McDonald’s Kinako Mochi Tsukimi Pie Receives Mixed Reactions for Its Bold Flavors

McDonald’s Japan has introduced the Kinako Mochi and Anko Tsukimi Pie, combining traditional Japanese flavors for this year’s moon-viewing season. While some customers praise the bold addition of kinako, others express nostalgia for the simpler, original Tsukimi Pie.

McDonald’s Expands Tsukimi Offerings with Kinako Mochi and Anko Pie, Celebrating Traditional Flavors

Every autumn, Japan celebrates the custom of tsukimi, or "moon-viewing," a tradition that honors the beauty of the harvest moon. People marked the occasion in the past by enjoying tsukimi dango (moon-viewing dumplings) while gazing at the night sky. However, in recent years, fast-food chains have reinterpreted the tradition with limited-edition offerings.

McDonald’s is one of the chains that participate in this seasonal celebration. While their Tsukimi Burgers have been famous for years, introducing the Tsukimi Pie in 2019 captivated customers. This sweet treat pays homage to tsukimi dango by featuring mochi, a sticky rice cake, in its filling. This year, McDonald’s has launched the Kinako Mochi and Anko Tsukimi Pie, incorporating two other distinctly Japanese ingredients.

The new Kinako Mochi and Anko Tsukimi Pie from McDonald's is a unique blend of traditional Japanese flavors. The nutty, toasted flavor of kinako, the sweetness of anko, and the chewy texture of mochi come together to create a pie that departs from the more straightforward red bean-and-mochi combination of the past.

McDonald’s Kinako Mochi Tsukimi Pie Divides Fans with Its Bold Flavors and Departure from Tradition

The nutty, toasted kinako flavor is pronounced, tasting very much like its powdered form, delivering a robust taste from the first bite and lingering in the aftertaste. The strong presence of kinako gives the impression of a roasted soybean pie, overshadowing the other ingredients for some.

While kinako lovers may find this version delightful, traditionalists who favor the more straightforward red bean-and-mochi combination have expressed mixed feelings. On social media, some praise the innovation and flavor, while others miss the simplicity of the original pie.

In conclusion, the new pie offers a delicious blend of traditional Japanese flavors, but the appeal of the previous version is easy to understand. With the varied responses online, there's hope that McDonald’s may bring back both versions for next year’s tsunami season. The Kinako Mochi and Anko Tsukimi Pie are available until mid-October for 190 yen (US$1.32), alongside a range of other moon-viewing menu items.