Daifuku is one of Japan's most representative sweets. It is loved for the chewy texture of mochi (glutinous rice cake) and the gentle sweetness of its anko (sweet red bean paste) filling. However, did you know that there are various types of daifuku? In fact, daifuku is a confectionery with a wide range of variations and flavors.
 
In this blog post, we'll delve into the origin of Japanese daifuku and uncover the secrets behind its deliciousness. We'll also introduce some popular daifuku varieties and recommend some must-try ones available in Japan. So be sure to take a look and use this article as your guide!

Exploring the Origin of Daifuku!

To understand what makes daifuku so delicious, let's begin by exploring its origins.

The origins of daifuku can be traced back to the late Muromachi period (1336–1573) when it was known as “Uzura-mochi." Its name was inspired by the round, plump shape of the mochi, which resembled the appearance of a quail (uzura in Japanese). However, the uzura-mochi at the time had a filling seasoned with salt and lacked the sweetness we know today.

It was not until the Edo period (1603-1868) that uzura-mochi has transformed into the sweet daifuku we know today. According to one account, a widow named “Otayo" who lived in Edo (currently Tokyo) began selling uzura-mochi with its anko filling seasoned with sugar. This is considered the beginning of sweet daifuku.

Furthermore, uzura-mochi was larger than it is today and earned names like “Harabuto-mochi” (腹太餅, ‘stomach-satisfying mochi') or “Daifuku-mochi” (大腹餅,‘large belly mochi') due to its size. There is a theory that the kanji character “腹" in “大腹餅" (daifuku-mochi), was then replaced with “福" (fuku), which signifies good fortune, for its similarity in pronunciation, hence the name we know today as “大福" (daifuku).

Hokkaido Cream Cheese Daifuku

The roots of daifuku stretch back to ancient times, but our daifuku is crafted with a delicious twist. Our product, the Cream Cheese Daifuku, uses milk from Hokkaido, one of Japan's leading milk-producing regions, and is filled with luscious cheese cream. As you bite into it, you can savor the gentle sweetness of the cheese cream that flows softly from the pillowy mochi. Both children and adults are sure to enjoy this delicately sweet confection.

Daifuku With Fruit Inside, a Recent Trend?!

When it comes to daifuku, there are various types available on the market to choose from. For instance, there are well-known varieties such as “Matcha Daifuku," which incorporates matcha into the mochi, “Kusa Daifuku," made by mixing mugwort leaves into the mochi, and “Ichigo Daifuku," where strawberries are placed in the center with the anko filling.

And lately, there has been an increase in variations with different fillings, such as “Fruit Daifuku" with fruit inside and “Chocolate Daifuku" with chocolate filling.

One of the appeals of daifuku is that by changing the type of mochi and the filling, it allows you to enjoy different flavors and textures. Now, let's delve into the two famous daifuku varieties in Japan.

Famous Daifuku in Kyoto

Kyoto, a popular tourist destination, is adorned with historic shrines and temples. Here in Kyoto, renowned traditional Japanese confectionery stores line the streets. One of the famous daifuku varieties in Kyoto is the “Mame Daifuku," which has been enjoyed by the Japanese for generations.

Mame daifuku refers to daifuku made by kneading beans into the mochi. While regular daifuku has a smooth surface, mame daifuku is characterized by its bumpy texture with beans visible on the surface.

The beans kneaded into the mochi are typically red azuki beans, which bear a reddish-brown color. These beans are boiled with a hint of salt, imparting a subtle salty flavor. As a result, when enjoyed with anko, the beans' saltiness enhances the filling’s delicate sweetness.

Kyoto Matcha Chocolate Daifuku

While Kyoto is known for mame daifuku, our Kyoto Matcha Chocolate Daifuku is a daifuku confection with matcha-infused mochi enveloping white chocolate inside. The sweet white chocolate and subtly bitter matcha mochi create an exquisite harmony in your mouth. The slight bitterness of matcha balances the sweetness of the chocolate, making it a recommended treat even for those who don’t have a sweet tooth.
 

Famous Daifuku in Miyazaki

One of the famous daifuku in Miyazaki Prefecture is “Nanja-kora Daifuku.” Nanja-kora means “what is this?" in the Miyazaki dialect. As the name suggests, this daifuku is so large and substantial, that you can't help but exclaim, “Nanja-kora?!"

The secret to its size lies in the fillings. Nanja-kora daifuku contains not only anko, but also three other fillings: strawberries, chestnut and cream cheese. When you take a big bite of this sizable daifuku, you can savor the soft mochi texture along with all three fillings at once. The sweet and tangy strawberry, the earthy sweetness of chestnut, and the smoothness of cream cheese harmonize perfectly with anko, creating an exquisite and delightful treat.

Okayama White Peach Chocolate Daifuku

While Miyazaki is known for its unique Nanja-kora daifuku, our Okayama White Peach Chocolate Daifuku is a delightful confection featuring pink-hued white peach-flavored mochi enveloping white chocolate inside. When you put it in your mouth, you will experience the fruity aroma of white peach and the sweetness of chocolate.

Being bite-sized, it's perfect as a snack when you need a break from work or studying. The sweetness of the chocolate can be a soothing treat for a tired mind.

Summary

In this blog post, we have introduced daifuku, a classic Japanese confection. Daifuku is a well-loved sweet enjoyed for generations in Japan. Aside from the traditional anko, there is a variety of flavors including cream cheese and chocolate, ensuring you will find a flavor to your liking.

In addition to the sweets mentioned in this post, Zelico offers a wide selection of delicious daifuku confections. Why not indulge in some sweets and chewy daifuku treats from Zelico?