It is basically yokan (thick jelled sweet bean paste) that is sandwiched with castella (sponge cake).
Apparently this sweet was created in the Kanto (East Japan) area, Yokohama to be exact...no wonder I hadn't seen/tried this in Kansai (West Japan).
It is also apparently called "Siberia" because it reminded the creator of the railroads in Russia...
I had recently seen this on a television show and at some bakeries in Tokyo as well and was interesting in trying it.
The version I tried had the yokan as well as some cream cheese in the center.
The tartness from the cream cheese helped to balance out all the sweetness from the yokan and castella.
I'm glad I tried it and will try other versions when I come across them at other bakeries.
what an interesting story behind the name of that cake, and it sounds good too.
ReplyDeleteOoh yum this looks delicious!
ReplyDeleteAnother thing I want to try. I don't usually care for castella, and only like the kuriyokan but this addition of cream cheese makes it sound really good.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
v
definitely worth trying at least once Rowena :)
ReplyDeleteit was delicious K! I hope you get to try it next time you are in Japan.
I don't think I would like it with only the castella and anko, V. The cream cheese really helps to make it not too sweet.
Take care everyone.
Kat
Looks nice Kat!
ReplyDeleteit was different Kirk, but delicious :)
ReplyDeleteTake care.
Kat