Japanese desserts are completely different from the typical European desserts with an abundance of chocolate cream and whipped cream.Typically, when sweet treats from the Land of the Rising Sun are first mentioned, only ice cream or green tea come to mind. However, the list of sweet delicacies doesn't end there. Desserts in Japan used to consist of fruits and nuts.

Changes to this menu occurred after establishing relations with European countries. Naturally, having "spied" recipes from these countries, Japanese chefs adapted them as much as possible to their own food culture and capabilities. This resulted in unusual desserts that surprise the average European.

Desserts Wagashi Wagashi (和菓子) are Japanese festive sweets made using a unique recipe and herbal ingredients. A separate category of wagashi is used as offerings to deities. In everyday life, these sweets are an excellent complement to certain types of tea. It's worth noting that over time, desserts have become a staple in the Japanese diet. They are enjoyed after dinner and during tea.

Wagashi, an unusual dessert from Japan

Desserts Moti Mochi (餅) is made from rice that has been ground into a paste. This is done in a special mortar (usu) using a mallet (kain). The process of preparing mochi is called "mochitsuki." The Japanese use a special sweet rice with highly adhesive properties to prepare this delicacy. Mochi is traditionally served on festive tables (for example, during the New Year).

Japanese dessert Mochi

Historically, these cakes appeared as offerings to the dead or deities. Leftovers of this sacred delicacy were eaten by people, believed to bring good luck and health. Today, mochi is an everyday delicacy and is also used as a base for a variety of Japanese desserts.

Desserts Siruko (shiruko, 汁粉) is made from adzuki beans. This porridge is often served with mochi, glutinous rice dumplings, and candied chestnuts. Adzuki beans are typically ground or added whole to the soup. Sugar or condensed milk is used as a seasoning. The beans are repeatedly boiled, dried, and used to make a sweet dish. This dessert is enjoyed by the Japanese at any time of year.

Dessert Shiruko

Desserts Taiyaki Taiyaki (たい焼き) are fish-shaped pastries filled with azuki paste for sweetness. The name translates from Japanese as "baked sea bream." It's made with pancake or waffle batter. Traditionally, azuki paste is used as the filling. However, under the influence of European culture, chocolate or custard have also become popular.

Delicious Taiyaki - Japanese sweet dessert

The first taiyaki appeared in the Tokyo confectionery Naniwaya in 1909. Today, "baked bream" is sold in supermarkets and is on the menus of numerous food courts. Of course, it's an integral part of traditional Japanese holidays. Since 1970, the song "Swim, Taiyaki!" dedicated to this sweet dish has remained popular.

You can only enjoy authentic Japanese desserts on the island. You'll likely never have the opportunity to do so on the mainland. If you're lucky enough to visit Japan, don't forget about the country's delicious traditional delicacies!