Hiroshima | A Century-Old Store's Momiji Manju Revitalized by Frying Technique

Founded at the end of the Meiji era, Momiji-do has been in business for 110 years. How did Momiji Manju come about? There are two popular versions of the story. One version is that a Japanese confectioner was asked by an inn in Momiji Valley to create a maple leaf-shaped pastry, which led to the creation of this century-old specialty. The other version is that when Japanese Prime Minister Hirobumi Ito visited Miyajima, he saw the beautiful hands of the inn's maid and jokingly said that her hands would taste good if roasted, which eventually evolved into Momiji Manju. Made with egg flour and filled with red bean paste, butter, or chocolate, Momiji Manju is similar to a stuffed egg cake. Because it is easy to make, it can be found everywhere in Miyajima and Hiroshima. Momiji-do, which claims to be the original creator, found it difficult to face market challenges relying solely on tradition and tourists' curiosity. In 2002, they started a new approach by frying Momiji Manju. The crispy outer shell and soft, sweet filling created a fresh sensation, making fried Momiji Manju a new specialty. The century-old store also opened up new ideas, adding flavors like Setouchi lemon, cheese, and matcha, which are popular with tourists. They even offer a set menu with ice cream for dine-in customers, giving Momiji Manju a new lease on life. 📍Address: 〒739-0556 Hiroshima Prefecture, Hatsukaichi City, Miyajima Town 448-1 🚗 12-minute walk from Miyajima Pier, located in the middle of the Omotesando shopping street.