Kanazawa Kintsuba: Azuki Squares in a Thin Griddle Skin

Kanazawa kintsuba sets whole-grained sweet azuki with sugar and agar, cuts it square, coats it thinly and sears each side. Nakataya is prominent, but multiple Ishikawa makers produce...

Kanazawa Kintsuba: Azuki Squares in a Thin Griddle Skin
Illustration showing the defining features of the food.

At a glance

NameKanazawa Kintsuba: Azuki Squares in a Thin Griddle Skin (Kanazawa Kintsuba)
PrefectureIshikawa
RegionChubu
TypeLarge-azuki jelly squares griddle-seared on every face

What is it?

Kanazawa kintsuba sets whole-grained sweet azuki with sugar and agar, cuts it square, coats it thinly and sears each side.

Nakataya is prominent, but multiple Ishikawa makers produce kintsuba, so the regional category is not one trademarked product.

History and local context

Nakataya documents the mold, cut and thin-coat process; Tanakaya provides another local example.

It belongs to Kanazawa's tea-sweet culture and commonly contains wheat, sometimes egg by maker.

How to enjoy it

Eat at room temperature with sencha or matcha, comparing bean size, thin skin and restrained sweetness. Follow each maker's date.

Availability varies by maker, season, and destination.

Sources and further reading

Frequently asked questions

Where is Kanazawa Kintsuba: Azuki Squares in a Thin Griddle Skin from?

It is associated with Ishikawa, in the Chubu region of Japan.

What kind of food is Kanazawa Kintsuba: Azuki Squares in a Thin Griddle Skin?

This guide classifies it as large-azuki jelly squares griddle-seared on every face. See the overview for its defining ingredients and texture.

Can I order Kanazawa Kintsuba: Azuki Squares in a Thin Griddle Skin 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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