It was time for dessert, and my nephew had a spot he was keen to try. So we all headed over with a bit of excitement—this eatery makes its own gelato, and you can get it wrapped in a mochi shell to create what they call a “Moochie ball.”

Despite the cold night, the place buzzed with people lining up for gelato. The flavour selection was unique, with all options inspired by Japanese ingredients. I went with the Yaki-Imo Cream Cheese flavour, paired with honeycomb toffee and wrapped in mochi. The mochi skin was thin and soft, complementing the richness of the ice cream perfectly. It was a really cool experience, and the flavour I chose worked particularly well—rich, but very enjoyable.

In addition to ice cream, the place also offers a variety of Japanese dishes for lunch and dinner. But judging by the crowd after 8 p.m., it’s clear that most people come for the dessert. It’s well worth a visit, and I can see how this place has become popular.

Website: Hareruya Pantry