Every autumn, Japan celebrates tsukimi, or “moon-viewing,” a cherished custom that honors the beauty of the harvest moon. Traditionally, people enjoy tsukimi dango, soft rice dumplings, while admiring the moonlit sky. However, in recent years, fast food chains have added a modern twist to this practice with limited-edition menu items inspired by tsukimi.
McDonald’s Unique Take on Tsukimi
McDonald’s Japan is a key player in this trend, with its Tsukimi Burgers being a seasonal favorite for many years. In 2019, the chain introduced the Tsukimi Pie, a sweet dessert filled with mochi—a rice cake reminiscent of tsukimi dango—and red bean paste. This year, the company has taken it a step further with the Kinako Mochi and Anko Tsukimi Pie, adding kinako (roasted soybean flour) to the mix.
This updated version of the pie brings together three classic Japanese ingredients: mochi, anko (red bean paste), and kinako, which appears as a rich paste atop the layer of mochi. Previously, the pie was filled only with red bean and mochi, so the addition of kinako is a significant update.
For those who enjoy kinako’s nutty, roasted flavor, this pie is a delightful treat. The kinako paste closely mimics the taste of its powdered form, offering a strong, lingering flavor that makes an impression from the first bite.
Mixed Reactions from Fans
Despite its bold flavor profile, the new pie has sparked mixed reactions. While some people are thrilled by the unique triple combination, others miss the simplicity of the earlier two-filling version. Fans of the classic red bean and mochi pie have expressed on social media that they preferred the original, which they considered to be perfectly balanced.
Although the Kinako Mochi and Anko Tsukimi Pie offers a fresh take on the traditional flavors, the divide in customer opinions suggests that McDonald’s might consider bringing back both versions next year to satisfy all tastes. For now, fans can enjoy the new pie until mid-October, priced at 190 yen (US$1.32), along with other tsukimi-themed menu items celebrating the moon-viewing season.
