Hokkaido's unique food "rules" are causing a stir. A post from a Hokkaido native who was shocked to find no chestnuts in the chawanmushi (savory egg custard) they ate in Tokyo has been gaining attention. It seems that this "chawanmushi with chestnuts," a standard for the people of Hokkaido, is actually a unique local food culture.

For people from Hokkaido, "sweet chawanmushi" is the norm. It often contains chestnuts and lily bulbs, but to their surprise, these aren't found in Tokyo's version! This food culture is apparently unique to Hokkaido and parts of the Tohoku region. The post garnered about 4,000 likes, with comments like, "There are no chestnuts in it?" "This brings back so many memories," and "I thought this was totally normal."

It's Not Just Chestnuts in Chawanmushi! Sweet Amanatto Beans in Sekihan?!

The person behind this viral topic is "Wild Yomehan," part of the family of comedian Sugi-chan, known for his catchphrases "Wild da ze" and "Wild daro." She has also appeared on TV multiple times as the "all-you-can-stuff queen." Being from Hokkaido, her list of "Hokkaido norms" didn't stop at chawanmushi, moving on next to the topic of sekihan (red bean rice).

Typically, sekihan is made with azuki beans, but in Hokkaido, it's common to find it sold with amanatto (sweet adzuki beans) instead. It's delicious sprinkled with gomashio (sesame salt). This post also received comments like, "What, amanatto?" and "I actually can't eat sekihan if it isn't sweet..."

Chawanmushi with chestnuts and sekihan with amanatto beans. Both have been beloved staples in Hokkaido for a long time. If you've never tried them, be sure to give them a taste on your next visit to Hokkaido.