What Is Ogura Toast, A Japanese Dish That’s Taking Over The Internet?

Whether it’s sando sandwiches or the wiggly souffle pancakes, Japan’s doughy delights have often created waves in the global culinary scene. The latest to add to the intrigue is the Ogura Toast. What’s that, you ask? Well, ogura toast is a moreish, rich, sweet and salty bready delight made of shokupan bread. Read on to know why this toast has gone viral.

Ogura Toast Videos Take Over Instagram

A viral video posted by a photographer on his Instagram handle (space_tamnik) shows the making of ogura toast from scratch. In the video, the chef first cuts the entire shokupan loaf down the middle. The loaf is kept in a bread-slicing machine to ensure an accurate cut. Then, Hokkaido butter is added to a massive steel bowl. 

 

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A post shared by 포토그래퍼의 【공간 탐닉】 (@space_tamnik)

This butter is made of fresh milk, which is produced in Hokkaido, the country’s northernmost main island flanked by volcanoes. Into the creamy butter goes a generous drizzle of honey, which is then mixed well. A layer of thick honey and butter is lathered over the bread slices. Once the slices are glazed, they are neatly kept in a tray. Later, the chef coats them with sugar. 

Also Read: 8 Best Local Dishes To Try In Japan

A Bready Delight With Red Bean Paste & Salted Butter

Next, the bread slices are caramelised in a massive industrial oven. They come out freshly baked and golden brown. The toast is crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside. The crusts are removed, and then comes the filling that makes the toast what it is. That’s the smooth red bean paste. The bread is lathered with the smooth red bean paste, long with salted butter. There’s a distinct sweet and salty, umami flavour that’s highlighted in the toast. In no time, the ogura toast is ready!

Also Read:  Why Are Japanese Tourists Purchasing Rice As A Souvenir From Their South Korea Trips? 

Ogura refers to the sweet red bean paste that’s made from adzuki beans. It has a jam-like consistency and might remind you of the red bean paste often found in Southeast Asian desserts. Well, if you, too, are intrigued by ogura toast, check out the pretty cafes in Japan and skip your sando sandwich for a traditional ogura toast.

Cover Image Courtesy: Wikipedia/akira yamada