Monaka facts for kids
 |
|
| Type | Wagashi |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Japan |
| Main ingredients | Mochi, azuki bean paste |
Monaka (最中) is a popular Japanese sweet. It is made from a special paste, usually azuki bean paste. This paste is placed between two thin, crispy wafers. These wafers are made from mochi, which is a type of rice cake.
The wafers can come in many fun shapes. Some are simple squares or triangles. Others are shaped like beautiful cherry blossoms or chrysanthemum flowers.
What is Monaka?
Monaka is a traditional Japanese dessert. It is often served with tea. You can find many famous stores in Japan that specialize in making monaka. These stores have been making this sweet for a long time.
What's Inside Monaka?
The most common filling for monaka is a sweet paste made from azuki beans. Azuki beans are small red beans. Sometimes, the bean paste might have other tasty things mixed in. These can include sesame seeds or pieces of chestnuts. You might also find small bits of mochi (rice cake) inside.
Modern Monaka Treats
Today, monaka isn't just about bean paste. Many modern versions have different fillings. A popular choice is ice cream! Imagine a crispy wafer sandwich with a cool, creamy ice cream filling.
One very famous ice cream monaka is called Choco Monaka Jumbo. It has both ice cream and a layer of chocolate inside the classic mochi wafers. This popular treat was first made in 1972. It is produced by a company called Morinaga.
