one makes its strands from white bean paste.
So, whether you're tucking into gyoza or bao first, or just heading in for dessert, you'll be eating a fluffy piped cheesecake that's topped with strands in either strawberry or matcha, plus ice cream. The flavour dictates the colour, too, so you'll either be going pink or green with your $18 dish.
Gleaning inspiration from Chacha Futatsume in Tokyo and Malebranche in Kyoto, these two-in-one takes on viral desserts are on offer at Harajuku Gyoza's four Australian stores: at Darling Harbour in Sydney; at South Bank and the CBD in Brisbane; and in Broadbeach on the Gold Coast.
While cheeseburger gyoza, which is stuffed with burger pieces, aged cheddar, onion, pickles, mustard and tomato sauce, is a mainstay on the brand's menu, its limited-time dishes have previously included mac 'n' cheese and pepperoni dumplings, charcoal karaage chicken fondue, and bao in gingerbread and pavlova varieties.
Harajuku Gyoza is no stranger to bringing the Japanese stars behind viral dishes this way, either, with Chef Motokichi Yukimura from Kyoto's Kichi Kichi hitting Australia back in February and March with his omurice. He's returning for winter, making July stops in both Sydney and Brisbane — but all sittings are already sold out.
Harajuku Gyoza's Mont Blanc air cheesecakes are available at all Australian stores — at Darling Harbour in Sydney, South Bank and the CBD in Brisbane, and in Broadbeach on the Gold Coast. Head to the chain's website for more details.