Café Classic | The Matcha Parfait Replica Workshop

JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles presents a series of hands-on workshops where guests can create their own Matcha Parfait replica! Ice cream parfaits and other desserts are a beloved form of shokuhin sampuru (food replicas), an iconic part of Japanese culture showcased in our current exhibition “Looks Delicious!”. Participants will take home their sweet parfait creations — a delightful keepsake to display and enjoy long after the workshop.

Shokuhin sampuru emerged in early 20th-century Japan as dining culture transformed and Western foods became more common. These food models helped curious customers visualize unfamiliar dishes, often displayed elaborately in restaurant and café windows. Over time, they evolved from simple marketing tools into a refined craft that blends artistry and innovation.

In this hands-on workshop, participants will create their own Matcha Parfait replica — a beloved yōshoku (Western-style) dessert that has become a staple in (Japanese cafés) introduced during the Meiji era (1868–1912), when Western culture was being woven into Japanese life, parfaits quickly gained popularity and came to symbolize café culture. The Matcha Parfait is one of many variations that showcase how Japan adapted Western cuisine with its own unique touch. Today, parfait replicas remain a familiar and nostalgic sight in café windows across Japan, reflecting both cultural history and playful creativity.

Two workshops will be held on Saturday, November 1, and Saturday, November 15. Each session offers the same content, led remotely from Japn by expert instructor Kaori Satō, General Manager of Ganso Shokuhin Sampuru-Ya, with on-site support from the event team.

Workshops are open to guests ages 10 and up. Parental or guardian supervision is recommended for those under 14.

Program Schedule

*Content will be the same for both November 1 and November 15.

*Subject to change

11:30-11:45 AM | Matcha Parfait Introduction

11:45-1:00 PM | Workshop

1:00 PM-1:15 PM | Q&A

Related Exhibition

Looks Delicious! | Exploring Japan’s Food Replica Culture

Looks Delicious! | Exploring Japan’s Food Replica Culture is the first U.S. exhibition dedicated to shokuhin sampuru, Japan’s astonishingly realistic food replicas. Found in restaurant windows across the country, these handcrafted models are so lifelike they’re often mistaken for the real thing. Originating in the early 20th century, food replicas were first made from wax to showcase unfamiliar dishes in department store restaurants. Today, they’re crafted from durable resins and have become a beloved part of Japanese dining culture, also appearing as novelty items like keychains and phone cases. Visitors can explore seven themed areas, learn about the history and craftsmanship of food replicas, and even create their own bentō to photograph and share.

Image Credit: ©IWASAKI Co., Ltd.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles