A fluffy, sweet, and filling Japanese snack staple.
A fluffy, sweet, and filling Japanese snack staple.
Beginners Guide to TokyoTreat:
Melonpan, Bread, Taiyaki, & Other Japanese Baked Goods
Fluffy, sweet, and filling, Japanese bread is one of the best-loved snacks.
For a quick bite on the go, you can’t beat it! Sold in Japanese konbini (or convenience stores), supermarkets, and bakeries, you’ll often find people in Japan indulging in bread wherever you go.
But getting your hands on tasty bread from Japan isn’t always the easiest thing for curious snack-a-holics to do! But never fear! The monthly Japanese snack and candy subscription box TokyoTreat has got you! But is it worth the hype? Let’s find out more about Japanese bread!
But getting your hands on tasty bread from Japan isn’t always the easiest thing for curious snack-a-holics to do! But never fear! The monthly Japanese snack and candy subscription box TokyoTreat has got you! But is it worth the hype? Let’s find out more about Japanese bread!
Humble Beginnings
Bread (or “pan” in Japanese) in Japan didn’t always have such a great reputation. It first reached Japan in the 16th century but quickly disappeared when Japan closed off during the isolation (Sakoku) period. However, it quickly came back in the 19th century when it was deemed a stamina food and an easy way to energize soldiers fighting on the front lines.
From there, Japanese bread exploded! Many sweet and tasty creations began, starting with anpan (red bean paste bread) in 1869. The bread was adapted to better suit Japanese taste buds, being less sweet and using a type of flour that utilizes rice.
From there, Japanese bread exploded! Many sweet and tasty creations began, starting with anpan (red bean paste bread) in 1869. The bread was adapted to better suit Japanese taste buds, being less sweet and using a type of flour that utilizes rice.
The 20th century saw even greater innovation, with Jam Pan (jam-filled bread) coming in the early 20th century, and later kare pan (Japanese curry bread) and even Yakisoba Pan (a sandwich full of yakisoba noodles–a carb lover’s dream)! Chocolate korone (chocolate horn) is a chocolate cream-filled bread for all our chocoholics. And then there’s the famous melon pan (Melon Bread)!
What is Melon Pan?
Melonpan is one of the most interesting types of Japanese bread snacks. However, the flavor of this Japanese melon bread might be slightly misleading because it has nothing to do with melon! Although modern Melonpan might contain melon flavoring, the classic Melonpan is more of a sweet, sugar-rusk flavor.
So, where does the melon in its name come from? It comes from the pattern on top of the bread, which has a cookie dough-like texture resembling a melon's outside. Speaking of resemblances…
So, where does the melon in its name come from? It comes from the pattern on top of the bread, which has a cookie dough-like texture resembling a melon's outside. Speaking of resemblances…
Time for Taiyaki
What is taiyaki, I hear you ask? Taiyaki is a fish-shaped pancake with tasty fillings like custard, cream, red bean paste, and much more! But why is taiyaki shaped like a fish? Its inspiration comes from the fish sea bream (or Tai in Japanese). Since they are linked to the word congratulations in Japanese (Omedetai), they are thought lucky and eaten on auspicious occasions. However, in the past, seabream was too expensive for regular people to enjoy. So the creator made taiyaki with pancake batter to let everyone enjoy it - and they have been popular ever since!
Japanese Bread Snacks, Anyone?
Has all this talk of Japanese bread snacks got you hungry? Well, you’re in luck! Every month, TokyoTreat explores new Japanese baked goods you can’t find elsewhere! From melonpan to taiyaki, explore a new world of fluffy snacking with our curation of Japanese bread snacks! Find out what’s coming in this month’s box - you won’t want to miss these Japanese baked goods!
Check this month’s upcoming box!
Did you know?!
You need a special type of skillet to make taiyaki. The mold is in the shape of a fish!
Explore Japanese Baked Goods
Melon Bread
Yakisoba Pan
Lotte Choco Pie
Anpan
Curry Bread
