Maru-Bōro

A classic of Nanban confectionery that bears witness to history.

“Maru-Bōro” is made by Chidoriya in Fukuoka Prefecture, which is famous for manufacturing “Chidori-manju“. “Maru-Bōro” has a long history dating back to the time of the Nanban trade, and has been made by Chidoriya since its establishment in 1630, making it one of the store’s most popular sweets.

In 2020, “Maru-Bōro” was recognized as a Japan Heritage Site as a component of the “Nagasaki Kaido – Sugar Road – that Spread Sugar Culture” and is truly a confectionary that is an essential part of the story of Japan’s trade history.

It is a beautifully round disk shape, but has a handmade texture. The surface is coated with sesame oil and baked.

When split in half, the inside is a coarse sponge cake dough with plenty of air, but Chidoriya’s dough seems to have a stronger “chewy” texture than most.

Despite its long history, the “Maru-Bōro” is still a standard snack today. It is also a nice point to be able to buy them at a low price.