If you’ve eaten at a Japanese restaurant before or are otherwise familiar with Japanese cuisine, you’ve probably come across mochi previously. The subtly sweet and fun-shaped Japanese rice dessert is the perfect way to round out a satisfying dinner.
But did you know that there’s another popular rice-based dessert in Japan called dango? In case you’ve never heard of it, we’ll tell you what dango tastes like. Additionally, we’ll answer questions about how to eat it and how it differs from mochi.
What Does Dango Taste Like?
To be honest, the taste of plain dango is pretty mild. It tastes just like sweet rice, which is what it is made from. Expect a subtle rice-like flavor with a gentle hint of sweetness in the aftertaste.
What makes dango a treat is its texture. Like mochi, it’s pleasantly chewy and has a little spring in each bite. There’s something undeniably satisfying about nibbling on it.
Of course, dango doesn’t have to be plain, either. It is often sweetened with sugar and various flavors, such as tea.
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Is Dango Eaten Warm or Cold?
Dango is a versatile snack. On top of it being possible to flavor it with virtually any sweet flavor you like, you can eat it warm or cold.
In Japan, dango is a popular festival food served hot off the grill on skewers. It may be covered in a sauce made from soy sauce or a layer of red bean paste.
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What is the Difference Between Mochi and Dango?
We mentioned earlier that both mochi and dango are made from sweet rice. So what is the actual difference between these two chewy treats?
The difference is in how they’re prepared. To make mochi, you need to steam sticky rice, then soften it by pounding. Once it takes on a soft, malleable texture, you can then shape it however you’d like.
In comparison, you make dango by mixing water and glutenous rice flour. This mixture is stirred together until it takes on a malleable texture like mochi. Usually, it’s then formed into spheres that are boiled or steamed, then dyed or coated with sauce.
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How Do you Eat Dango?
Dango is typically served as a dessert or a snack at a festival. However, some with a craving for sweets might also choose to eat a little for breakfast – just like how those in the United States may have pastries for breakfast.
For the best results, consider sipping on fresh green tea along with your snack of dango.
Wrap Up
Countless amazing dessert recipes exist all over the world. It’s fun to learn what other countries like to eat when they want something sweet.
In that regard, Japan is particularly noteworthy for its creative takes on cuisine. Mochi and dango are really just the beginning – but a delicious, lovable beginning, nonetheless. Be sure to try a little yourself, either by ordering dango or by making it at home.
Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
