By TabiEats

In this delightful video from TabiEats, the hosts introduce viewers to Karukan, a traditional Japanese steamed cake that hails from Kagoshima in Kyushu. Intrigued by this local delicacy encountered during a recent trip to Kagoshima, they show how to recreate it at home with just five easily accessible ingredients. Karukan is a moist, soft cake known for its subtle, earthy flavor, primarily owing to its key ingredient—yam (specifically Japanese yam or Yamato-imo).

The video begins with a bit of cultural background and personal reflection on discovering Karukan during their travels. Because the sweet is not readily available outside of its native region—particularly in Tokyo—the host decided to replicate it at home. This not only offers a taste of Kagoshima for those living elsewhere but brings a bit of Japan’s diverse regional cuisine into anyone's kitchen.

The homemade recipe calls for 100 grams of Japanese yam, 150 grams of sugar, 125 grams of rice flour (joshinko), 75 milliliters of water, and a teaspoon of baking powder. The preparation process is simple and well-demonstrated, from grating the yam to combining and steaming the mixture. These easy steps make it suitable for anyone interested in Japanese cuisine, regardless of cooking skill level.

Beyond the recipe, the video is also a testament to the regional culinary diversity of Japan. Kagoshima, located on the southern tip of Kyushu, is known for its unique food culture. Karukan, originally associated with Japanese tea culture, is often served as wagashi (traditional Japanese confectionery) alongside green tea. Now, with this guide, viewers anywhere can enjoy an authentic slice of Kagoshima's culinary tradition.

Perfect for those interested in Japanese sweets and regional cooking, this video not only teaches how to cook Karukan but also imparts a piece of Japan's cultural richness through food.