3 recommended specialty products from the exotic city of Nagasaki!

Nagasaki is home to many places that are of importance to Japan’s history as well as those where the local culture have been affected by foreign influences.
The charm of Nagasaki lies in the unique mix of both Japanese and foreign culture.
Today, I would like to recommend some specialty products from Nagasaki, a popular tourist destination situated in western Japan.

Iwasaki Honpo 「Nagasaki Braised Pork Buns」

First, I would like to introduce the「Nagasaki Braised Pork Buns」from Iwasaki Honpo.

3 piece set 1350 yen (Tax Incl.)
When talking about souvenirs from Nagasaki, one cannot forget about these braised pork buns. The 1st owner of Iwasaki Honpo started to sell this Nagasaki specialty, under the name 「Nagasaki Braised Pork Buns」.

The buns are sold in a packaging used for refrigeration and each are wrapped up individually in the box. To heat up the buns, just put them in microwave with the wrapping. After being heated up, the buns will have exude a delectable fragrance. The buns are chewy while the braised pork belly in the middle is so tender and soft, that it feels almost as if it is melting in your mouth. The moment you sink your teeth into the braised pork belly, a deep flavor explodes in your mouth, leaving a delicious lasting taste. Each bun is relatively big, so I’m sure most will be satisfied with just 1 each time.

Nagasaki Dejima Whale Curry

Next I would like to introduce the Nagasaki Dejima Whale Curry.

648 yen (Tax Incl.)
Dejima, in Nagasaki, was busy port dealing with foreign trade during the 17th ~ 19th century. During that period, Dejima was prosperous and one of the big industries was whaling.

The whale curry that is being sold today, is a representation of the history of the whaling industry in the area.
The curry is sold in cans, so it has a shelf life of around half a year.
To prepare the curry, just empty the contents into a plate and reheat it in a microwave.

The curry is of a dark brown color and has a milder fragrance compared to other curries. Upon inspection, the curry may seem spicy, but in actuality, it is not spicy and has a very rich taste. As per the name suggests, the curry has whale meat included in it. The whale meat is quite chewy and has a slightly gamey smell. However, it is also flavorful making it very delicious, as you continue chewing.

Syogetsudo「Castella」

Lastly, I would like to introduce Syogetsudo’s castella cake.

869 yen (Tax Incl.)
Castella cakes were developed in a unique way by Japan, based on the sweets introduced from Portugal. In fact, the birthplace of Japanese castella cakes is Nagasaki. I chose this castella cake from Syogetsudo as one of my recommendations because it was stated in the store that it was number 1 in the sweetness department; I am quite the sweet-tooth.

Inside the packaging is a giant piece of castella cake. So, when you are eating, I recommend to cut it into easy to eat slices as shown in the right picture. I imagined that the castella cake would be really sweet as stated in the shop but it was actually moderately sweet making easy to eat. The cake is moist yet spongy, giving it a nice texture. Also, the portion is quite big, so I am such you will be satisfied.
This marks the end of my recommendations for Nagasaki’s souvenirs.
Please have a try, if you have to see them being sold.
Written by yui