Japanese sweets : “Monaka”

One of the most popular sweets among Japanese people is “Monaka”, which is made of rice (glutinous rice). Glutinous rice is kneaded and spread into a thin layer. It becomes a skin of monaka and bean jam will be put inside. The name of “Monaka” is said to have come from that they look like a full moon, which used to be called the moon of “monaka”. Some Monaka use seasonal jams such as Sakura, yuzu or chestnut instead of regular bean jam. I hope you will have an opportunity to enjoy this traditional sweet yourself!