Mitarashi dango facts for kids
Mitarashi dango
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| Type | Dango |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Japan |
| Region or state | Kyoto |
| Created by | Mitarashi Tea House |
| Main ingredients | Rice flour, sweet soy sauce |
Mitarashi dango (みたらし団子、御手洗団子) is a popular and delicious Japanese snack. It's made of small, round rice dumplings called dango. These chewy dumplings are put onto sticks, usually in groups of three to five. Then, they are covered with a shiny, sweet, and savory glaze made from soy sauce.
Mitarashi dango is easy to spot because of its clear, glassy glaze. It also has a special slightly burnt smell and taste. This comes from lightly grilling the dango after they are glazed.
The Story of Mitarashi Dango
Mitarashi dango is believed to have started in Kyoto, Japan. It comes from a famous place called the Kamo Mitarashi Tea House. This tea house is located near the Shimogamo Shrine in the Sakyo area of Kyoto.
How it Got its Name
The name "Mitarashi dango" is said to come from the bubbles in the purifying water at the Shimogamo Shrine. This water, called mitarashi (御手洗), is found at the entrance of the shrine. People use it to wash their hands before entering. The way the dango are arranged on the stick might have looked like these water bubbles.
Another Interesting Idea
There's another interesting idea about how Mitarashi dango got its shape. The original tea house used to sell dango with five pieces on each stick. Some people believe these five dango were meant to look like a human body. The top dango represented the head, and the other four represented the arms and legs.
What is Dango?
Dango are a type of Japanese dumpling. They are made from rice flour. Dango can be served in many ways. They can be sweet or savory. Mitarashi dango is just one of many delicious kinds of dango enjoyed in Japan.
