堂島ロール
(Dojima Roll)
As someone living in Osaka, it is hard to find anyone around me who does not know Dojima Roll—it is that well known. It has already become an everyday dessert in Osaka.
Dojima Roll began at a patisserie called Moncher, located in Dojima, Osaka’s business district. When the roll cake sold to celebrate the store’s opening sold out much faster than expected, the team began searching for a way to share this taste with more customers, which ultimately led to the creation of Dojima Roll.
In general, roll cakes tend to place more emphasis on the sponge than the cream. Dojima Roll, however, is made by wrapping a generous amount of cream in a single layer of sponge, transforming the concept from “a dessert where you eat cake” to “a dessert where you eat cream.” This defining characteristic sets Dojima Roll apart from other roll cakes, and its quality was officially recognized when it received the Grand Gold Medal at Monde Selection in 2010.
Moncher, the creator of Dojima Roll, operates its stores mainly in well-known department stores across Japan. As a result, if you visit a major department store in Osaka or other large cities, you are likely to find a Moncher shop. This easy accessibility is also one of the reasons Dojima Roll has become so widely loved.
Moncher’s Uncompromising Standards
First, Cream Made with the Care of Dairy Farmers
The cream at the heart of Dojima Roll is made from milk produced by cows raised in clean environments with pure water and air, mainly in Hokkaido, where dairy farming is especially active in Japan. Through the dedicated efforts of dairy farmers, who care for their calves with such attention that they even give them names, Dojima Roll’s cream is brought to completion.
Second, a One-of-a-Kind, Custom-Made Cream
The cream used in Dojima Roll is a proprietary blend created exclusively for Dojima Roll through joint research between Moncher and dairy producers. The fresh milk used is delivered to the factory under strict hygiene and temperature control, and only milk that passes multiple inspection criteria is carefully selected. Made under these rigorous standards, the cream offers a clean and gentle taste, allowing even the subtle, seasonal nuances of the milk’s flavor to be appreciated.
Third, Maintaining Quality at Moncher
To serve cakes in their best possible condition, Moncher has its pâtissiers produce items in small batches according to demand, with each kitchen carefully managing the process. Under the principle of locating stores only close to their kitchens, freshly made cakes are delivered directly between kitchens and shops several times a day. In addition, fresh cream is regularly supplied to overseas stores in places such as Seoul and Hong Kong, ensuring that the same standards and flavors are maintained both in Japan and abroad.
※The above content was organized with reference to information from Moncher’s official website to help readers better understand Dojima Roll.
Moncher’s Dojima Roll
Dojima Roll was being sold for a limited time at a department store near where I live. Both the regular size and the half size were available. The regular Dojima Roll measures about 17 cm in length, and even the half size feels quite substantial, with a generous amount of cream despite being half the size.
The half size was created in response to customer feedback from those who wanted a size that could be enjoyed comfortably by one person or shared between two. As Dojima Roll has a relatively short best-before date, the half size is especially recommended for those who prefer to enjoy it lightly.
Although Dojima Roll is best known for its cream, versions that incorporate seasonal ingredients such as strawberries are also available, allowing you to enjoy a sense of the season. The classic Dojima Roll with cream alone is simple and satisfying, but choosing a refreshing version with fruit can also make dessert time more enjoyable. Being able to enjoy Dojima Roll in a variety of ways depending on taste and season is part of its appeal.
Dojima Roll is a product that requires refrigeration, and insulated bags are available for purchase. The S-size insulated bag is designed to hold one roll of Dojima Roll and was priced at 305 yen including tax at the time of purchase.
The insulated bag can keep the contents cool for up to about five hours, and it is recommended to store the product at 10°C or below as soon as possible. However, even though cooling is possible for up to five hours, it is advisable to keep travel time as short as possible, especially during the hot summer months.
I chose the half size because I wanted to enjoy it lightly with coffee, and personally, it felt like the perfect portion. When I purchased Dojima Roll, I was told that the best-before date was the same day, which made the half size especially suitable for enjoying it casually within a short time.
At first, I wondered whether a roll cake filled with so much cream might be too sweet, but Dojima Roll’s cream is not overly sweet and is exceptionally smooth. Even when eating more than expected, it never felt heavy or cloying. This was the most appealing aspect of Dojima Roll for me.
Born from a genuine desire to think of customers and created for their enjoyment, Dojima Roll is a dessert worth trying at least once if you are looking for a roll cake centered around cream that feels as soft and pure as fresh milk.
■Moncher of Dojima Roll
■Patisserie Moncher Dojima Main Store
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