Kirby’s Dream Land x Tsuruya Yoshinobu monaka collection

Kirby – our favourite pink alien hero from Kirby’s Dream Land – will be collaborating with famous Kyoto confectionery maker Tsuruya Yoshinobu for their autumn monaka collection. 

Monaka is a type of Japanese sweet made of red bean paste sandwiched between two crisp mochi wafers. It is one of Tsuruya Yoshinobu’s specialities, and from 15th October 2020 to 30th November 2020, they’ll be selling monaka that look like Kirby and Waddle Dee.

Kirby’s Dream Land x Tsuruya Yoshinobu collaboration

Kirby Monaka 1 - kirby monaka set tsuruya yoshinobu
Image credit: PR Times

This fall, Tsuruya Yoshinobu will be teaming up with Kirby for a limited edition autumn monaka collection. The sale of this special Kirby-themed monaka will run from 15th October 2020 to 30th November 2020. You can get them from the Tsuruya Yoshinobu Official Online Shop or at selected Tsuruya Yoshinobu outlets. 

Besides the usual red bean flavour, Tsuruya Yoshinobu will also be offering monaka stuffed with a special chestnut red bean paste. The confectioner is well known for their chestnuts marinated in honey. For the special flavour, they combined chopped honey chestnuts together with the red bean paste. 

Kirby Monaka 2 - kirby monaka
Image credit: PR Times

Normally, monaka comes pre-packed with the bean paste already nestled between the wafers, but the ones from Tsuruya Yoshinobu comes with the bean paste and wafers packaged separately. 

This allows consumers to add the filling based on their preferences. By keeping the ingredients separate, the wafers are also kept fresh and crispy.

Kirby Monaka 3 - monaka diagram from tsuruya yoshinobu
Image credit: PR Times

Tsuruya Yoshinobu has made a helpful diagram demonstrating how to assemble the sweet treat. All you have to do is scoop the bean paste filling from the can, place it on the bottom wafer, and cover it with a Kirby or Waddle Dee wafer on top.  

2 packages to choose from

Kirby Monaka 4 - kirby monaka package 1
Chestnut red bean set
Image credit: PR Times

There are 2 flavours of monaka available for sale – chestnut red bean paste and ogura-an, which is a mixture of mashed and whole red beans. 

The monaka sets will be sold in 2 sets. The first package comes with a single can of chestnut red bean paste (¥1,782, ~USD16.90), while the 2nd set ¥3,456 (~USD32.78) includes both flavours.

Kirby Monaka 5 - kirby monaka package 2
Chestnut red bean and ogura-an set
Image credit: PR Times

Each monaka set will also include monaka mochi wafers with Kirby and Waddle Dee designs, as well as a spatula for scooping the bean paste. 

DIY your own monaka using the ingredients

Kirby Monaka 6 - kirby monaka fall treat
Image credit: PR Times

The official Tsuruya Yoshinobu website gives you suggestions on how to make the monaka treat even tastier. Besides sandwiching the bean paste in the middle of the mochi wafers, you can also try adding ice cream, white bean paste, or seasonal fruits.  

Kirby Monaka 7 - kirby monaka parfait
Image credit: PR Times

You can even try your hand at making a homemade parfait with the ingredients from the monaka set. Follow the recipe below to make your own Kirby or Waddle Dee parfait. 

Ingredients:

  • Brown sugar
  • Matcha powder (Optional) 
  • Hot water
  • Canned anmitsu 
  • Castella 
  • Whipped cream
  • Vanilla or matcha ice cream
  • Shiratama dango
  • Seasonal fruits 
  • Monaka wafers 
  • Chestnut red bean paste or ogura-an

Steps:

  1. Make the black honey by mixing brown sugar and hot water until well combined. Or if you are making the matcha honey, mix the matcha powder with sugar and hot water until well combined. 
  2. Next, pour some of the honey mixture into the parfait glass. 
  3. Add the canned anmitsu into the glass. 
  4. Then, dice the castella and add them into your parfait. 
  5. Squeeze a layer of the whipped cream into the glass.
  6. Next, add a scoop of ice cream and some bean paste according to your preference. 
  7. Lastly, top the parfait with the shiratama dango, seasonal fruits, and wafers.  

Kirby’s Dream Land x Tsuruya Yoshinobu Fall collaboration

The Kirby-themed monaka is a cute and sweet treat that’s perfect for autumn. Get a set from the online store or from the physical outlets listed below. 

Tsuruya Yoshinobu IRODORI
Address: 8-3 Shimogyo Ward, Higashishiokoji-cho, 600-8215 Kyoto
Opening hours: 10AM-8PM, Daily
Telephone: 075-574-7627
Website

Kyoto Famous Confectionery (Miyako branch)
Address: 2F Kyoto Station Building, 3-1-1 901, Higashishiokoji-cho, Karasuma-dori Shiokoji-dori, Shimogyo-ku, 600-8216 Kyoto
Opening hours: 8.30AM-9PM, Daily
Telephone: 075-343-0288
Website

Tsuruya Yoshinobu (Tokyo store)
Address: 31F COREDO Muromachi, 1-5-5, Chuou-ku Nihombashimuromachi, 103-0022 Tokyo
Opening hours: 11AM-7PM, Daily
Telephone: 03-3243-0551
Website

Tsuruya Yoshinobu Toranomon Hills store
Address: 1F Toranomon Hills Business Tower, 1-17-1, Toranomon, Minato-ku, 105-6401 Tokyo
Opening hours: 11AM-7PM, Daily
Telephone: 03-6811-1116
Website

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Cover image adapted from: PR Times, PR Times

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