Minamoto Kitchoan | San Francisco, CA
Delicious Japanese Treats in San Francisco
648 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94104
Minamoto Kitchoan is a Japanese confectionery brand that has been around for over 150 years. With a focus on traditional Japanese sweets, or wagashi, Minamoto Kitchoan has gained a reputation for its exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail.
The company was founded in 1860 by Minamoto Tōjirō, who started by making kanten, a type of agar-agar, before branching out into the world of wagashi. Today, the company has stores not only in Japan but also in other countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, and Singapore.
At the heart of Minamoto Kitchoan’s philosophy is the idea of creating sweets that not only taste good but also reflect the beauty of nature. This is why many of their confections are shaped and designed to resemble flowers, leaves, and other natural elements.
One of their most popular products is the Yōkan, a type of jelly made from sweetened azuki beans, agar-agar, and sugar. Yōkan comes in a variety of flavors, including green tea, chestnut, and strawberry. It is often served alongside a cup of Japanese green tea and is considered a delicacy.
Another popular Minamoto Kitchoan product is the Daifuku, a type of mochi (rice cake) filled with sweet bean paste. The filling can also include other flavors such as matcha or sakura (cherry blossom) petals. Daifuku is a favorite among Japanese people and is often enjoyed as a dessert or snack.
Aside from Yōkan and Daifuku, Minamoto Kitchoan offers a wide variety of other wagashi, including traditional Japanese cakes, candies, and cookies. Many of these sweets are seasonal and feature ingredients that are only available at certain times of the year, such as sakura petals in the spring or persimmons in the fall.
One of the most unique things about Minamoto Kitchoan is its dedication to using high-quality, natural ingredients. For example, the company uses only the finest azuki beans from Hokkaido, Japan, in its sweets. They also avoid using artificial preservatives or colors, instead opting for natural ingredients such as yuzu, a type of citrus fruit, to add flavor and fragrance to their sweets.
In addition to its commitment to quality ingredients, Minamoto Kitchoan also places great emphasis on presentation. Many of their products come in beautiful packaging that features traditional Japanese designs and motifs, making them not only delicious but also visually stunning.
Overall, Minamoto Kitchoan is a brand that embodies the artistry and attention to detail that is so highly valued in Japanese culture. Its commitment to using natural ingredients and creating beautiful, high-quality wagashi has earned it a devoted following not only in Japan but around the world.
