Kan’eido’s Maru-Bōro

Maru-Bōro made by a long-established confectioner in Kyoto

“Maru-Bōro” by “Kan’eido”, a Japanese confectionery in Kyoto with stores all over the country. Kan’eido is a very long-established wagashi shop that has been in business since the Edo period (1630).”
I believe that “Maru-bōro” itself originated in Saga Prefecture in northern Kyushu, but it was introduced to Kyoto, where the confectionery culture was flourishing, via the Sugar Road (Nagasaki Kaidō) during the period of the Nanban trade.

It is said that sugar began to be actively used in Japan in the late 16th century. Later, by the time of the Edo period after the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, Castella, Bōro, and other Nanban confections had become well known to many people.

Although the shape looks familiar, the Maru-Bōro made by Kan’eido, a very long-established confectioner in Kyoto, is a little different.

It is quite thick and feels heavy and chunky. It has a unique feel as if it slowly returns to its original shape when pressed with a finger.

I feel that the honey used generously in the dough creates a very sticky dough. In terms of texture and taste, I think it is a little different from ordinary Maru-Bōro. However, the Kyoto Maru-Bōro is still just as delicious.