A Gentle Finish

The final course does not have to be the largest statement of the evening. After sushi, the grill and perhaps a bowl of rice, something small can feel just right. Dessert gives the meal a different register without asking you to begin again.

The character of sesame

Our black sesame pudding brings a smooth texture and the depth of sesame, finished with osmanthus syrup. It offers sweetness, but the appeal is also in the contrast with the savoury dishes that came before.

Take the first spoonful on its own. Then, if you have tea beside you, try returning to the cup before the next. A simple dessert can offer enough detail for a few unhurried minutes.

A final cup

If you would like tea at the end of dinner, describe the kind of finish you enjoy. Something roasted may appeal after a richer meal; another cup may suit you better on a different evening. Your preference matters more than a fixed rule.

You may also be perfectly content with the tea you have been drinking throughout dinner. There is no need to make another choice simply because the meal is ending. Familiar flavours can be a comfortable way to close.

Stay with the moment

Dessert leaves room for the conversation to settle. Share a spoonful, talk about the dish you would order again, or make plans for the next visit. The most enjoyable ending is not always a grand one. Sometimes it is a small bowl, a warm cup, and a little time before you stand.