Showdown! Hana vs. Senju Senbei
This time, instead of trying something new, I decided to introduce you to something not so new.... Well, at least to me it’s not new. See, I’ve been secretly in love with a certain Kyoto sweet for the past few years. The type of sweet is called omanju, which is a bite-size traditional Japanese cake usually eaten with tea. The company that makes this omanju, Kogetsu, is actually famous for another snack called Senju Senbei which is a light wafer sandwich cookie. But their much less known yet equally (if not more) deserving-of-fame product is their omanju Hana. This omanju is small, round, and shaped like a chrysanthemum, hence the name which has a double meaning of “glamor” and “flower.” The outer crust is soft, and the center is rich yet lightly vanilla flavored—an unorthodox quality for omanju. The masterpiece screams perfection.
While I have always just purchased Hana at the souvenir shops in Kyoto station for friends (okay, mostly for myself), this time I decided to venture to an official Kogetsu store. My purpose was to not only see these delicious treats in their natural habitat, but also to purchase and see for myself if the famed Senju Senbei was really all that it was cracked up to be.
While there are various Kogetsu shops in Kyoto, I chose the one in the beautiful Arashiyama. The busy little shop was fashioned in a charming Kyoto style. The ladies behind the counter were all smiles and just as sweet as their products. The selection of items was much better than what I could find at Kyoto station; various products new to me filled the showcases, all tempting me to rip out my wallet and splurge. I maintained composure in the sugar-laden atmosphere, however, and purchased a single Senju Senbei and a five-pack of Hana because to do otherwise would be a sin.
Now came the moment of truth. How did the Senju Senbei compare to the already perfect Hana? The two were quite different, actually. The Senju Senbei wafer cookies were crispy and airy and the filling like a light version of Oreo cream. It was definitely more cookie-like than omanju-like.
The verdict: Meh. The Senju Senbei is a bit overrated. I mean, sure, it was a nice snack, and I would be more than grateful had somebody given it to me as a souvenir, but the competition is fierce. Hands down, Hana is still the one that occupies that special little place in my heart (and now probably my thighs, too). I guess that’s the way the senbei crumbles.