ハラミ串
【Overall】Located about a 5-minute walk from Tsukuba EX Rokumachi Station, this is a specialty shop for Baumkuchen, even presented to the Imperial Household Agency. Personally, I don't have any particular attachment to Baumkuchen, but I tend to eat it if it's there (^_^;) I had the image of a small snack that fills the gaps in everyday life, but when it comes to a specialty shop, it's a whole different story. The fluffy texture gives a rich taste of eggs. This time, I bought the cut-off pieces, which made it even more flavorful (^_^) This is a popular souvenir among locals. Keeping something like this at home could be useful in various situations.
After enjoying a tempura course in Shinagawa during the day, let's buy some sweets to keep the good mood going (^_^) It's a serious residential area with few dining options, but if you look around, you'll find some. Surprisingly, there was a Baumkuchen specialty shop nearby. Shimadaya Seika, established 50 years ago, is a small long-established shop well-known in the neighborhood. Although it says "Presented to the Imperial Household Agency" on the storefront, it doesn't give off that kind of atmosphere at all, just a normal shop (^_^;) By the way, it seems like the order is "Imperial Household Agency Supplier" > "Royal Warrant Holder" > "Imperial Household Presentation," but being an Imperial Household Agency Supplier is still quite respectable. I visited around 1 pm on a weekday. From just past 12 pm, they were selling discounted cut-off pieces, and there were plenty of them on display. With a simple lineup of Baumkuchen and pound cake, I didn't hesitate to buy the cut-off pieces. Let's have them at home right away (^_^)
- Nagasaki Baumkuchen Cut-off Pieces Set: 1,100 yen
When you think of Nagasaki, you usually associate it with Castella, but I wonder if Baumkuchen is also a specialty there. I have no idea (^_^;) First, I tried the regular product. When I hold it, the dough feels light in weight. Usually, it's more dense...? The dough is fluffy and soft to the touch, similar to Castella rather than a dough packed tightly with flour. Next, the cut-off piece. It's the uneven part at the edge, but it has a strong sweetness and aroma, which might actually make it tastier. There is a slight inconsistency in texture and melting in the mouth, but it creates a nice change in texture.
【In conclusion】A set of 2 regular products and 2 cut-off pieces for 1,100 yen. Isn't this a great deal? I was surprised (^_^;) I didn't particularly aim for this sweet, I just happened to buy it, but I am very satisfied with both the taste and cost performance. The cut-off pieces, despite their irregular shape, tasted even better. For personal consumption, I highly recommend this one! Thank you for the meal.