Youkan are Japanese sweets that have a texture between red bean paste and jelly. When you eat them, it's like chewing on slightly springy red bean paste. The "jelly" component is made of kanten 寒天 (agar agar, from algae), so it's plant-based =)
They come in a variety of flavours like green tea, sweet potato and persimmon. Find them in morning markets, souvenir shops, and even supermarkets.
When you're not sure what Japanese food souvenirs to get for your herbivore friends back home, try youkan ^^ Word of warning though: youkan are supremely sweet! Cut large youkan into tiny pieces and savour them slowly.
These Sugimotoya youkan were bought from Fairprice Finest, Singapore.
Ingredients in Japanese: 砂糖 、生餡、水飴、寒天、抹茶、食塩、甘味料(ソルビトール)、着色料(クチナシ)
Ingredients: Sugar, red bean paste, sugar syrup, agar, matcha, salt, sweetener (sorbitol), coloring agent (gardenia)
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