Where to Get Hawaii’s Multicultural Mochi on Oahu

Hawaii loves its mochi, and nowhere is that more apparent than at these Oahu stores.

How does Hawaii like its mochi? Let us count the ways. No matter which culture these tasty tidbits are from, they’re made from sugar, rice and everything nice, and we’re into that. Here are some places on Oahu to get your local-style, Korean, Chinese, Japanese or Filipino mochi fix.

Modern

Peace Café’s vegan cakes come in splashy flavors, such as these two eye-catchers in green tea almond and tangy blueberry lemon. 2239 S. King St., Honolulu.

Korean

Korean rice cakes are harder and less sugary than Japanese mochi, but these pretty kulduk balls from Korean grocery store Hae Dong Sang Hoe have a syrupy filling for added sweetness. 1213 10th Ave., Honolulu.

Local

It’s not a potluck without butter mochi, a cake-y creation that’s just as decadent as it sounds, found at grocery stores including Times Supermarket and Foodland. Times Supermarket Kaimuki, 3221 Waialae Ave., Honolulu.

Korean

This mung-bean-studded songpyun—not so sweet, with a sharp herbal flavor—is just one of the many rice cakes at Hae Dong Sang Hoe. 1213 10th Ave., Honolulu.

Local

Nisshodo Candy Store’s chichi dango gets its pillowy texture from the addition of powdered milk. Building I-5, 1095 Dillingham Blvd., Honolulu.

Filipino

Cascarons are heavenly balls of sugary, fried, coconut-y mochi served on a stick. Get them at Valerio’s Tropical Bakeshop. 94-050 Farrington Hwy., Waipahu.

Japanese

Japan’s Minamoto Kitchoan’s high-end confections include this pretty sakura mochi, which comes topped with a salted cherry blossom. Ala Moana Center, First Level, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu.

Chinese

Head to Sing Cheong Yuan Bakery for jin dui. The pastry’s fried, sesame-seed-coated exterior hides a soft interior packed with fillings such as black bean paste. 1027 Maunakea St., Honolulu.

Japanese

Minamoto Kitchoan’s classic daifuku mochi is filled with a sweet azuki bean paste. Ala Moana Center, First Level, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu.

Korean

A variety of beans coat the top of this kong duk, adding a unique and unusual texture and flavor. Hae Dong Sang Hoe, 1213 10th Ave., Honolulu.