ABOUT KIMOCHI
Hi! I’m Gemma Matsuyama, the heart and hands behind Kimochi.
My journey from New Jersey to the vibrant streets of LA and finally here in sunny San Diego has been filled with sweet & savory adventures, to say the least, 😉 never a dull moment!
I’m a first-generation Italian-Japanese American. A pastry chef by trade, and a new mama. I mostly focused on Italian desserts for the majority of my career until I switched to more Japanese desserts as I matured.
Cooking up treats has been my passion since I was 14, but it wasn’t until my days at n/Naka and the quiet moments of the 2020 pandemic that I turned my focus to crafting the perfect mochi.
My passions are simple. Good food, good people, and good vibes that creates the magic of connection.
What is “kimochi”?
Inspired by my favorite treat from Japan, the strawberry Daifuku with white bean paste, Kimochi was born amidst a baking revolution.
Our name reflects what we aim to offer you – a mochi filled with positive energy (or ki in Japanese), crafted to bring a moment of joy and refreshment into your day.