Korea trend hits Tokyo as cafe-goers take to the ingredient's hue, aroma and flavor

Ube-based desserts are served at Studio Cafe Maru in Tokyo. Japan's latest food trend is being partly sustained by Instagram appeal and oshi-katsu fan culture. (Photo by Tokuyuki Matsubuchi)

ONOMICHI, Japan/TOKYO — Purple-hued desserts and drinks made with ube, a yam native to the Philippines, are finding prominence on the menus of Japan's cafes. Beyond its eye-catching color, ube appeals with a mild sweetness and vanilla-like aroma, helping it rival matcha in flavor trendiness.

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