Ode to (an)Pan

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. One *bite* *chew chew chew* Actually. I’m finding it hard to create an actual ode. Reminiscing about that first bite into the soft, soft bread is enough to make my brain stop. Ah Anpan. You make my heart stop.

I first learned of Anpan from various anime I’ve seen. People of all ages seemed to love this anko (red bean paste) filled bun. Still, the idea wasn’t something I found particularly appetizing. I did grow up eating hopia, a dense red bean paste-filled pastry after all, so the idea of anpan wasn’t too interesting.

Still, when I saw packs of mini-Anpan selling at PhP40 for 3 pieces at Hatchin Grocery, I figured, what the heck and decided to try it. Because I was particularly hungry, I grabbed a piece as soon as I got back in the car.

I was expecting to bite into bread that was a bit sweet. Instead, I bit into a soft, soft bun with a very slightly crusty top. Flavorful grains that looked like poppy seeds, only lighter, dotted the top. The bread was light and was just a tiny bit salty, reminiscent of dinner rolls, rather than sweet breads. And the insides, it was filled with gooey soft bean paste that resonated with a distinct red bean flavor. It was not too sweet, nor was it cloying. It was a delicious bean flavor that was moist and lingered on your tongue. No dry hopia textures here, just delightful flavors that was softly moist, pleasantly complementing each other.

Did I like it? Do you really need to ask?

Images owned by Clarissa Ines. Used with permission.