Streetcar-shaped monaka with YUCa’s Tea Green Tea
Monaka (crispy wafers filled with sweet red bean paste) is a traditional Japanese sweet made by sandwiching sweet red bean paste (anko) between thin, crispy wafers made from glutinous rice. It is one of Japan’s traditional sweets, believed to have originated around the year 1100 and spread throughout the country by around 1700. The distinctive feature of monaka is its thin, crispy texture. While the typical shapes of monaka are square or round, today there are many different shapes available. Here, we introduce the Toden Monaka, which evokes the image of a streetcar.
The Toden, also known as the Tokyo Sakura Tram, operates in Arakawa Ward, where YUCa’s Japanese Cooking is located. It is the only streetcar in Tokyo, and in contrast to modern vehicles such as high-speed trains (Shinkansen) and circular route trains, the Toden is known for its retro-style carriages.
For the tea pairing with the Toden Monaka, we have selected YUCa’s Tea Green Tea. Compared to regular sencha, deep-steamed (fukamushi) sencha undergoes a longer steaming process during production, resulting in a richer umami flavor and less bitterness. Its mild, sweet taste pairs perfectly with the Toden Monaka. Enjoy the harmony of sweetness and umami, as well as the contrast in textures.
