Introduction
Melonpan—just saying the word makes you feel like you’re about to bite into something delicious! But what exactly is melonpan? If you’ve ever scrolled through social media and seen perfectly round, golden bread with a crisscross pattern on top, you’ve probably come across this iconic Japanese pastry.
Melonpan is a sweet Japanese bread with a light, fluffy interior and a crisp cookie-like crust. Despite its name, it doesn’t actually taste like melon! (Yes, we were confused too.) Instead, it gets its name from its appearance, which resembles the texture of a melon. This beloved treat is a staple in Japanese bakeries and convenience stores, enjoyed by kids and adults alike. Whether you eat it plain, stuffed with cream, or even transformed into an ice cream sandwich, melonpan is a must-try for anyone who loves Japanese sweets.
But what makes this bread so special? How is it made? And where can you find it if you’re not in Japan? Let’s dive into the crunchy, fluffy world of melonpan and discover why this sweet bread deserves a spot on your must-eat list!
What Is Melonpan?
Melonpan, or Melon bun (メロンパン) is a Japanese sweet bun that consists of a soft, pillowy bread dough covered with a thin layer of crisp cookie dough. When baked, the cookie crust hardens slightly, giving it a satisfying crunch while the inside stays wonderfully soft. It’s the perfect balance of textures in every bite.
Although melonpan is traditionally plain, variations have emerged over the years. Some bakeries fill them with custard, chocolate, or even matcha-flavored cream. Others sell versions topped with sugar, caramel, or chocolate chips. No matter how you eat it, one thing is for sure—melonpan is dangerously addictive!
The Origin of Melonpan
Melonpan has been around for decades, but its exact origins are a little unclear. Some say it was inspired by European pastries brought to Japan in the early 20th century. Others believe that the unique cookie crust was influenced by Mexican conchas, a similarly textured sweet bread.
What we do know is that melonpan quickly became a beloved treat in Japan. It’s now found in every convenience store, bakery, and even school lunch menu. There are even melonpan specialty shops that make fresh, warm buns daily!
What Does Melonpan Taste Like?
Imagine biting into a light, buttery bread with a crunchy, sugary cookie layer on top. That’s melonpan in a nutshell! The bread itself is mildly sweet, while the crust adds an extra hit of sugary goodness. It’s not overly rich, making it a perfect snack with a cup of tea or coffee.
Some versions are flavored with vanilla, chocolate, or even melon essence (yes, finally a melon-flavored melonpan!). Depending on where you buy it, you may also find modern twists, like matcha melonpan, chocolate-stuffed variations, or even ice cream-filled ones!
How Much Does Melonpan Cost?
Melonpan is one of the most affordable Japanese pastries you can buy. At a convenience store, you’ll find it for about 100–200 yen ($1–$2). In a bakery, fresh-baked melonpan might cost a little more, around 250–400 yen ($2–$4), depending on the ingredients.
If you’re outside Japan, you might find imported melonpan in Asian grocery stores, but expect the price to be slightly higher. Some specialty bakeries also make fresh melonpan, and homemade versions are a great way to enjoy this treat without the markup!
More Japanese Pastries to Try
If you love melonpan, you’re in for a treat because Japan has an amazing variety of sweet pastries and baked goods that are just as delicious. Here are some must-try Japanese pastries that will make you want to bake (or book a flight to Japan) right away!
White Chocolate Matcha Cookies
A modern fusion of Japanese flavors and Western-style cookies, these are soft and chewy with the deep, earthy taste of matcha (green tea powder) and the creamy sweetness of white chocolate. Unlike your usual sugar-packed cookies, matcha adds a slightly bitter note, making these feel a little more sophisticated. Perfect for an afternoon tea break!
White Chocolate Matcha Cookies Recipe
Matcha White Chocolate Cookies Recipe In 20 Minutes (Easy)
| Learn how to make easy matcha white chocolate cookies in just 20 minutes! The perfect combination of slightly bitter matcha and creamy, sweet white chocolate, these cookies are a must-try for any Japanese desserts lover. |
Mochi
Mochi is Japan’s most famous chewy treat, made from glutinous rice pounded into a soft, elastic texture. While it’s often associated with New Year’s celebrations, you can find mochi in Japan all year round, filled with everything from red bean paste to ice cream. If you want something extra special, try matcha mochi or strawberry daifuku (mochi filled with sweet red bean paste and a fresh strawberry inside)!
Mochi Recipe
Easy Homemade Japanese Mochi Recipe (Budget-Friendly)
| This homemade mochi recipe is easy, fun, and incredibly delicious. Learn how to make soft and chewy mochi with a creamy, fruity filling in just a few steps. |
Dango
Dango are small, chewy rice flour dumplings often served on skewers. They come in different flavors depending on the season. Mitarashi dango is coated in a sweet soy glaze, giving it a rich umami flavor, while Hanami dango (pink, white, and green dango) is a springtime favorite during cherry blossom season. These little bites are perfect when you’re craving something sweet but not too heavy!
Dango Recipe
Easy Japanese Hanami Dango and Mitarashi Sauce Recipe
| Traditional Hanami Dango recipe featuring pastel-colored rice dumplings, served with a glossy, caramelized Mitarashi sauce. A must-try Japanese treat! |
Anpan
Anpan is a fluffy, slightly sweet bread roll filled with red bean paste (anko). It’s a simple yet satisfying pastry that has been a staple in Japanese bakeries for over a century. Modern variations include fillings like custard, matcha, and even chocolate, making anpan a versatile and delicious treat.
Anpan Recipe
Easy Anpan Recipe (Japanese Sweet Roll) – How to Make Soft Anpan at Home
| Anpan is a classic Japanese sweet roll filled with delicious red bean paste (anko). This easy recipe will guide you through making fluffy, golden-brown buns at home. Enjoy them fresh or save them for later! |
Taiyaki
Taiyaki is a fish-shaped cake filled with sweet red bean paste, custard, chocolate, or even cheese. Despite its name, it contains no fish! It’s a popular street food and a nostalgic childhood favorite for many Japanese people. The crisp, waffle-like outside and warm filling make it one of the coziest Japanese desserts you can eat on a chilly day.
Castella Cake
Originally brought to Japan by Portuguese traders, castella cake is a soft, spongy cake made with simple ingredients like eggs, sugar, and flour. It has a subtly sweet flavor, making it perfect for tea time. Some versions incorporate honey, matcha, or brown sugar for extra depth of flavor.
With so many delicious Japanese pastries to choose from, melonpan is just the beginning of your journey into Japanese baked goods. Try these treats, and you’ll soon find yourself falling in love with Japanese desserts!
Frequently Asked Questions
Melonpan is a sweet Japanese bread with a crunchy, cookie-like top layer and a soft, fluffy inside. Despite its name, it doesn’t always contain melon flavor—it’s named after its melon-like appearance!
The name comes from the bread’s crackly, round surface, which resembles a melon. Some modern versions do include melon essence, but the traditional recipe does not.
Melonpan has a slightly crispy, sugary top and a soft, buttery interior. It tastes sweet but mild, making it perfect for pairing with tea, coffee, or even ice cream.
Yes! Melonpan, melon bread, and melon bun all refer to the same type of sweet Japanese bread. In some countries, it’s also called “melon bun.”
Melonpan is available in Japanese bakeries, Asian grocery stores, and sometimes even in specialty dessert shops. You can also find packaged versions online.
Making melonpan requires two doughs: a soft bread dough and a sweet cookie dough for the topping. The cookie layer is rolled over the bread dough before baking, creating its signature crispy crust.
