saka-no-ue cafe (kl) - Authentic Japanese Kakigori in Kuala Lumpur

saka-no-ue cafe (kl) offers a distinctive taste of authentic Japanese dessert culture right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s Mitsui Shopping Park Lalaport. Specializing in kakigori, a traditional Japanese shaved ice dessert, this charming cafe is a must-visit for anyone craving a refreshing yet indulgent treat that transcends typical frozen sweets.

Stepping into saka-no-ue cafe, you immediately sense a serene yet trendy atmosphere that complements its minimalist aesthetic—a perfect pause from the bustling city centre outside. The cafe invites you to savor finely crafted kakigori delicately shaved from pure ice, topped with luscious syrups, purees, and cream in harmonious balance.

Among the offerings, the Pistachio Strawberry Kakigori is highly recommended by many visitors. Imagine the softness of the finely shaved ice melting on your tongue, braided with the subtle tang and sweetness of strawberry, crowned by a light pistachio cream that surprises you with its rich yet perfectly balanced flavor—something even those wary of heavy creams find delightfully enjoyable. Another standout is their Strawberry Shortcake Kakigori, which combines fluffy shaved ice with syrup and condensed milk, delivering a sparklingly fresh but familiar homage to a classic dessert.

For those seeking a more nuanced experience, the Matcha and Camembert flavored kakigori are exquisite choices. These flavors stand out for their high-quality ingredients and the masterful craftsmanship evident in every spoonful—the bitterness of finely ground matcha paired with sweet cream or the subtly savory undertone of Camembert harmonized with rich toppings creates a unique, memorable dessert encounter. Portions here are generous, fulfilling both your craving and appetite with elegance and style.

While the culinary experience is largely celebrated, some customers have noted that service can be inconsistent—instances of unfriendly or rushed interactions have been reported, reminding visitors to focus on the food itself and enjoy the peaceful ambiance. Moreover, small details like the absence of tissue paper were mentioned, suggesting an opportunity for enhanced customer care.

Overall, saka-no-ue cafe (kl) shines as a refined destination for lovers of innovative Japanese desserts. Whether you're a kakigori aficionado or someone eager to explore Japanese sweets beyond the usual bingsu, this café offers a textured, genuine taste journey. Treat yourself to an unforgettable harmony of flavors and textures that only finely shaved ice desserts can provide, right in the vibrant city centre of Kuala Lumpur.

Outdoor seating
Takeaway
Dine-in

Solo dining

Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments

Mg Qin

28/11/2025

Visited the famous Japanese dessert spot Sakanoue Cafe at Lalaport, and even though their kakigori selection isn’t huge, it absolutely did not disappoint! I ordered the Pistachio Strawberry Kakigori, and honestly, it was a perfect dessert. At first, I was a little worried about the pistachio cream on top (since I’m usually not a fan of heavy creams and tend to find them too rich), but it turned out to be a wonderful surprise! The pistachio topping was super light and fluffy, not heavy at all, with a strong pistachio flavor that was rich yet not overly sweet, just perfect! The shaved ice itself was incredibly fine, airy, and had a subtle milky taste, delicious even on its own. Hidden inside were marinated strawberries with the perfect sweet-tart balance, plus some cookie crumbles that added a nice crunch and extra texture to the whole dessert! Overall, Sakanoue Cafe nails it in both atmosphere and desserts. Without a doubt, a solid ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ spot, definitely a place I’ll be revisiting often!

Natasha

04/11/2025

Good presentation and not bad bingsu, worth the try but wouldn’t consider paying a visit again. Service is terrible, the cashier who took my order this evening was quite rude. Additionally, there was no tissue paper served…

Alex Hill

20/09/2025

Delicious shaved iced - you can tell the difference between here and other places as the quality of the ingredients and craftsmanship are so high. We tried the Matcha and the Camembert flavours - both perfectly balanced and with contrasting toppings and centre that make it super special. You won’t regret coming here! Also the portion size is huge

Bernard

19/08/2025

Glad to have found this Dessert Cafe, as we were craving for good bowl of authentic Japanese Kakigōri (Fine shaved plain water ice with syrups or puree and topped with condensed milk), not Bingsu (Fine shaved milk-flavoured ice for creamier, snow-like consistency and more elaborate and richer toppings), while in KL. Their Strawberry Shortcake Kakigōri served, had delightful fluffy, fine shaved strawberry flavoured ice that melt on the tongue, not just plain ice. The strawberry puree was vibrant without overwhelming sweetness, and the espuma with cheese topping added a pleasant tang reminiscent of cheesecake. Strawberry puree were also layered through the middle of the shaved ice bowl, so each spoonful maintained flavour rather than ending in plain ice. On the downside, although the portion was generous and began to melt fairly quickly thus you’ll need to dig in promptly. For the price it felt fair given the premium texture and toppings. Overall highly recommended for strawberry lovers and dessert fans seeking something light yet indulgent. We will return to try other flavours of their Kakigori. Cafe is rather cramped with small round tables and bench seats, but cosy enough to enjoy the dessert. Outdoor seatings are also available but i didn’t noticed any fans.

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