Miyajima Souvenir · Maple-Leaf Cake
Momiji Manju
🍁
Photo coming soon
It's baked in individual maple-leaf-shaped molds because Miyajima's Momijidani ("Maple Valley") park was already famous for its autumn leaves before the cake existed, and confectioners cashed in on the association.
A castella-style sponge batter is baked in a small maple-leaf iron mold and filled with sweet red bean paste (or, in modern versions, custard, chocolate or cheese), sold warm from stalls along Miyajima's shopping street.
Why it's made this way: The confection is said to have been created in the early 1900s on Miyajima Island near Hiroshima, inspired by the maple trees of Momijidani park by Itsukushima Shrine, and it became the island's definitive omiyage (souvenir sweet).
More from Japan
Ramune
Takoyaki (Octopus Balls)
Yakitori (Skewered Chicken)
Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き)
Taiyaki (たい焼き)
Sapporo Miso Ramen
Part of World of Street Food — 3248 dishes from 118 countries.
Something wrong here? Tell us in the comments below.
Photo credits.