Japanese cuisine is rich in tradition and flavor – and its sweets, or “wagashi”, is no exception. Among wagashi, “mochi” and “daifuku” are particularly beloved. And though these terms are often used interchangeably, they actually refer to distinct treats. Let’s explore the differences between mochi and daifuku to appreciate each one’s special characteristics.
What is Mochi?
Mochi is a traditional Japanese rice cake made from glutinous rice (mochigome), which is pounded into a sticky, smooth, and elastic dough. This process, called “mochitsuki”, involves steaming the rice and then pounding it with wooden mallets in a mortar until it achieves the desired consistency.
Mochi is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various forms:
Plain Mochi: Simple and unadorned, often eaten during celebrations like the Japanese New Year.
Savory Mochi: Put into soups or grilled and served with soy sauce.
Sweet Mochi: Coated with ingredients like kinako (roasted soybean flour) or filled with sweet bean paste.
What is Daifuku?
Daifuku, which translates to "great luck," is a specific type of sweet mochi. It consists of a mochi outer layer stuffed with various fillings, Most commonly, it is filled with sweetened red bean paste (anko). In essence, daifuku is a mochi that's been filled, making it a sweet.
The main difference between mochi and daifuku is that the latter is a sweet, sugary version of the former. Daifuku is typically eaten as a dessert, accompanied with tea. On the other hand, mochi, in its plainest iteration, is a savory snack that doesn’t have much taste.
There are several popular varieties of daifuku:
Anko Daifuku: Filled with red bean paste.
“Ichigo” (Strawberry) Daifuku: Contains a whole strawberry surrounded by red bean paste and mochi.
Other Fruit Daifuku: New variations that contain fresh fruits like mandarin, grape, and blueberry.
Cream Daifuku: A modern variation of daifuku, where mochi is filled with whipped cream, custard cream, chocolate cream, etc.
Key Differences Between Mochi and Daifuku
In short, daifuku falls under the broader category of mochi, not every mochi is prepared with a filling. Mochi can be enjoyed in many forms, from plain to savory to sweet, whereas daifuku specifically refers to the filled, sweet variety.
Composition:
Mochi: Primarily made from pounded glutinous rice and can be enjoyed plain or with various coatings and accompaniments.
Daifuku: Always includes a filling, typically sweet, encased within a mochi exterior.
Texture:
Mochi: Chewy and sticky, with a smooth surface.
Daifuku: Similar outer texture to mochi, but the inner filling adds an additional layer of softness and flavor.
Variety:
Mochi: Available in many forms and used in both savory and sweet dishes.
Daifuku: Primarily a sweet treat with a filling, offering diverse flavors through different fillings.
Buying Mochi and Daifuku
You can expect to find both mochi and daifuku at your local Japanese supermarket. However, if you are looking for the most authentic experience, we suggest you head over to a store that specializes in either wagashi, mochi, or daifuku.
At Mochimayu, daifuku is our main product, showcasing the rich tradition and innovative spirit of Japanese confectionery. If you are interested in trying daifuku, why not try ours?
Visit Mochimayu today to discover our wide range of daifuku and experience the authentic taste of Japanese sweets. Our handcrafted premium daifuku might just become your new favorite treat!
Order Our Mochi Here!
https://mochimayu.com/collections/all