Korean Sweets Boom! A Wagashi Enthusiast Tries the Trend – Are They Worth the Hype?

OYOPPI COFFEE

Oyoppi Coffee quickly gained attention by being one of the first to introduce “Amanchu,” an innovative drink that became a huge trend in South Korea last summer. The name “Amanchu” is an abbreviation of the Korean phrase “Iced Tea Mango Addition” and refers to a drink made by adding frozen mango chunks to peach iced tea. As the mango softens, you can mash it with a straw and mix it thoroughly, transforming it into an incredibly fruity iced tea.

A popular innovative sweet at Oyoppi Coffee is the “Croffle”—a combination of croissant and waffle. The croissant dough is cooked in a waffle maker, resulting in a crispy exterior with a chewy interior. With six different toppings like raspberry and Oreo, it pairs perfectly with the drink menu.

Ordered Items (Prices Include Tax)

〇 Raspberry Croffle – ¥900
A new-style dessert made by pressing croissant dough in a waffle maker. It achieves a crispy outside and a chewy inside. Comes with six topping options: Raspberry, Oreo, Lotus, Tiramisu, Choco Banana, and Ice Cream.

〇 Brûlée Basque Cheesecake – ¥800
Available in three varieties: Basque Cheesecake, Brûlée Basque Cheesecake, and a seasonal flavor. Known for its smooth texture and mild sweetness. The Brûlée Basque Cheesecake is topped with sugar and torched to create a caramelized, crispy surface.

〇 Amanchu – ¥750
A drink featuring peach iced tea topped with frozen mango chunks. As the mango melts, you crush and mix it with a straw, creating a naturally sweet and fruity iced tea that stays delicious until the last sip.

■ Oyoppi Coffee ■  Address: 2F, 2-31-18 Ōkubo, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0072. Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Fridays, Saturdays & Holiday Eves until 10:30 PM).

By the time I wrapped up my café-hopping adventure in Shin-Okubo, I had been completely swept up in the wave of Korean trends. I used to prefer traditional Japanese sweets with subtle sweetness, yet here I was, already searching on my phone, wondering, “Which dessert should I try next?”

After all, it’s not just about being Instagram-worthy—these treats are genuinely delicious, which explains why so many people are willing to line up for them.

So, where should I go next weekend? One thing’s for sure—Shin-Okubo’s evolution isn’t slowing down anytime soon.