Coffee Yokan
Kobe Coffee Co., Ltd. (Hyogo)
Kobe City in Hyogo Prefecture was one of the first cities in Japan to embrace Western customs and culture, and to this day presents as a sophisticated and stylish urban municipality. East-West Fused Coffee Yokan is a red bean jelly blending Japanese and Western concepts that is made by a charcoal-roast coffee house in Kobe founded 52 years ago. Japan has for many years used articles from overseas that meld eastern and western styles to create masterpieces. This product locks in the flavor and umami of coffee by kneading it into the yokan over a period of 300 days, which makes the texture of the yokan and the taste of anko (red bean paste made from azuki beans) much easier for non-Japanese to enjoy. The sweetness of the anko is followed by the rich umami-filled flavor of the coffee. The subtle change in aroma and flavor as one eats the yokan makes for a unique and enjoyable experience. Adding a touch of cream creates a delicious café au lait flavor, while adding ice-cream makes the coldish texture and taste of the yokan milder. The spirit of Japanese manufacturing culture can be felt in this product made by Kobe Coffee.