Kochi Imo Kenpi
Imo kenpi cuts sweet potato into slender sticks, fries them crisp, and coats them with sugar syrup. Thickness, potato variety, glaze, salt, and yuzu flavors vary across Kochi makers.
At a glance
| Name | Kochi Imo Kenpi (Imo Kenpi) |
|---|---|
| Prefecture | Kochi |
| Region | Shikoku |
| Type | Fried sweet-potato sticks coated with sugar syrup |
What is it?
Imo kenpi cuts sweet potato into slender sticks, fries them crisp, and coats them with sugar syrup. Thickness, potato variety, glaze, salt, and yuzu flavors vary across Kochi makers.
History and local context
Its name is commonly linked to Kochi's older wheat-and-sugar baked sweet called kenpi because of the similar stick shape. Kochi origin is widely cited, but dates and origin stories vary.
How to enjoy it
Try plain sticks before flavored ones and compare thin crisp and thicker potato-forward styles. Break the hard sticks for small children and seal the package against humidity.
Availability varies by maker, season, and destination.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Where is Kochi Imo Kenpi from?
It is associated with Kochi, in the Shikoku region of Japan.
What kind of food is Kochi Imo Kenpi?
This guide classifies it as fried sweet-potato sticks coated with sugar syrup. See the overview for its defining ingredients and texture.
Can I order Kochi Imo Kenpi 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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