One cannot help but admire the eye-catching beauty of Japanese desserts. From rich and decadent matcha fudge to the invigorating freshness of fruit sando, each dessert is a work of art that leaves a lasting impression on anyone who lays eyes on them. Japanese desserts are truly a feast for the senses, with their intricate designs and delightful flavours that never fail to intrigue the palate. It is no wonder that these desserts have gained a reputation for being some of the most visually stunning and delectable treats in the world.
Dango
Dango is one dessert that you shouldn&rsquot miss in Japan. Dango is made using rice flour. It is a chewy dessert with a sweet brown sugar syrup known as mitarashi, served on skewers. Dango comes in various forms, including hanami dango (a tri-coloured Dango) that is commonly eaten during the cherry blossom season. Its pink, white, and green colours symbolize the season. Kushi dango is also popular street food served with sweetened soy sauce and roasted soybean flour powder on the side, while anko dango is rice balls filled with sweet red bean filling. Dango is not only a trendy dessert but also has cultural significance, and it is enjoyed during many traditional festivals such as Moon viewing day and Cherry Blossom viewing festival. It is believed to be a symbol of good luck and fortune.
Anmitsu
Anmitsu is a popular summer dessert that consists of fresh and delicious ingredients. It includes agar jelly made from red algae, sweetened Adzuki beans that are cooked for an hour in sugar syrup to make a sweet bean paste called &ldquoanko,&rdquo and a variety of fresh fruits like melons, kiwi, strawberries, and peaches. To top it off, it is usually served with a scoop of vanilla or matcha ice cream in a traditional Japanese lacquer bowl. Anmitsu is a top choice among street food items, and people often wait in long lines during the summer season to taste its excellent flavours.
Daifuku
Daifuku, also known as daifuku mochi, is a popular dessert in Japan that many love. Like dango, daifuku also comprises a chewy rice cake filled with a sweet bean anko filling. The Anko filling is the star of the dessert that comes in varying levels of sweetness. While the original daifuku is enjoyed by many, it also comes in various flavours such as matcha-flavoured anko, fruit anko, chocolate anko, etc. Daifuku is generally enjoyed with a hot cup of matcha green tea or coffee and is a great dessert option for all those with a sweet tooth.
Dorayaki
Dorayaki, as shown in the popular cartoon series &ldquoDoraemon&rdquo, comprises two pancakes sandwiched together and is filled with sweet red bean paste. The pancakes are made up of ingredients such as flour, eggs, sugar, honey, mirin, etc. The cooked pancakes are then filled with delicious fillings such as sweet red bean paste (Anko), custard, matcha, chocolate, etc. Adding these fillings to the Dorayaki adds a creative twist to the classic Anko Dorayaki. Dorayaki is enjoyed widely in Japan and is a comforting treat that you just won&rsquot be able to resist this Anko-filled goodness.
Cover Photo Credits Shutterstock
RELATED Did You Know Japan's Loo Lore