Yonna Yonna Gelato, the latest creation from Okinawa’s award-winning Yanbaru Gelato, proudly marks its global debut in Hong Kong at The Twins in Kai Tak this November. This exciting launch brings the vibrant flavours of Okinawa to Hong Kong, inviting dessert lovers to experience the true, natural freshness of the native fruit and plants in the most delightful way.
The newly conceived brand is a joyfully chic offshoot of Yanbaru Gelato, an internationally acclaimed chain with six outlets in Okinawa, named after the beautiful Yanbaru area known for its fertile green hills and forests. Over the years, it has garnered numerous accolades, including the Grand Prix at the Gelato International Competition.
Among its award-winning flavours is Orange Vanilla Mascarpone, which won the Japan National Grand Prize in 2015, while gelato consultants Taizo Shibano and Katsuya Yonemori achieved first and second place at the 2017 Gelato World Cup in Palermo, Italy, marking a historic moment as the first Asians to outshine Italian masters in this beloved culinary art.
Yonna Yonna Gelato embodies the laid-back tropical spirit of Okinawa – ‘yonna yonna’ means ‘taking time to enjoy life’ in the local dialect – with each cup infused with vibrant, authentic tastes of the local harvest. Scrupulous selections of seasonal fruit and plants are airlifted directly from the prefecture, ensuring the freshest flavours daily. Gelato is available by the cup or in 500g family-size containers for takeout, while gelato smoothies and caffeine-free Okinawa herbal tea are also house specialities.
The creamy gelato is made with the best offerings from Okinawa’s “Southern Paradise”, with the likes of Nakijin watermelon, Chanchan mango, Gold Barrel pineapple and Katsuyama shikuwasa (Okinawa lime) imbuing each scoop with sumptuous sweet and sour flavours and fragrant, juicy aromas.
At the November opening, dessert lovers can indulge in a range of tantalising flavours like the award-winning Orange Vanilla Mascarpone, Iejima Sweet Potato, Marron Glaces, and the vegan-friendly Okinawa Mango. Other must-try vegan flavours include Nakijin Watermelon, Katsuyama Shikuwasa and Pineapple & Tankan Mandarin – with offerings certified by the Japan Vegan Association. All of its standout concoctions feature fewer calories, less sugar and less fat than traditional ice cream.
Humbly spearheading a less wasteful world, Yonna Yonna Gelato eco-consciously gathers fruit with slight external imperfections yet luscious flesh to make its fruit-rich gelato. This sustainable practice supports local farmers in a prefecture where some 300 million yen of substandard fruit and plants are discarded annually. Working directly with farms also guarantees food quality and safety, with the true taste, colour, aroma and sweetness of all ingredients assured.
“We are thrilled to share our unique gelato with dessert lovers in Hong Kong as our fresh new concept, Yonna Yonna Gelato, makes its global debut,” says Mr Kazuo Kokuba, Founder of Yanbaru Gelato. “Each cup reflects the treasures of our Okinawa homeland, created by our talented gelato maestros, Shibano san and Yonemori san, who continually seek out exciting new ingredients from our islands.”
Spanning 500 sq. ft with seating for 6 people, the airy gelateria proudly serves as the first retail outlet in Tower II of the striking twin towers. Decorated in soothing hues, its design creates an eye-catching and culturally meaningful experience. A shopfront with 5 layers of perforated metal in shades ranging from beige to dark peach mirrors the swirls of gelato and invites curiosity. Neutral colours and natural materials, such as heavy-grained wood and sand-coloured paint, evoke the calming beauty of Okinawa, fostering a warm atmosphere. Outside, grassy areas allow dessert lovers to enjoy the autumn breeze while savouring their favourite flavours.
Located at Shop G16, Tower II, The Twins, 12 Muk Chui Street, Kai Tak, Kowloon, Hong Kong, Yonna Yonna Gelato will open from 12:00 noon to 9:00 p.m. (Monday to Thursday) and 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Friday to Sunday).
For enquiries, please call or WhatsApp (852) 5910-8190 or email yonna.gelato@gmail.com.
Like and connect with Yonna Yonna Gelato on:
Facebook – www.facebook.com/yonnayonna.gelato
Instagram – www.instagram.com/yonnayonnagelato
.jpg){kind=tracking}
