Have you ever had a mochi donut? These delicious treats are irresistibly crunchy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside. They’re a perfect example of fusion food that really works and the first place to sell them in Amsterdam was Nobu.
Mochi donuts, or as they are otherwise known, poi mochi, are said to have originated in Hawaii. There, Japanese and American fusion cuisine has a long history. Charmaine Ocasek is credited with having created this tasty pastry back in 1992 and thank god she did!
They’re made using rice flour and tapioca, which gives them that fantastic chewiness but they’re fried like an American donut (or like ollibollen which is, after all, the original donut). The deep frying gives the outside a loves crispy texture.
At Nobu, you will find flavours like matcha, pistachio cream, and other, seasonal offerings. In June, you’ll find a condensed milk coffee mochi donut, a creamy raspberry version, and even a Javanese twist: dawet, which is a drink made from cendol, palm sugar, and coconut milk.
Mochi donuts aren’t the only delicious treats to be enjoyed at Nobu though. Check out their bao buns, which are served either fried or steamed.
These soft buns are filled with things like tempura shrimp, fried oyster mushrooms, and kimchi pork belly. At Nobu, you can also chow down on French toast, topped with drool-worthy ingredients like strawberries and cream or beef and egg.
The drinks at Nobu are equally tempting. You can enjoy iced tea with flavours like honeydew and lychee – perfect for a warm day in Amsterdam. There are also milk teas, to which you can add ingredients like jelly and tapioca. Plus, loads of delicious smoothies, coffees, and lattes.
Most of the food and drink at Nobu is available to takeaway and it’s open between 10 am – 6 pm, Wednesday to Sunday. So, you can enjoy breakfast or brunch by Keizersgracht canal at this lovely, central spot in the city.