A Information to the Distinctive Japanese Rice Cake

Japan’s wealthy culinary historical past is filled with distinctive native dishes, and one such treasure is Bandai mochi from the mountainous areas of Tochigi Prefecture. Not like the sticky rice muffins you is likely to be aware of, this dish provides a special texture and story. On this article, we’ll dive into what makes Bandai mochi particular, from its historical past to the place you may attempt it, and uncover why this easy meals has been a favourite for generations.

What’s Bandai Mochi?

Bandai mochi is a conventional native delicacy from the Kuriyama space of Nikko Metropolis, Tochigi Prefecture. What units it aside is that it isn’t comprised of glutinous rice (mochigome) like typical mochi. As an alternative, it’s comprised of pounded non-glutinous rice (uruchimai), the identical sort used for each day meals. This distinctive alternative of ingredient provides this sort of mochi has a special texture—it’s much less sticky. It doesn’t harden as shortly, making it straightforward to take pleasure in. And so, they normally formed into flattened, spherical muffins. The preferred method to eat it’s by grilling it and brushing it with a sauce, reminiscent of candy miso or “jūne” (perilla seed) miso.

Reference: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

Historical past of Bandai Mochi

The historical past of Bandai mochi is deeply rooted within the life-style of the mountain folks within the Kuriyama area. The identify “Bandai” is believed to come back from “Itadai mochi,” which interprets to “board-stand rice cake,” because it was pounded on a wood board. Traditionally, this dish was a sensible and nourishing meal for these working within the mountains. Over time, it turned a big a part of the neighborhood’s tradition, served throughout vital yearly occasions and festivals. It was additionally thought of a particular memento for relations when coming back from a visit to the mountains. Even at this time, Bandai mochi continues to be a cherished dish, loved throughout celebrations just like the Could competition and summer season festivals.

A Restaurant Serving Bandai Mochi

Kammu Heishi Yukari no Yado Ageha (桓武平氏ゆかりの宿 揚羽)

One place the place you may expertise this conventional dish is on the Kammu Heishi Yukari no Yado Ageha (桓武平氏ゆかりの宿 揚羽), a conventional Japanese inn within the Yunishikawa Onsen space of Nikko. This ryokan, or inn, is well-known for providing visitors an genuine style of native mountain delicacies. Therefore, locals serve this bandai mochi as a part of their meals, typically ready of their conventional irori (fireside) eating space, offering a comfy and memorable eating expertise.

Handle: 〒321-2601 Tochigi Prefecture, Nikko Metropolis, Yunishikawa 727
Telephone Quantity: 0288-98-0031
Hours: 3:00 PM – 10:00 AM.
Web site: https://agehanoyado.jp/

Conclusion

Bandai mochi is greater than only a rice cake; it’s a testomony to the historical past and resourcefulness of a neighborhood. By utilizing on a regular basis rice as an alternative of conventional glutinous rice, this dish provides a style of native innovation and custom. Its story, from a easy meal for mountain employees to a celebratory dish, exhibits how meals can join us to the previous and the land.

In case you benefit from the style of Bandai mochi, you may additionally prefer to attempt different comparable Japanese dishes. I like to recommend exploring: Kiritanpo and Dango.