Mochi, a deliciously gooey and chewy Japanese dessert, originated in Japan during the Jamon period when rice cultivation began to flourish—and thank goodness it did because us mochi enthusiasts have grown very fond of the bite-sized treat. Now, the specialty dessert can be found all over Melbourne.
It's made from glutinous rice flour and is tinted with a wonderful assortment of unique flavours and fillings. While it may be as divisive as boba (pearls), mochi has evolved into all sorts of forms, so if the classic stretchy mochi isn't for you, creamy mochi ice cream or spongey glazed mochi donuts just might be.
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Finding the best mochi Melbourne has to offer is no easy task, that’s why Urban List has gathered the city’s best so you can commence your mochi-eating journey imminently.
Ice Ko-ii Gelato
Melbourne CBD & Glen Waverley
The mochi is handmade every single day at Ice Ko-ii Gelato and it shows. It’s freshly steamed, warm, gooey and delicious. They also specialise in gelato (think peach oolong tea, yuzu, and hojicha flavours), pudding and other desserts that are sure to please any sweet tooth. You can even get a mini mochi and gelato combo for the ultimate dessert experience.
INSIDER INTEL
- The Taro-Purple Rice Mini Mochi is little mochi with cream cheese topped with taro puree, and it’s a crowd favourite.
- Daifuku (mochi filled with gelato) is another must-try.
- The banana matcha contains real bananas and it hits the spot.
Nommies Co
Online
Image credit: Mochi Melbourne | Supplied
Nommies Co is an online dessert store specialising in crepe cakes, chocolate dipped strawberries and best of all, mochi. Freshly made to order each day, Nommies serves up some next-level flavours like golden kiwi cream, strawberry nutella, and brown sugar boba. But it’s not just the mochi that have us sliding into their DMs, it’s also their mochi doughnuts. Lathered in an assortment of glazes from strawberry milk and chocolate to matcha and Biscoff, these are some of the best mochi donuts Melbourne has to offer.
INSIDER INTEL
- The mochi donuts come as a minimum of six, perfect for sharing.
- Get a four pack of fresh mochi for $24.
- To put in an order, message their Instagram. This is also where you’ll hear about upcoming pop-up stores.
279
279 Victoria Street, West Melbourne
Image: 279 | Supplied
279 is a minimalistic and traditional cafe that has amassed a loyal following for its Japanese classics. While musubi, tempura prawns, and its wide selection of bento boxes are big cards, it's the dessert menu that’s a catalyst for locals returning. 279 is serving up one of the most unique flavours of mochi in Melbourne—Kuzo Mochi—lathered in brown sugar syrup, the mochi is coated in sweet roasted soybean flour.
INSIDER INTEL
- The mochi doughnuts (or as they call them ‘mochinuts’) are another winner here.
- Mochinut flavours include yuzu, salted caramel and kinako.
- Mochi comes in at $8 while mochinuts are $6.50 each.
Hareruya Pantry
Carlton & Melbourne CBD
Image: Hareruya Pantry | Supplied
Hareruya Pantry is the Japanese kiosk serving up dessert you’ve been craving. While their bento boxes and pastries are undoubtedly crowd-pleasers, it’s their unique daifuku-style mochi that has gained traction. Hareruya’s house-made gelato is the hero of the mochi, with a wide range of flavours from strawberry milk to strong matcha, the transparently thin sheets of mochi are then wrapped around the ice cream, making for a hefty treat. This has got to be the best mochi ice cream Melbourne has to offer.
INSIDER INTEL
- The genmaicha flavour has mini mochi pearls inside.
- Ordering daifuku? Watch on with eager eyes as they cover your ice cream in the mochi sheet.
- Their drinks are spot on as well, we can never say no to a matcha.
Tammy Treatz
Online
Tammy Treatz is another charming Instagram-exclusive Melbourne mochi shop, offering an expansive variety of traditional and custom mochi. You can expect to get your hands on some generously filled mochi of alluring flavours including Thai milk tea, chai latte, matcha, Bueno, Yakult, and many more. Tammy’s makes for an easy inclusion in the best mochi in Melbourne round-up, especially with the delectable addition of mochi chews — a baked crispy yet simultaneously chewy mochi with flavour options including Dubai chocolate. It’s heavenly.
INSIDER INTEL
- Get a box of six mochi for $21.
- You can get extra toppings like strawberries, pearls, and cookie crumbs.
- There are heaps of vegan options on offer as well.
Demochi
246 Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD
Image: Demochi | Supplied
If you like mochi, you’re bound to love mochi donuts. Demochi Donut Bar right here in Melbourne specialises in this wondrously crunchy and chewy treat. From chocolate honeycomb glaze to milo to black sugar with roasted rice, the hardest part is choosing a flavour.
INSIDER INTEL
- Their chocolate basque cheesecake with chocolate brownie is worth investigating, alongside your mochi donut.
- Demochi won first place in the National Cinnamon Donut Championship in 2024.
- Check their Instagram for new flavour drops.
BOK Bakery Of Korea
10 Parsons Avenue, Springvale
This one might be a bit of a drive but it’s absolutely worth it for the Korean sweet treats at BOK. From honey rice cake to baram tteok, it would take some willpower to leave with only just mochi. Speaking of mochi, there are plenty of flavours to choose from, many involving fresh fruit which is the ultimate flavour burst you didn't know your mochi needed. Think strawberry cream cheese, grape, and many more you'll want to try.
INSIDER INTEL
- Visit their store or opt for local delivery.
- The ang butter mochi stuffed with a little slab of butter is the fresh, chewy treat you deserve.
- Starting at $3.50 each, these are some budget-friendly mochi that don’t lack on quality.
Leading image credit: Hareruya Pantry | Supplied
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