Japan and Portugal 1 (Castela)

Portugal and Japan
My dear Portuguese friend, Nuno visited me in Japan for the first time this summer. We spent five days together in Kyoto, including one day trip to Nara.
Before writing about historical sites we visited and food we had, I would like to introduce some historical relation between two countries.
This year we celebrate the longstanding anniversary of Japan’s bilateral relations with Portugal, which was signed 150 years ago.

Portuguese has given a significant historical influence in our history, culture and cuisine. Namely, things most influential can be a rifle, Christianity and sweets. In 1543, Portuguese merchants arrived to one of the southernmost island and was said to be the first European to arrive in our country.　Then a trade has begun.
Good examples of sweets which they brought are “Castela” and “Compeito”. However, the process and techniques used to make those sweets have been developed over hundreds years. Therefore, you won’t find the same sweets when you travel to Portugal.
Anyway, I had brought “Castela” to Nuno once or twice when I had visited him in Europe. I knew that he likes it. So, I brought it when I flew to Kyoto to meet him this time. We had it for breakfast next two days (I knew that Portuguese often have some sweets like “Castela (カステラ)”
As you can see in the pictures, it is a type of cake made of flour, egg and sugar. The maker is called “Fukusaya (福砂屋)” and they say that they are the first maker who learned techniques from Portuguese to make it. It was founded in 1624. The origin of this cake has not identified and can be argued to be Catella Lion in Spain or Portugal. What is clear is Castela of Fukusaya is the best. They use granular sugar which provides a certain texture when you bite whereas the one the other maker taste just like an ordinary sponge cake. So, if you want to find Castela, it is better to ask for this maker, Fukusawa. If not, you will regret it! You can find it at major department stores in big cities.


" Remember this package to identify a true Castela when you buy."




"Pão de lo - Portuguese cake which has the same origin as Castela"

For further information:
Fukusaya (福砂屋) http://www.castella.co.jp/castella/castell3.shtml
You can see how it is made.