One treat that I’ve surprisingly never had in Epcot’s Japan pavilion is Kakigori. I guess I’m usually busy ordering a Kirin, but it’s something that I’ve wanted to try for quite some time. With some unseasonably warm weather in the region, I decided it was as good of a time as any to order one!
Flavors include Strawberry, Melon, Cherry, Mikan (Tangerine) or Rainbow, and cost $3.50. Specialty toppings can be added for a dollar each and include Sweet Milk, Sweet Strawberry and Sweet Cherry. I wanted to keep in simple for my first one, so I ordered Cherry, one of my favorite flavors.
The ice used in the kakigori here is not the more traditional fluffy, shaved ice variety. The crystals are more like beads and crunch while you chew before melting away. It reminded me of the difference between a Slush Puppy and and Icee or Slurpee. The crystals held up in the warm air, and the syrup slowly made its way to the bottom of the treat. I’m sure it melts a good deal faster in the summer! The cherry flavor wasn’t overly sweet like some of the frozen drinks you can buy in the parks, and seemed to have a different flavor than many of the corn-syrupy, artificial ones found in them either.
I’m certainly sold on the Kakigori. It costs less than the slush drinks and doesn’t hurt your teeth with sweetness like some of them can. I’m looking forward to trying the other flavors and toppings as well. It will be a refreshing item to enjoy as spring and summer make their way to town!
Which is your favorite Kakigori flavor? Let us know!
I think I only had the strawberry one… which I liked… but I want to try the melon flavored one…
I’m a bit wary on melon flavored items as sometimes it can taste “fake,” but I’d certainly give it a chance here!