Local sweets & wagashi

Iga Manju

  • 11Saitama

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  • 11Saitama

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Iga Manju
Image attribution: AI-generated image · GPT Image 2.5 Sunburst

A festive local dish of northeastern Saitama Prefecture in which an anko-filled manju is covered with sekihan (red bean rice) and steamed.

Dish profile

About this dish

Main ingredients
Manju, glutinous rice
History and origin
It is said to have originated in Konosu City (formerly Kawasato Town) and has long been handed down in the grain belt of northeastern Saitama, where wheat cultivation was widespread and wheat-flour dishes such as udon and manju developed. The name comes from its sekihan-coated appearance resembling the spiny burr (iga) of a chestnut. There are various theories about how it came about, such as to stretch the glutinous rice further.
When it is eaten
Made at home as an auspicious food for spring, summer, and autumn festivals and for celebrations. Today it is also sold at Japanese confectionery shops in northeastern Saitama.
How it is eaten
Sekihan is coated over an anko-filled manju so as to cover it, and then steamed. Forms vary by household and shop, including versions with sekihan simply placed on top and versions sprinkled with sesame.

Sources

Recipes vary by region and household. This is not ingredient, allergy, or dietary guidance for a specific restaurant.

Dietary guidance

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  • VegetarianNo direct clue found (this does not mean suitable)

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  • HalalNo direct clue found (this does not mean suitable)

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  • Gluten-freeNo direct clue found (this does not mean suitable)

    Shows clues that wheat may be present.

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  • PorkPork: no direct clue found (absence is not confirmed)
  • Alcohol (mirin / sake)Alcohol (mirin / sake): no direct clue found (absence is not confirmed)

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  • Venue settingNot confirmed by the dish information.

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