You might have known that Japanese confectionery brand Yoku Moku finally made its way to Singapore in December 2017. Or that it has just opened its flagship store on level 3 of ION Orchard earlier this month.

But, there are some things you may not know about this hugely popular Japanese export that has a loyal following around the world.

1. The secret lies in the butter

If you’ve tried a Yoku Moku cookie before, you would know it’s light, buttery and airy. Essentially, the ingredients that go into making Yoku Moku cookies are very basic – simply butter, sugar, eggs, flour, almond powder and vanilla essence. What makes the cookies so special then?

The secret lies in the butter. Yoku Moku uses only Hokkaido butter, which has a more intense flavour than normal butter. Not only that, Yoku Moku understands that the taste of the butter – being a dairy product – can change subtly depending on the season and time of the year. To counter the change in the butter’s taste, the staff would constantly adjust the recipe, such as the timing of the mixing process and the temperature of the ingredients.

Trust the Japanese to put such detailed attention into making just a cookie.

2. Only the most experienced staff can prepare the batter

You may call that pedantic, but Yoku Moku only allows their most experienced staff in Japan to prepare the batter for the cookies. It actually takes years of dedication and experience for Yoku Moku staff to perfect the skill of making the batter. The butter must be maintained at the optimum level of softness. The batter must be monitored and be pliable for rolling. You get the drift.

3. Overseas Yoku Moku stores may offer localised sets not found in Japan

In 2012, Yoku Moku was the first Japanese confectioner to make its foray into the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.). One usual practice there is to serve confectionery on a large tray to guests. Thus, Yoku Moku U.A.E. sells cookies beautifully arranged on big trays to cater to local demand. The cookies are so popular there that it is not uncommon for customers to buy multiples of 100 boxes at a go or order the gift trays in bulk.

4. Some of the tins are collectibles

Every year, Yoku Moku comes up with special designs for its holiday tins. Take for instance the Holiday Cinq Delices – designed by Ms. Clyv, feature artist at Galerie Naifs & Primitifs in Paris, France for Christmas. We heard that the ones available in Singapore were sold out in a couple of weeks.

If you’ve missed out on the Christmas one, fret not – Yoku Moku has just launched another for Chinese New Year. Featuring the Shiba Inu – a Japanese dog breed – the special-edition set is currently available in limited quantities in Singapore, retailing at S$28. We did an online check and found out that this set is already sold out at Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus in the U.S. So, you might want to act quickly to get your hands on a set.

5. Yoku Moku is opening a second store in Singapore

Word has it that Yoku Moku is going to open another store at Raffles City in April this year. While we don’t have details yet, we are sure this piece of news will make fans of the airy, buttery-soft cookie very happy. Watch this space for updates!

Yoku Moku Singapore
2 Orchard Turn
ION Orchard #03-K1
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 878 77190

Opening hours: 10am to 10pm daily

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GIVEAWAY

In celebration of Yoku Moku’s new flagship store opening, we’re giving away 30 sets of Yoku Moku’s best-selling signature Cigare cookies, with each set worth a total of S$32. For a chance to win, simply:

1. Like the Asia 361 and Yoku Moku Singapore Facebook pages.
2. Share this post on Facebook and tag at least 3 friends on your post. (Make sure the post is public so we can see it.)
3. Fill up the form here: http://bit.ly/YokuMoku

Contest ends at 10pm on 12 January 2018. The winners will be notified via email or Facebook and must be able to collect the prize in Singapore.

UPDATE: Congratulations to all 30 winners of the giveaway. Here are the winners:

1. Alice Neo
2. Chan Sui Hoon
3. Chang Li Xin
4. Dawn Teo
5. Henri Leslie
6. Howard Seet
7. Ivy Tan Ai May
8. Jacelyn Yeo Yan Ping
9. Jocelyn Cheng
10. Jody Ong
11. Joey Tan
12. Kelvin Chow
13. Khoo Wei Ting, Adelyn
14. Klys Tsai
15. Kelly Teo
16. Lee Siew Hong, Sheena
17. Lee Wai Mun, Sherry
18. Leong Wai Onn, Edwin
19. Ng Ching Ting
20. Ng Hui Ya
21. Ong Bong Hock, Tony
22. Park Koeun
23. Sophia Ang Teng Hui
24. Tan Yao Xiang
25. Tay Yu Zhu
26. Teo Weishan, Fiona
27. Wong Oi Lin
28. Yip Ee Hui
29. Yoong Keng Kai
30. Zhao Liyi Joy