Delicious Japanese wheat buns stuffed with radish and vegetable
Radish oyaki
Nagano, Japan is known for many things, among which is oyaki. The bun is similar to the more common bao bun, except this one is baked and/or fried rather than steamed. As a result, oyaki is more chewy and dense as opposed to the soft and fluffy bao bun. Oyaki can be filled with red beans, meat, pumpkins, cheese, sesame paste, and vegetables -- salty, sweet, or savory. This radish oyaki was savory and delicious.
If you are looking for oyaki in Nagano or Japan, Irohado is a household name. You can find Irohado stalls all across Nagano, particularly Nagano station and Zenkoji ometosando. On my bus ride from Tokyo to Nagano, I happened to pass by this Oyaki Farm by Irohado. Inside, you not only get to purchase unique and various oyaki and Irohado merch, but you also get to see how they make their oyaki. Oyaki Farm is a bit out of the way from Nagano station, but if you are a fan of bao buns and oyaki, I recommend the trip for its own sake.
Doing things for their own sake and for no apparent reason is an attitude that I have come to embrace. Rundigo is an embodiment of this free spirit.
