Raindrop by Darren Wong, New York Raindrop by Darren Wong, New York
Raindrop by Darren Wong, New York Raindrop by Darren Wong, New York
Raindrop by Darren Wong, New York Raindrop by Darren Wong, New York

Drip feeding

26 : 04 : 2016 Raindrop Cake : Mineral Water : Water Cake

New York – Chef Darren Wong is introducing New Yorkers to one of Japan’s culinary oddities, the water cake.

  • The sweet dessert contains agar, a seaweed derivative that enables it to hold its shape for around 30 minutes
  • Wong’s recipe made its debut at the Smorgasburg outdoor market in Brooklyn

Inspired by mizu shingen mochi, a traditional Japanese water-based cake, Wong’s Raindrop Cake is calorie-free, and sweetened by an accompaniment of molasses-like sugar and kinako, a roasted soybean flour.

The giant droplet is held together with a mix of mineral water and agar. Specially designed containers protect each dewy morsel from sudden movements and fluctuations in temperature until they are ready to be served.

‘The cake has to maintain its shape but still have the texture of water,’ says Wong. ‘It's not about flavour or nutrients, it’s about the texture.

The Big Picture

Western diets are increasingly influenced by Japanese culture. London’s Twig Teas has launched a range of cold brew teas inspired by a brewing method used in Kanazawa.

Discover More Daily Signals
The Trend: Luxury Listening Rooms

Daily Signals

The Trend: Luxury Listening Rooms

As luxury continues to shift from ownership to experience, brands are increasingly turning to sound as a medium for sensorial storytelling – one th...
Luxury : Listening Rooms : Sound
The Big Idea: Walpole British Luxury Summit 2025

Daily Signals

The Big Idea: Walpole British Luxury Summit 2025

The Walpole British Luxury Summit 2025 gathered leaders from across the sector for a day of expert talks, reports and panel discussions.
Luxury : Global Events : Walpole British Luxury Summit
The Campaign: Olivier Rousteing re-imagines whisky with Johnnie Walker

Daily Signals

The Campaign: Olivier Rousteing re-imagines whisky with Johnnie Walker

Johnnie Walker unveiled its first collaboration under its luxury platform Johnnie Walker Vault, partnering with French couture designer O...
Luxury : Spirits : Fashion
The Viewpoint: Translating Legacy at The Lana

Daily Signals

The Viewpoint: Translating Legacy at The Lana

Dorchester Collection joined forces with property developer Omniyat to unveil its first hotel in the Middle East region, The Lana. LS:N Global...
Luxury : Travel And Hospitality : Design
The Space: Sporty & Rich re-imagines wellness hospitality

Daily Signals

The Space: Sporty & Rich re-imagines wellness hospitality

Popular lifestyle brand Sporty & Rich launched its first hotel residency, in partnership with The Pridwin Hotel & Cottages on New York’s S...
Luxury : Travel And Hospitality : Wellness
The Trend:  Masculinity Reset Retreats

Daily Signals

The Trend: Masculinity Reset Retreats

Men’s mental wellbeing retreats are reshaping modern masculinity, focusing on mindfulness, movement and meaningful male friendships.
Travel : Health And Wellness : Hospitality
The Big Idea: Brand Innovation Debrief: Aman

Daily Signals

The Big Idea: Brand Innovation Debrief: Aman

Aman epitomises ultra-luxury hospitality, blending serene design, bespoke service and rare experiences for a devoted high-net-worth clientele.
Travel : Hospitality : Hotel
The Campaign: Unplugged and Munya Chawawa turn to humour to tackle Britain’s screen addiction

Daily Signals

The Campaign: Unplugged and Munya Chawawa turn to humour to tackle Britain’s screen addiction

Unplugged, the digital detox brand behind off-grid cabins that lock away phones and reconnect guests with nature, has teamed up with comedian Munya...
Travel : Cannes Lions 2025: The Unhinged Humour Opportunity : Digital Detox
The Viewpoint: The New Youth Club

Daily Signals

The Viewpoint: The New Youth Club

Opened in April 2025, Moot is a membership-based youth space in northwest London redefining the concept of youth clubs for a generation seeking rea...
Travel : Hospitality : Youth
The Space: Mad Swans ushers in a new era for golf and hospitality in the UK

Daily Signals

The Space: Mad Swans ushers in a new era for golf and hospitality in the UK

Mad Swans is an innovative countryside destination by Longshot on the Mendip Hills in southwest England that opened in October 2025 to offer a fres...
Travel : Sports : Health And Wellness
You have 2 free News articles remaining. Sign up to LS:N Global to get unlimited access to all articles.
BECOME A MEMBER
SIGN IN