Monaka

Monaka is a type of wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) consisting of an azuki bean jam filling that is sandwiched between two thin mochi wafers. The wafers are crispy, dry, and neutral in flavor, coming in various shapes, colors, and sizes. Traditionally, monaka are filled with azuki bean jam, but they can also be filled with ice cream, whipped cream, cream cheese, or chestnut paste. These sweet treats are often served with tea and have some unusual variations such as suicide monaka, filled with glossy, jelly anko, and prosperity monaka, which is shaped like golden coins and seasoned with brown sugar for prosperity.