[Photo: Kathy YL Chan]

Head to Sunrise Mart in the East Village—they've recently stocked a table in the back of this Japanese market with a rainbow of Matsue Kashi sweets. The confections are touted as a "new wave of Japanese Sweets from Matsue City, Japan," and not only look gorgeous, but offer a taste to match, unlike many Japanese confections. The Momiji ($4.79) pictured above is a two-toned yuzu affair. Ground lima beans and powdered rice meet agar agar to form a airy and borderline foamy cross between a marshmallow and a sponge cake. The same sweet is offered in Sakura (cherry blossom) flavor as well.

Also expect to find a Pumpkin "Tart," which is less a tart and more akin to a tiny round cake, with steamed kabocha in the center. And, of course, many other bean-based sweets: red and white bean pastes blended with fresh apples and a walnut-filled Wagashi. They're not restocking after they sell out, so don't say you weren't warned.

Sunrise Mart

29 Third Avenue, New York NY 10003 (map)
212-598-3040

About the author: Originally from Honolulu, Kathy YL Chan writes A Passion For Food, where she chronicles her eats and travels adventures between Hawai'i, New York and beyond. She firmly believes that there is always room for dessert.