Tokushima Mame-tama and Mame-ten-tama

Mame-tama is Tokushima okonomiyaki cooked with sweet-simmered kintoki beans, creating a sweet-savory contrast with dark sauce. Mame-ten-tama adds Tokushima's small-shrimp flour tenpura; the...

Tokushima Mame-tama and Mame-ten-tama
Illustration showing the defining features of the food.

At a glance

NameTokushima Mame-tama and Mame-ten-tama (Mame-tama)
PrefectureTokushima
RegionShikoku
TypeOkonomiyaki with sweet kintoki beans, optionally local shrimp tenpura

What is it?

Mame-tama is Tokushima okonomiyaki cooked with sweet-simmered kintoki beans, creating a sweet-savory contrast with dark sauce.

Mame-ten-tama adds Tokushima's small-shrimp flour tenpura; the two names are related but not interchangeable.

History and local context

Tokushima also uses sweet beans in local sushi, and the preference became part of its okonomiyaki culture.

Official tourism guides describe mame-ten-tama as soul food, with shops varying the batter, beans, shrimp tenpura and sauce.

How to enjoy it

Taste beans, batter and sauce together before adding mayonnaise. In mame-ten-tama compare crisp tenpura edges with sauce-softened parts.

Availability varies by maker, season, and destination.

Sources and further reading

Frequently asked questions

Where is Tokushima Mame-tama and Mame-ten-tama from?

It is associated with Tokushima, in the Shikoku region of Japan.

What kind of food is Tokushima Mame-tama and Mame-ten-tama?

This guide classifies it as okonomiyaki with sweet kintoki beans, optionally local shrimp tenpura. See the overview for its defining ingredients and texture.

Can I order Tokushima Mame-tama and Mame-ten-tama 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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