Toraya Confectionery @ Mitzukoshi Department

Toraya is one of the traditional Japanese Confectionary houses that still command a great deal of respect and business from the Japanese community and foreigners who want a piece of history. I used to scoff at the confectionaries in Takashimaya, wondering if they had any business for their overpriced delicacies. I finally got the big picture where Toraya was too packed for comprehension on New Year's Eve. Everyone was clamouring for a box of their gorgeously packed sweets, perfect for gifting.

Yokan is a jellied sweet made of azuki bean paste, kanten and sugar. One of the most popular among Japanese sweets, evolved during the Edo period (1603 - 1867) as sugar became more available. It can be kept longer and is a recommended gift item. (http://www.toraya-group.co.jp/english/wagashi/types.html) One of the reasons why we lugged them back was the longer than normal time frame. While the rest of the souvenirs had expiry dates within the week, yokan could last for months!

six boxes

Colour boxes!
rabbit year

Mini giftpacks perfect for souvenirs.
toraya; plum, green tea

Matcha, Plum



toraya: honey. red bean

Honey,
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 Black Bean, Red Bean
Loved them all for the lovely beany taste that lingered on. Flavours were not overly strong but pleasant. These are Japanese kueh..though thicker than our Nonya kueh. Perfect for after dinner sweets.

210 each
Toraya has both tea houses and takeaway counters all over Japan.

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