栃木県·和菓子
Takotsubo Monaka
A monaka (wafer sandwich) shaped like a round pot, decorated with an illustration of an octopus. Its adorable appearance makes it hard to resist. It is crafted by Takoya, a traditional confectionery shop headquartered in Oyama City, Tochigi Prefecture. This long-established wagashi maker has expanded its shops primarily across Northern Kanto. The wafer uses Kogane rice from Niigata, and it is generously filled with homemade crushed bean paste made from Hokkaido adzuki beans. Interestingly, the motif for this 'pot' is not an octopus pot, but rather a Sueki pottery jar excavated from the Oyama Castle ruins. It is fascinating to see a touch of local history subtly engraved into the sweet. With its crispy wafer and elegantly sweet bean paste, this simple treat truly allows the artisan's skill to shine.
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