Komeda Coffee is affectionately known for its "reverse scam" reputation. Have you ever tried their limited-edition summer shaved ice?
I've been hooked on Komeda's shaved ice since 2018, and in recent years, taking my kids to enjoy it has become a summer tradition.
Let me introduce you to this year’s offering!
What is a "Reverse Scam"?
Typically, the term "reverse scam" carries a negative connotation, especially in the food industry, where it refers to situations where the actual product is smaller or less than what’s shown in the menu photos. However, at Komeda Coffee, the term is used to describe how the actual product is often larger or more plentiful than what's depicted in the menu, hence the name "reverse scam."
The Shaved Ice Lineup
Here’s this year’s menu (from Komeda Coffee's official website).
This year, the lineup includes the classic flavors: "Strawberry, Lemon, Blue Hawaii, and Uji Matcha." Each is colorful and perfect for brightening up the hot summer.
- Blue Hawaii: 680–740 yen / Mini size: 580–640 yen
- Lemon: 620–680 yen / Mini size: 520–580 yen
- Uji Matcha: 680–740 yen / Mini size: 580–640 yen
- Strawberry: 570–630 yen / Mini size: 470–530 yen (all prices include tax)
Additional toppings are available: condensed milk for +80 yen, soft serve ice cream, and sweet red bean paste for +120 yen each.
Prices may vary by location.
Two Sizes: Mini and Regular
Up until last year, my younger daughter and I were content with just a few bites, so my eldest daughter, my younger daughter, and I would share a mini size. Even though it’s called mini, by the time you finish, your body will be chilled to the core.
This year, since both of my daughters have grown up, I was eager to try the regular size. But before ordering, I double-checked with the staff.
Me: "We’re planning to share between the three of us, but we’re not sure whether to get the regular or mini size."
Staff: "If you order the regular size, it’ll be pretty big…"
Pretty big, huh… That’s true. In our house, topping the shaved ice with soft serve ice cream is a must. It’s just too delicious.
Although I wanted to order the regular size for the sake of this article, we decided to stick with the mini size for the sake of our stomachs and to make sure we could finish it.
Arrival: The Summer of the Reverse Scam
To be honest, this year’s mini size was smaller than in previous years. I had suspected that the size might vary depending on the staff, but I think this is probably the standard mini size. Maybe it was just too big in past years.
However!! The soft serve ice cream was unexpectedly large, spilling over the plate. It was so big that it looked more like soft serve ice cream with a side of shaved ice rather than shaved ice with soft serve ice cream.
This year, my kids chose the flavor, and after much deliberation between Blue Hawaii and Lemon, they went with Lemon. So summery!!! Delicious♪
As expected, by the time we finished, our bodies were chilled. If you get cold easily, don’t forget to bring a long-sleeved top.
And Now, the Usual Photo Session!
I absolutely love the look on my kids' faces when they’re gobbling up sweets (mainly soft serve ice cream).
I’ve been giving my eldest daughter soft serve ice cream since she was one, and she’s grown up on it. Here’s a collection of photos I’ve taken over the years of them happily digging in.
And here are some of the shaved ice desserts we’ve had at Komeda Coffee in the past.
And this year. As expected, they went in with their mouths first. Afterward, they enjoyed the rest with a spoon.
Beat the Summer Heat with Chilled Sweets
Komeda Coffee's shaved ice is scheduled to be available until around late August. The official website mentions that the availability might change, so I hope to enjoy this summer tradition once more before it’s gone!
The hot summer has only just begun! Why not enjoy Komeda’s reverse scam shaved ice and the delighted faces of your kids?
Bonus
We also ordered dinner, and here’s another reverse scam.
Look at the amount of egg!!! It almost spilled out just by lifting it up. It was delicious. Thank you for the meal!
