Hokkaido Imomochi

At a glance

NameHokkaido Imomochi (Imomochi)
PrefectureHokkaido
RegionHokkaido & Tohoku
TypePan-fried potato cakes with a chewy mochi-like texture

What is it?

Hokkaido imomochi mixes hot mashed potato with potato starch, shapes the dough into flat cakes and pan-fries them until browned outside and chewy within.

History and local context

The food developed where potatoes were plentiful and rice cultivation was once difficult; related foods elsewhere use different tubers and should not be assumed to follow the Hokkaido method.

How to enjoy it

Eat freshly fried cakes with butter, sweet soy glaze or cheese; unseasoned potato dumplings may instead be added to soup and called imodango.

Availability varies by maker, season, and destination.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Hokkaido Imomochi from?

It is associated with Hokkaido, in the Hokkaido & Tohoku region of Japan.

What kind of food is Hokkaido Imomochi?

This guide classifies it as pan-fried potato cakes with a chewy mochi-like texture. See the overview for its defining ingredients and texture.

Can I order Hokkaido Imomochi online?

Use the Rakuten Japan search link on this page. Confirm the maker, ingredients, storage requirements, and international shipping before ordering.

Order from Japan

Search Rakuten Japan using the original Japanese food name. Search results and product pages may be available only in Japanese.

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