Top 10 Most Popular Meals To Enjoy At “Hanami,” The Cherry Blossom Viewing
"Hanami" is a Japanese word that literally translates to "flower viewing," and it is most commonly used to describe the cherry blossom viewing. The season, which lasts for a week, is specially celebrated by people packing lunches and picnicking under blooming cheery trees. Aside from watching the flowers, hanami is characterized by the enjoyment of special dishes and the joy of company. Read on for some of the best foods to enjoy at hanami.
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In Japan, cherry blossoms first appear in the southern island of Okinawa in March then move northwards to the northern island of Hokkaido by early May. The season, which typically lasts for just a week annually, is considered a special festivity in the nation and is enjoyed by thousands coming out to enjoy the fairytale-like views and food.
If you happen to be in Japan at this time of the year, then make sure to enjoy one or more of these foods!
1. Futomaki
Futomaki is a traditional meal popularly enjoyed during the hanami festival. It is a thick sushi roll that is commonly filled with vegetables and sometimes cooked fish like unagi.
2. Matcha and Warabi Mochi
This authentic combination blesses you with a thrilling sweetness. It is made up of chilled, chewy, jelly-like mochi covered with sweet and nutty soybean powder and drizzled with kuromitsu syrup.
3. Cherry Blossom Milk Pudding
What could be more nefottimg of the season than this tasty Cherry Blossom Milk Pudding! The delicious dessert delivers sweet and salty flavors through a silky medium — the pudding itself. Is it any wonder that it is popular among all ages?
4. Hanami Dango
The Hanami Dango are dumplings made with sweetened rice flour, and that have a signature tri-color combo paying homage to the colorful season.
5. Cherry Blossom Rice Balls
Your picnic array won't be complete without these rice balls, which are every bit the decadent delight with their glutinous texture.
6. Sakura Mochi
Sakura Mochi is another decadent item on this list, with its iconic filling of sweet red bean paste.
7. Inari Sushi
The Inari Sushi is simply a sushi and rice mixture stuffed in deep-fried seasoned tofu skin. The famous recipe may, however, be modified based on personal preference.
8. Cherry Blossom Cookies
These Cherry Blossom Cookies are crispy and buttery cookies, best enjoyed with salt pickled cherry blossoms.
9. Chirashi Sushi Cake
This savory meal is made up of shredded egg, boiled shrimp, and salmon sashimi. This is best enjoyed, garnished with salmon roe.
10. Cherry Blossom Madeleines
The Cherry Blossom Madeleines are buttery cookies, famous for their slightly sweet and salty, and most importantly, that special hint of cherry blossom’s fragrance.
With any of these meals, you are sure to have a wonderful time at the hanami festival!
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