The Japanese were making desserts for centuries before sugar was even widely available in the country. While many Japanese desserts can be traced back for hundreds of years, modern-day sweets have gained wide-spread popularity.
As it can be difficult to decide on what to indulge in with so many options, this week's "Take-Out Tuesday" highlights must-try Japanese sweets that are available in Houston.
Cream Puffs
Originally a French pastry, cream puffs, known as shu-kuri-mu シュークリーム in Japan, are an incredibly popular dessert. The outside is baked so that it develops a slightly crispy crust while the center remains almost hollow. After baking, the shells are stuffed with flavored cream, custard or jelly.
Image by Beard Papa
Crepes
Another French pastry that grew to be amazingly popular in Japan is the crepe. The thin crepes typically made with rice flour are cooked on round griddles before they are filled with everything from fruit and spreads to ice-cream and even cake!
Image by Eight Turn Crepe
Matcha Soft Serve
Soft serve or ソフトクリーム is one of the best treats one can indulge in on a hot, humid day in Japan. While every region has its own specialty flavor(s), a favorite everyone can agree on is matcha. While wonderful on its own, this dessert is popular in iced drinks, snow-cones, and crepes.
Image by Matcha Cafe Maiko
Image by Shun Kitchen
Soufflé Pancakes
Most Americans consider pancakes to be a special breakfast, but in Japan, pancakes are served as desserts. However, these pancakes are not wide and flat. Rather, they are quite tall and jiggly. Soufflé pancakes are popular in Japan for their fluffy texture and wobbly movements when one shakes the plate. Often served with fruit, powdered sugar, and syrup, these pancakes are delicious.
Enjoy some of our favorite Japanese sweets through carryout or delivery from:
Beard Papa’s: Katy [map] or Bellaire [map]
Let’s continue to support local Japanese restaurants!
—by GEN-J Facilitator Keiko Tsubokura