Kyoyo Haus is a new house-made mochi and boba opening in Harvard Square. By Michelle L. Yang
By Capri S. Wayne, Crimson Staff Writer
3 days ago
In November, Harvard students were treated to an exciting new dessert destination tucked inside The Garage complex: Kyoyo Haus, a compact but strikingly modern spot offering Japanese mochi ice cream and soft serve.
Riding the growing wave of Japanese-inspired drinks and desserts, Kyoyo Haus arrives at a moment when matcha lattes and ube pastries dominate cafe menus and social media feeds. Its grand opening and subsequent $1 soft serve promotion attracted a nearly three and a half hour line on the day of its opening.
Stepping into the unassuming lobby space, Kyoyo Haus is a modern, brightly-lit presence. The counter, emulating characteristic Japanese wood topped with white marble, sets a minimalistic, elevated tone. Small bamboo shoots and bonsai trees decorate the wall, while three display screens showcase the menu’s two core dessert formats — mochi ice cream ($6.75) and soft-serve ($5.75). The flavor profile leans distinctly East Asian: matcha, black sesame, milk tea, ube, honey, and mango.
The store operates by counter service, and the staff prepare each order with speed and consistent attention to detail, even amid a steady stream of customers cycling through from noon to 8:30 p.m.
One of those details is the inclusion of tiny flavor pipettes. Each ice cream comes with a miniature pipette of infused oil meant to be squeezed over the top — matcha oil for the matcha mochi, sesame oil for the black sesame soft serve, and other pairings for the remaining flavors. The result is a uniquely playful, almost scientific visual that gives Kyoyo Haus its own personal character.
Among the most popular items on the menu is the matcha mochi. Its glutinous rice shell is extremely sticky and takes up the interior of the paper cup, making the initial tasting experience — especially with a small wooden spoon — slightly unwieldy. But once past that challenge, the dessert settles into a pleasing balance: The mochi exterior is perfectly chewy without being tough, and the matcha ice cream inside carries a delectable sweetness that never overwhelms its signature earthiness. The two strawberry slices, matcha oil, and dusted matcha powder that adorn the mochi are aesthetically charming, but do not do much to enhance the flavor. Still, the basic core of the dessert — its smooth ice cream and sticky rice dough — is sure to please.
On the other hand, the black sesame soft serve leans fully into its composition. Swirled into a perfect spiral that appears larger than the mochi servings, the soft serve is a deep gray color. The first bite boasts a surprisingly nutty taste. A sprinkling of sugar crystals adds texture, and the pipette of sesame oil beautifully complements the inherently savory flavor profile. As a whole, this dessert is very distinctive, reminiscent of the traditional Chinese dessert tangyuan. For some diners, this will be a nostalgic pleasure; for others, an acquired taste. Nevertheless, Kyoyo Haus confidently commits to the dish, boldly elevating the sesame with a thoughtful pairing of flavors.
For those deterred by the nuttiness of sesame, the matcha offerings are more likely to please — not to mention the establishment’s other flavors. The matcha’s understated sweetness and creamy texture is enough to satisfy both casual and devoted matcha enthusiasts.
Overall, Kyoyo Haus succeeds in creating a dessert experience that feels novel. The presentation is minimalist but effective, and the service is quick and friendly. Seating, however, is limited, and the surrounding tables — shared with neighboring businesses — do not exactly match Kyoyo Haus’ style, resulting in a somewhat segmented dine-in experience.
Even so, Kyoyo Haus brings something new and refreshing to Harvard Square. For fans of Asian-inspired flavors — or anyone searching for a less sweet, more nuanced treat — the shop provides an imaginative, albeit small, array of options. Its thoughtful dessert composition and presentation make it one of the most exciting new spots in the area.
—Staff writer Capri S. Wayne can be reached at capri.wayne@thecrimson.com.