Shiba Inu-shaped mochi balls are all the rage at two ultra-popular cafes

By MOOK Scenic Spots Kelly, compiled and reported
 
Nowadays, to catch customers' attention, many restaurants frequently introduce adorable-looking dishes or merchandise to attract consumers, allowing them to not only enjoy delicious food but also take out their phones or cameras to snap photos for social sharing. And recently, the highly talked-about dessert "shiba inu-shaped mochi balls" has become a focus of Instagram feeds, emerging as the latest super-popular sweet treat.

1. WakeWake WakeUp Studio

Located in Taoyuan, WakeWake WakeUp Studio specializes in super-cute shiba inu-shaped soy sauce mochi balls. Not only do they adapt the shiba inu designs to match various holidays and festivals, but they also pair the chewy and bouncy mochi with specially made sweet soy sauce, offering a unique dessert experience unlike any other. Although they operate on a reservation basis, this helps ensure ingredient freshness and proper portioning — each mochi is handcrafted to deliver the perfect texture, giving everyone the most satisfying flavor possible.

Aside from the adorable shiba inu soy sauce mochi balls, the drinks at WakeWake WakeUp Studio are also hugely popular. Their layered Calpis sparkling drinks combine the flavors of Calpis and fruit, with added jelly for texture, delighting both the eyes and the taste buds. WakeWake WakeUp Studio has now also opened a branch in Taipei’s Xinyi District, where it continues to draw crowds of visitors eager for photo ops.

[Info]
WakeWake WakeUp Studio
Taoyuan Main Store
Address: No. 29, Siwei Rd., Yangmei District, Taoyuan City
Business Hours: Weekdays 14:00–18:00, Holidays 11:00–18:00
Taipei Xinyi Store
Address: 6F, A11, Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Xinyi New World, Xinyi District
Business Hours: 11:00–22:00
 

2. Uji Matcha Sweet Q

Uji Matcha Sweet Q, located in New Taipei City’s Zhonghe District, is extremely popular among those who love matcha-flavored desserts. Its signature shiba inu-shaped matcha mochi balls have become a favorite among many for their adorable appearance. The chewy mochi balls are usually served with sweet soy sauce or black sugar syrup, both of which remain bestsellers. The “biting face” mochi ball, which looks like it’s biting into something, has also become a hit with customers, often becoming a must-order item.

Due to its adorable design and huge popularity, Uji Matcha Sweet Q has also created mochi balls in different colors and styles, and has even launched limited-edition strawberry and milk flavors, all of which are very popular with customers and have become bestsellers. The chewy mochi paired with special sauces like sweet soy sauce and black sugar syrup adds more depth to the flavor, and when enjoyed with their signature matcha beverages, offers a uniquely delightful experience.