Each cake symbolises a season: spring, summer, autumn and winter. This is also the general principles of Wagashi cakes. They reflect natural beauty. Their materials sourced primarily from plants like rice, wheat, red beans… In recent years, wagashi has attracted the interest of many people of Vietnam. Some have even opened their own Wagashi cake shops. Let’s take a look at these delicate cakes in the following report.
Le Ngoc Anh, Wagashi House Owner said: "Wagashi not only have delicate shapes but also represent the beauty of different season in a year. They are more than just cakes. They are works of art that embody the soul of cake makers."
Japanese traditional cakes are usually small in size and have great details. Most of the raw materials and cake moulds are imported from Japan. These antique moulds owned by Ngọc Anh have been passed down many generations of Japanese bakers.
"I was very lucky to own these wooden moulds. I had to auction for them. Some of them are worth over 10 million VND", Le Ngọc Anh added.
Wagashi lessons at the Japan Foundation Centre for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam attract many young Vietnamese people.
Nguyen Lan Nguyen, Student said: "Wagashi is slightly sweet but when combined with tea, the taste is perfect. Through today’s lesson, we also learnt about Japanese people’s feeling for nature and how to protect the environment."
Quang Chau, the trainer of this lesson is very young but he already has 6 year experience in making Wagashi.
Tran Quang Chau, Teacher, Japan Foundation Centre for Cultural Exchange said: "Besides introducing the Japanese traditional cakes, I also want to convey the passion for art and the love of nature for my students. This way Vietnamese also can feel the love and protect the nature of Vietnam".
With its delicate beauty and cultural distinction, Wagashi are increasingly popular among young people in Vietnam. Dozens of Wagashi cake shops have opened in Hanoi and HCMC to meet the needs of the young people.
