Mogi Ichimaru Ka Honke "Ikkokko"

Founded in 1844, Mogi Ichimaru Ka Honke is a long-established Japanese confectionery shop now run by its seventh generation. It began when the founder, Enoki Ichiemon, started making and selling its signature sweet, Ikkokko. During the Edo period (1603-1868), Ikkokko was also popular as a tea sweet among literary figures visiting Nagasaki, and today it is widely loved as one of Nagasaki's signature confections.

Ikkokko looks like a manju bun, but its defining feature is the hollow inside. This mysterious baked sweet is made by wrapping a filling of brown sugar, starch syrup, and honey in dough, coating it with white sesame seeds, and baking it to create its distinctive hollow center. Its crisp texture and rich roasted aroma are irresistible. That "savory aroma that spreads with a single bite" is said to be the origin of its name.

Simple yet surprisingly deep in flavor, this sweet pairs beautifully not only with Japanese tea, but also with coffee or black tea. It also makes a gift that's sure to be appreciated.