This is the Zunda Saryo Sendai Meibutsu Zunda Mochi, a confection often regarded as a speciality of Sendai. It typically consists of a round cake made from mochi, topped with sweetened and mashed edamame paste. Despite its name, this version here is more accurately a zunda daifuku, a variation with the mochi on the outside and zunda paste at the centre.
Each box contained four individually sealed pieces of mochi, each measuring approximately 4.5 cm in diameter and 1.6 cm in height. Each piece featured a thin layer of soft, smooth mochi wrapped around a centre of zunda paste.
The gyūhi mochi had a subtle, sweet soybean aroma. Its thin, even layer provided an ideal ratio of mochi to zunda, ensuring that the zunda paste took centre stage in both flavour and texture. The zunda was slightly chunky, offering a rounded sweetness with a delicate savoury note from the edamame while retaining sufficient moisture. Its sweetness was more restrained and its flavour fresher or “greener” than the earthier profile of azuki. It also felt softer, sweeter, and less “beany” than mung bean, resulting in a light and delightful treat.
This Zunda Saryo Sendai Meibutsu Zunda Mochi contained 32 g x 4 pieces. It was produced in Japana and purchased in Sendai, Japan in 2024.