[Fukuoka Prefecture] If you want to enjoy kasutera (castella sponge cake)! 4 recommended shops

Photograph:nonnon935

Shooken Hakata Eki Maingu Ten is a restaurant opened in Hakata by Shooken, a castella sponge cake shop from Nagasaki.

Along with castella sponge cake made using traditional methods, they are also popular for unique items you can only get here, such as castella sponge cake kneaded with chocolate and peach-shaped castella sponge cake.

Photograph:巡恋歌@春風香る

One item people say lets you enjoy a simple yet deep flavor is gosanyaki castella (rich Nagasaki sponge cake).

They say the contrast between the moist, finely textured castella sponge and the crunchy texture of the coarse sugar crystals on the bottom is just right.

Photograph:misspepper

The photo shows the popular item "Chokorate," made by kneading custom made chocolate into kasutera (castella sponge cake) batter.

It is said to have a rich flavor that feels more like eating chocolate cake than castella, yet the sweetness is not too heavy, so it is easy to enjoy.

Photograph:こむコム

"Fukusaya Hakata Eki Maingu Ten" is a long-established castella sponge cake shop from Nagasaki that has opened a location inside Hakata Station. While carrying on its traditional flavors, it is popular for products that also bring in a fresh touch.

With excellent access directly connected to a terminal station, it is also nice and easy to stop by on the way back from a trip.

Photograph:60c794

The "Cube Castella," from Kyubu Kasutera (cube castella) with its cute and colorful box-shaped packaging, is said to be great as a gift because it is easy to hand out.

The finely textured kasutera (castella sponge cake) is said to have a rich egg flavor and an elegant taste.

Photograph:tomohiro.t1101

The “Tezukuri Monaka (DIY wafer cakes)” let you sandwich in your preferred amount and enjoy them your way, making them a popular playful souvenir. People say that adding the an (sweet red bean paste) afterward brings out the toasty aroma of the wafer shell.

Made with Special glutinous rice and azuki (red beans), they are said to have a refined flavor that really highlights the quality of the ingredients.

Photograph:mayupapa

"Taiwan Kasutera Koto" is a Takeout specialty shop for Taiwan kasutera (Taiwanese castella cake), known for its light and fluffy texture.

They use no preservatives or artificial coloring, and they are also particular about the ingredients, including local Miho Tamago eggs. With a flavor that appeals to all ages, it also makes a great gift.

Photograph:kiyoとLeo

The castella (Japanese sponge cake) is said to be far more moist and fluffy than you would expect, and to melt away with a light airy feel the moment it hits your mouth.

It seems chilling it or warming it changes the flavor, so comparing the different ways to eat it sounds fun too.

Photograph:かっちゃん(

Taiwan castella (Taiwanese sponge cake) comes in plain, as well as matcha (green tea) and Earl Grey flavors.

The "Earl Grey" in the photo has tea leaves kneaded into the batter, giving it a light black tea flavor.

Photograph:azupa57

Yamada Sweets is a Taiwanese castella sponge cake shop under the railway tracks, popular for its cute exterior.

The castella and the Takeout bags feature the shop's logo, and they look stylish too, so they are perfect as gifts.

Photograph:まあるいずん

The Taiwanese castella at this shop is known for having two textures in one, with a fluffy top and a moist, rich bottom.

Even though it is quite large, it is said to be so good that you can finish it in no time.

Photograph:☆☆りん

In addition to the standard plain flavor, the castella (Japanese sponge cake) comes in a wide range of varieties, including rock salt caramel and Earl Grey.

The "Castella Kirioshi" in the photo lets you casually try flavors you are a little curious about, which is a nice bonus.