When you visit Nagasaki, be sure to savor the beloved local sweet: Castella.
Nagasaki is a city known for its unique cultural blend of Japanese and Portuguese influences. In this article, we’ll explore the origins of Castella, why Nagasaki is its home, highlight five renowned shops.
The History of Castella
Castella (kah-stel-lah) is a delightful sponge cake that originated from the Portuguese “Pão de Ló” in the 16th century. When Portuguese merchants and missionaries arrived in Nagasaki, they introduced this sweet treat to Japan. Over the years, castella has evolved into a local specialty, cherished for its soft texture and subtle sweetness. Made with simple ingredients—flour, sugar, eggs, and starch syrup—it boasts a unique, moist consistency that sets it apart from other desserts.
Nagasaki holds a special place in Japan’s culinary history, serving as a melting pot of cultures and cuisines due to its status as one of the few ports open to foreign trade during Japan’s period of isolation. This rich exchange of flavors and traditions allowed castella to flourish, making it a beloved part of Nagasaki’s gastronomic heritage.
Unveiling Nagasaki’s Castella: A Taste of History at 5 Famous Shops
Fukusaya（福砂屋）
Established in 1624, Fukusaya is one of the oldest and most famous Castella shops in Nagasaki. Their Castella is known for its perfect balance of sweetness and softness.
Shooken （松翁軒）
Established in 1681 during the Edo period, Shooken has over 340 years of history and tradition in making castella, a type of Japanese sponge cake originally introduced by Portuguese missionaries.
Shooken offers a variety of castella flavors, including the traditional plain castella, matcha (green tea) castella, and a unique chocolate-flavored castella.
Bunmeido Sohonten（文明堂総本店）
Originally founded in Nagasaki in 1900, Bunmeido has earned a reputation for its high-quality ingredients and meticulous craftsmanship, making it a beloved destination for both locals and tourists.
Over the years, the company went through a process called noren wake (curtain splitting), which refers to the division of a business into distinct entities that operate independently while maintaining the same brand name. As a result of this approach, several Bunmeido companies now exist, including Bunmeido Sohonten and various other Bunmeido locations.
Kinkaidou（琴海堂）
Kinkaido is a hidden gem located in the serene countryside of Nishiumi, Nagasaki. One of their signature products is the “Kinkai no Kokoro”, a special Castella that uses an even higher concentration of Wasanbon sugar, resulting in an exceptionally moist and flavorful cake.
Izumiya（和泉屋）
Established in 1907, Izumiya has a long-standing tradition of producing high-quality castella. One of their most renowned products is the “Gosanyaki” castella, which uses a specific ratio of egg yolks to egg whites (5:3) to achieve a rich and moist texture.
Conclusion
Nagasaki’s Castella is more than just a dessert; it’s a slice of history and a testament to the city’s cultural heritage. From its intriguing origins to the top shops where you can enjoy it, Castella is a must-try for anyone visiting Japan. Don’t miss the chance to taste this iconic treat on your next visit to Japan!
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