🍱 Hotayoukan (Steamed bread)

"Hotayokan" is a steamed bread-like confection. In the Tokushima dialect, the word "hota" refers to the hollow space inside, and the fluffy, sponge-like appearance of the cake is what gives it this name. Because brown sugar is used, it is characterized by its dark brown appearance, chunky texture, and gentle sweetness. Until the Taisho era (1912-1926), people ate a steamed yokan called "Matsukaze" instead of Hotayokan, and it is said that it began to be sold at candy stores in the early Showa era (1926-1989). It is believed that brown sugar was often used because it is unrefined and inexpensive, making it not only easy to use but also tastes rich and delicious.