In the spirit of the Japan earthquake disaster, we decided to visit our local Japanese favorites.The shop we visited is called Shuei-Do Manju Shop. It is a family-owned Japanese sweets (a.k.a. wagashi) store located in downtown San Jose Japantown.
During summer time, they will also sell rainbow snow cones.
When we entered the store, we found many memorable Japanese snacks that we ate when we were little kids...
Ahhhhh... Pocky Pocky I heart you! The yellow match box like packaging is milk caramel that would stop me from crying when i was little. :)
The people in the store are very nice. Probably because of the rain, we didn't have to wait too long to get our sweets. Usually, you would need to wait in a long line for a long time. If you want some mochi for the holidays you will want to place an order a week before.
Yay! We got our treats for the day. This is a 12-piece box, which costs $15.60. The place is Cash Only. We also gladly donated our change in helping the relief in Japan.
Of course, the stars of this store are the delicious wagashi(s). They are:
- Yokan - A rectangular confection made from lima/white beans and sugar
- Kuri - An ovular shaped baked good made from wheat flour with a smooth lima/white bean filling
- Monaka - A round wafer cookie filled with azuki/red bean paste
- Brown Inaka - An ovular shaped steamed wheat flour treat that is mixed with brown sugar that has whole azuki/red bean as filling.
- Kinako - A mochi made with rice flour and sprinkled with soy bean powder with lima/white bean filling.
- Ohagi - A rice ball made from glutinous rice and topped with azuki/red bean paste
Brown Inaka... a piece of heaven... =P
Before we entered the shop today, we noticed a peculiar sign that says "We have Ohagi today". At first, we just thought of it as a new product in the shop. Out of curiosity, we just bought it.
As we were eating, Didi did a little bit of research on this yummy little ball. We realized today is the second day of the spring "Higan". Higan is a traditional Japanese holiday that invites us by remembering our deceased family members and loved ones through the act of food offerings and grave sweeping. The holiday lasts for a week from three days before till three days after the spring or autumn equinox. One of the food that is commonly offered, as well as consumed, is Ohagi.
An interest fact about the shop that makes you HAVE to visit this place is that the Japanese Emperor visited this shop during one of his trips to the United States.
V-Rating Vegetarian, may not be vegan
Taste ★★★★★
Ambiance ★★★★☆ It gives off a feel of a small shop in Japan
Service ★★★★★
Price $$$$$
Overall ★★★★★
217 E. Jackson Street
San Jose, CA 95112
(408) 294-4148
Hours of Operation
Monday closed
Tuesday from 11a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wednesday - Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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