Kagawa Shoyu-mame
Shoyu-mame is made by slowly roasting dried broad beans, then adding them hot to a soy sauce, sugar and chili liquid. Roasting before soaking gives a nutty aroma and a distinctive crumbly...
At a glance
| Name | Kagawa Shoyu-mame (Shoyu Mame) |
|---|---|
| Prefecture | Kagawa |
| Region | Shikoku |
| Type | Roasted dried broad beans soaked in a soy, sugar and chili seasoning |
What is it?
Shoyu-mame is made by slowly roasting dried broad beans, then adding them hot to a soy sauce, sugar and chili liquid. Roasting before soaking gives a nutty aroma and a distinctive crumbly bite unlike ordinary simmered beans.
It is eaten across Kagawa as an udon side dish, rice accompaniment, bar snack and preserved food; vacuum-packed versions are common souvenirs.
History and local context
Stories connect it with Shodoshima soy brewing or a pilgrim's roasted bean falling into a soy jar, but these are transmitted origin tales rather than settled proof.
A Kagawa dish is not automatically made entirely from Kagawa-grown beans. Check each product's origin, sweetness, heat and firmness.
How to enjoy it
Eat the beans skin-on at room temperature and notice roast aroma, soy, sweetness and chili in that order.
Choose a softer product if hard bean skins are difficult, and refrigerate opened commercial packs as labeled.
Availability varies by maker, season, and destination.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Where is Kagawa Shoyu-mame from?
It is associated with Kagawa, in the Shikoku region of Japan.
What kind of food is Kagawa Shoyu-mame?
This guide classifies it as roasted dried broad beans soaked in a soy, sugar and chili seasoning. See the overview for its defining ingredients and texture.
Can I order Kagawa Shoyu-mame 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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