Once things that astonishes me here in Japan time and again is how well that country and its people are able to adopt things from other countries and cultures. Long time ago its started which religions like Buddhism or the writing system, which they toke over from China, but also in modern times you can find countless other examples in everyday lives. Just look into Japanese laws and regulations, medicine, clothes, fashion, music and movies - so many things here in the land of the rising sun are influences by foreign sources, but fortunately always managed to keep its own and often unique identity.
At many places Japan seems to be open to foreign ideas and at the same time it is able to refine and improve them even more. You will notice that especially when it comes to food, which has been introduced to the country over the course of time. Look at ramen, the noodle soup which came from China ages ago and which has become maybe the most important soul food of all. Ramen comes in many varieties across the country, and is perhaps the most savored and talked about food of all.
One other example is Baumkuchen, a traditional German sweet, but which has found its way into the hearts of many Japanese people. The origins of this lovely snack go way back in time and as it seems the first Baumkuchen have been baked, served and eaten already in medieval times. It took a bit longer, until the end of the first word war, when a German POW introduced this delicious treat at an exhibition in the city of Hiroshima. From there it didn't take too long to gain popularity all over Japan and until today you can find delicious Baumkuchen in countless places all ove rthe country.
Too be honest, it took me quite a while to understand how Baumkuchen is made. Of course it is obvious that the cake resembles a tree trunk and consists of several layers. But otherwise I didn't know about, even though I had eat Baumkuchen quite often.
It was a few years ago, when we were visiting the city of Matsumoto in Nagano Prefecture, that I really understood how to make this cake. We were out and about in the city and in front of a store that specialized in making Baumkuchen, it finally hit me.
In the window display I could see several cake rolls, and I quickly realized what they were all about. These thick rolls were the object of desire and showed exactly the sweet we are talking about here.
Baumkuchen is made on a spit, on which thin layers of dough are applied and baked one after the other. This creates the typical dark rings at the end, reminiscent of the annual rings of a tree. It's actually quite simple, but it took me a little longer to realize this. For that I had to spend a few years in the Land of the Rising Sun and come all the way here to Matsumoto in front of this very shop window.
Here we see the Baumkuchen store again from the outside, and it seems to be quite popular. “Baumukuhen バウムクーヘン”, as this treat is called here in Japan, is really popular and you can find it in a wide variety of flavors. I have to admit that the Japanese have even managed to improve on this traditional German pastry. Here in Japan, it tastes even more delicious and is also much softer.
For me, of all the different flavors, the matcha version stands out in particular. I myself am happy every time I can enjoy a piece of Baumkuchen in Japan, as it is always a real delicacy.
In terms of price, however, it can get a little expensive, especially in a store like this one. This hefty roll costs 23,000 yen, which for a Japanese person is equivalent to over 200 euros. Well, you don't normally buy the whole roll, although I would have loved to. But even a ring is not always cheap, even though it is all the more delicious.
Baumkuchen is apparently also a popular gift for wedding guests, as the cake ring is supposed to be reminiscent of a wedding ring. Well, this association hasn't occurred to me yet, but perhaps it's not so far-fetched after all.
However, I can only recommend that if you get the opportunity to try a piece of Japanese Baumkuchen, you should definitely go for it. Otherwise you would definitely be missing out on something great. I can even imagine that you might end up with a piece of Baumkuchen in your own bag. Baumkuchen is perfect as a souvenir, for friends and family but also for yourself.
I should probably treat myself to a piece of Baumkuchen again soon as well. As I mentioned, there's quite a large selection here in Japan and I don't even have to walk far for it. Let's see, maybe it won't be too long before I have a delicious piece of Baumkuchen in front of me on my plate. Some things shouldn't be put off for too long...
