Yes, technically Kantaro eats three bowls of mamekan in this particular episode, but I don’t think I quite have the stamina for that, and I definitely don’t have time to visit the three restaurants over multiple days. As much as I wish I had unlimited time in Tokyo, the clock is ticking.
Umemura actually has a pretty decent selection of traditional Japanese desserts on their menu, but of course, I was there for the mamekan.
Mamekan is basically a pared-down version of anmitsu, another Kantaro-approved dessert. It’s really simple: it’s just agar jelly cubes, beans, and syrup.
It’s quite good. The meaty beans contrast nicely with the firm jelly cubes, and the dark syrup adds a nice punch of sweetness that doesn’t overwhelm. It also has an almost fruity, vaguely raisin-like flavour that gives the dessert some extra personality.
Location: 3 Chome-22-12 Asakusa, Taitō-ku, Tōkyō-to 111-0032
How to find it: There’s no English on the sign, and no window to peek in, so I wasn’t sure I was in the right place until I actually walked in. Look for the red awning with big white letters.
Featured in: Kantaro: The Sweet Tooth Salaryman, Season 1, Episode 3