Following the onsen manju, the new classic sweet from hot spring resorts is the onsen pudding.
With its creamy texture, rich egg flavor, and the bitterness of caramel, the deliciousness of pudding is enhanced by a unique method found only in hot spring areas. Steamed with the heat of the hot springs, this is the onsen pudding.
Onsen pudding is a relatively new hot spring gourmet that has rapidly spread since the 2000s. However, its popularity rivals that of onsen manju, establishing itself as a new specialty of hot spring resorts.
What is Onsen Pudding?
Onsen pudding refers to pudding made using the heat of hot springs.
While regular pudding is made using an oven or steamer, onsen pudding is steamed with hot spring steam or water. This difference in method defines "onsen pudding."
Hot spring steam has a higher humidity than regular steam, which results in a smoother pudding. Additionally, the temperature of hot springs is around 70-90°C, which gently sets the egg mixture without rapid heating, preventing bubbles and ensuring a beautiful finish.
Furthermore, the minerals in the hot springs can impart a subtle flavor to the pudding. Pudding made with sulfur springs may have a faint sulfur aroma, adding a unique character to onsen pudding.
The Birth of Onsen Pudding
The history of onsen pudding is relatively new.
In the early 2000s, onsen pudding began to be made in several hot spring areas as a new hot spring gourmet following onsen eggs and onsen manju.
Initially, it was a specialty of only a few hot spring areas. However, with the spread of social media, the existence of onsen pudding became widely known. Posts about "delicious pudding eaten at a hot spring" went viral, sparking an onsen pudding boom.
Today, many hot spring areas produce onsen pudding, firmly establishing it as a new classic sweet of hot spring resorts.
How Onsen Pudding is Made
The basic method for making onsen pudding is the same as regular pudding.
- Making Caramel: Heat sugar to make caramel and pour it into a container.
- Making Pudding Mixture: Mix eggs, milk, and sugar to create the pudding mixture.
- Straining: Strain the pudding mixture to make it smooth.
- Pouring into Containers: Pour the pudding mixture into the caramel-filled containers.
- Steaming: Steam with hot spring steam for 30-40 minutes.
- Cooling: Chill in the refrigerator.
The most crucial step in this process is "steaming." Using hot spring steam creates a texture different from regular pudding.
In some hot spring areas, a method called "jigoku-mushi" is used, where the pudding is directly steamed with high-temperature steam vents. This method is seen in places like Beppu Onsen.
Characteristics of Onsen Pudding
How does onsen pudding differ from regular pudding?
Firstly, the texture is smoother. Steaming with the high-humidity steam of hot springs results in a pudding that melts in the mouth. This smooth sensation is the hallmark of onsen pudding.
Next, the egg flavor is rich. In hot spring areas, local fresh eggs are often used, which significantly affect the taste of the pudding. Onsen pudding emphasizes the egg flavor.
Additionally, there is a subtle flavor from the hot spring minerals, which varies by hot spring area. Sulfur springs may impart a sulfur aroma, while carbonated springs may add a slight acidity. This individuality makes onsen pudding special.
Onsen Pudding by Hot Spring Area
Onsen pudding has unique characteristics depending on the hot spring area.
Beppu Onsen (Oita Prefecture): Known for pudding made with jigoku-mushi. Steamed quickly with high-temperature steam, resulting in a firmer texture and rich egg flavor.
Kusatsu Onsen (Gunma Prefecture): Pudding made with acidic spring steam, characterized by a slight acidity and refreshing taste.
Hakone Onsen (Kanagawa Prefecture): Offers a variety of puddings, including matcha and chocolate puddings.
Bessho Onsen (Nagano Prefecture): Rich pudding made with local milk and eggs, offering a satisfying richness.
Ibusuki Onsen (Kagoshima Prefecture): Known for "sand pudding," inspired by the famous sand baths.
These unique characteristics make exploring onsen puddings an enjoyable experience.
How to Enjoy Onsen Pudding
Onsen pudding is typically enjoyed chilled.
Chill the entire container in the refrigerator and eat with a spoon. The combination of caramel and pudding creates a perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness.
In hot spring areas, some shops offer freshly made warm pudding. Warm pudding is a completely different experience from cold pudding, with a creamy texture and strong egg flavor. Enjoying warm pudding is a unique experience only available in hot spring areas.
Onsen Pudding Containers
Onsen pudding containers are also unique.
Many are served in glass jars, which are easy to take home and visually appealing. The layers of pudding are visible through the transparent jar, adding to the visual allure of onsen pudding.
In some hot spring areas, ceramic containers are used. These ceramics, made by local kilns, can be reused after eating, making them valuable souvenirs.
Onsen Pudding for Strolling
Onsen pudding is also suitable for strolling.
Small containers allow you to enjoy the pudding while walking through the hot spring town. Savor each spoonful slowly. This strolling style is popular among younger generations.
It is particularly popular on social media. Taking photos of the pudding against the backdrop of beautiful hot spring towns and posting them on Instagram with the hashtag "#onsenpudding" has become a trend.
This social media appeal is one of the factors that accelerated the popularity of onsen pudding.
Onsen Pudding as a Souvenir
Onsen pudding is also popular as a souvenir.
Since it requires refrigeration, a cooler bag is essential for bringing it home. Nevertheless, many people choose to buy it to enjoy the taste of the hot spring area at home.
The shelf life is about 3-5 days. Although longer than onsen manju, it is still short, giving the impression of "freshly made" and "fresh."
Recently, more onsen puddings are available for purchase online, delivered via refrigerated shipping, allowing people to enjoy onsen pudding anywhere in the country.
Variations of Onsen Pudding
The basic onsen pudding is custard pudding.
However, various variations have emerged.
Matcha Pudding: Pudding with added matcha, popular in hot spring areas in green tea-producing regions.
Chocolate Pudding: Pudding with added chocolate, rich and popular among children.
Strawberry Pudding: Pudding with added strawberry pieces, often available as a spring special.
Pumpkin Pudding: Pudding with added pumpkin puree, a fall favorite.
Black Sesame Pudding: Pudding with added black sesame, offering a Japanese flavor.
Hojicha Pudding: Pudding with added roasted green tea, providing a toasty aroma.
This variety expands the appeal of onsen pudding.
Onsen Pudding and Local Ingredients
Onsen pudding often uses local ingredients.
Local milk and eggs are commonly used, creating a taste unique to the area. The spirit of local production for local consumption is embodied in onsen pudding.
For example, hot spring areas in Hokkaido use Hokkaido milk, while those in Kyushu use Kyushu eggs. This commitment to local ingredients enhances the quality of onsen pudding.
Price Range of Onsen Pudding
The price of onsen pudding typically ranges from 300 to 500 yen.
It is more expensive than onsen manju (100-150 yen) but reasonable for a dessert. This price range makes it affordable while ensuring profitability, supporting the spread of onsen pudding.
There are also premium onsen puddings made with high-quality local ingredients, priced between 800 and 1,000 yen, often purchased as special souvenirs.
Onsen Pudding Making Experience
In some hot spring areas, you can experience making onsen pudding.
You can make the pudding mixture yourself and steam it with hot spring steam. This experience is popular with families, especially valuable for children.
You can enjoy the pudding you made on the spot or take it home. Homemade pudding feels exceptionally delicious.
Calories in Onsen Pudding
Onsen pudding is sweet.
Each pudding contains about 150-200 kcal, with milk, eggs, and sugar as the main ingredients, contributing to its calorie content.
However, as a dessert, it is within an acceptable range. Enjoying 1-2 during a hot spring trip is not a problem.
Comparing Onsen Pudding and Onsen Manju
Onsen pudding and onsen manju: which should you buy?
It depends on personal preference. If you like Japanese sweets, go for onsen manju. If you prefer Western sweets, choose onsen pudding.
Onsen manju does not last long (3-7 days) but can be stored at room temperature. Onsen pudding lasts slightly longer (3-5 days) but requires refrigeration.
Price-wise, onsen manju is cheaper, while onsen pudding is more expensive.
Conclusion: Buy both. Onsen manju for strolling and onsen pudding as a souvenir. This is a smart choice.
Onsen Pudding Production Sites
In some hot spring areas, you can tour onsen pudding production sites.
You can watch through glass as artisans make pudding, from cracking eggs and mixing with milk to pouring into containers and steaming with hot spring steam. This process is fascinating.
Touring production sites deepens your understanding of onsen pudding, offering insights into how it is made.
The Future of Onsen Pudding
Onsen pudding will continue to evolve.
New flavors and methods are being explored. For example, vegan onsen pudding (without eggs or milk) has also appeared.
Additionally, more desserts using onsen pudding are emerging, such as onsen pudding parfaits and onsen pudding pancakes, offered at cafes in hot spring areas.
This evolution continues to expand the appeal of onsen pudding.
Enjoy Pudding at Hot Spring Resorts
When visiting a hot spring resort, you should try onsen pudding.
Walk through the hot spring town, find a pudding shop, buy freshly made pudding, and scoop it with a spoon. The smooth texture spreads in your mouth.
This experience becomes a memorable part of your hot spring trip. After soaking in the hot springs, stroll in a yukata and eat pudding. This flow is the modern way to enjoy hot spring resorts.
Soak in the hot springs, and then eat pudding. Here lies the new charm of Japan's hot spring resorts, where tradition and innovation merge.
