For mentaiko lovers

Mentaiko pan

Brand: Pasco

Price: 140 yen

Place of purchase: Namco branded vending machine

Rating:

I was craving an afternoon snack during a busy workday and drifted over to the vending machine. I usually forgo the sweet treats in favor of sweets. I opted for a 140 yen item, Pasco Confectionery's Mentaikopan. The bread is made with rice flour, not wheat, and topped and baked with a generous slathering of Yamaya brand's mentaiko mayonnaise sauce. It is a stick-shaped product that is easy to eat. It's quite soft, and the mentaiko mayonnaise sauce is slightly sweet, savory, and mildly spicy. It hit the spot.

I was totally satisfied with my purchase and the price point, 140 yen, is reasonable and probably cheaper than a lot of bakery items. I'd get this one again. I was surprised to find that, on researching Yamaya Mentai Mayonnaise, there is an English-language product page with info about where to purchase the spicy and umami sauce at locations in Fukuoka City. It's a big deal there with outlets at the station and airport. I might try lightly toasting this one next time as the texture of the rice bread is very soft.