Melon Pan: Japan's Favorite Sweet Bread

Melon pan, also known as melon bread, is a popular Japanese sweet bun. It is known for its soft and fluffy interior and crunchy, cookie-like exterior. The name comes from its patterned, grid-like topping, which resembles the skin of a melon. Although melon pan is not traditionally melon-flavoured, some modern variations do include melon as an ingredient.

Melon pan's origin and history

Melon pan, melon bun, or melon bread is a Japanese sweet bun with a soft and fluffy interior and a cookie-like exterior. The bun is covered in a layer of crispy cookie dough, resembling the texture of a melon, such as a cantaloupe. Despite its name, it is not traditionally melon-flavoured. The name comes from the grid or net-like pattern on the surface, which looks like the skin of a melon. Melon pan is an extremely popular type of bread in Japan and can be found in convenience stores, bakeries, and even specialty melon pan shops.

There are several competing theories about the origin of melon pan. One theory suggests that it was invented by an Armenian baker, Hovhannes Ghevenian, also known as Ivan Sagoyan, who worked at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo after World War I. Sagoyan is said to have invented the bread using Russian, French, and Viennese baking techniques. However, if he was indeed the inventor, he did not refer to the bread as "melon pan".

Another theory points to the bakery owner Kikujiro Mitsugawa, who in 1930 created a bread that resembled melon pan. Records from that time describe covering the bread dough with cake dough and adding flavours like coffee or banana, although the bread's name is not mentioned.

A third theory states that the first melon pan in Japan was a round bread with biscuit dough on top called "Sunrise", sold by Kinseido's Obama branch in Kobe in the 1930s. Some believe that melon pan was invented at this bakery, which was founded in 1924, and that it was originally called "sunrise" due to its cross-hatch pattern resembling the radiating sun on the naval flag.

Other theories suggest that melon pan may have originated from the Mexican pastry conchas or the German pastry Streuselkuchen, which were introduced to Japan from the United States following World War II. The similarity between melon pan and other Asian baked goods, such as the Korean soboro-ppang and the Hong Kong bo lo bao (pineapple bun), also indicates a possible shared origin or influence.

Why is it called melon pan?

Melon pan is a popular Japanese sweet bun, known for its soft and fluffy interior and crunchy, cookie-like exterior. Despite its name, it does not traditionally contain any melon or melon flavouring. So, why is it called melon pan?

The name melon pan is derived from the Japanese words "meron", meaning melon, and "pan", meaning bread. This is because the bun's signature patterned grid or cross-hatched topping resembles the skin of a melon, such as a cantaloupe. The combination of a soft interior and crunchy exterior creates a texture similar to that of a melon.

There are several theories about the origin of melon pan. One theory suggests that it was created during the Meiji Period (1868–1912) and resembled the oriental melon (マクワウリ) in shape and crust design. At the time, the oriental melon was simply called "melon", which could explain the name. Another theory proposes that melon pan originated from "Sunrise" bread, introduced to Osaka and Hiroshima during the Taisho Era. This round pastry with a cookie crust on top eventually became known as melon pan and was sold nationwide.

The exact origin of the name melon pan may not be definitively proven, but its popularity in Japan and beyond is undeniable. Melon pan has become a beloved part of Japanese food culture and has even gained recognition through its appearances in anime and manga.

What does melon pan taste and smell like?

Melon pan, also known as melon bun or melon bread, is a Japanese sweet bun that is not traditionally melon-flavoured. However, it does have a distinct smell, taste and texture that have led to its association with melons.

Melon pan is said to smell like bread or a sweet pastry. The aroma is not reminiscent of melons, but it is pleasant and inviting, especially for those with a sweet tooth.

The taste of melon pan is a combination of sweetness, fluffiness and crunchiness. The soft and fluffy interior is complemented by a thin, crisp, cookie-like crust on the outside. This crust is created by covering the bun with a layer of biscuit or cookie dough before baking, resulting in a delightful textural contrast.

The most distinctive feature of melon pan is its appearance, which resembles the skin of a melon or cantaloupe. The top crust is decorated with a crisscross or grid-like pattern that mimics the netted pattern found on the surface of some melons. This unique design is where the treat gets its name from, rather than its flavour.

While traditional melon pan does not contain melon, some modern variations have emerged that incorporate melon flavours. These innovative creations may include pureed melon or melon syrup in the dough, adding a refreshing melon taste to the classic bread.

What does melon pan look like?

Melon pan, or melon bread, is a Japanese sweet bun with a soft and fluffy interior and a crunchy, cookie-like exterior. Its name comes from its resemblance to a melon or cantaloupe, with a criss-cross or cross-hatched pattern on its surface that looks like the skin of the fruit. The bun is not traditionally melon-flavoured, but some modern variations do have a hint of melon.

The bun's signature look is its patterned grid or cross-hatched design on top. This is created by scoring the cookie dough that covers the soft bread dough. The scoring can be done in a diagonal or criss-cross pattern, or not at all, as the dough may naturally separate during baking to create a crackly pattern. The cookie dough can also be coloured green to enhance the resemblance to a melon.

Melon pan can be made into fun shapes, such as turtles or bears, and filled with a variety of sweet fillings, including custard, chocolate, whipped cream, or red bean paste. The exterior can also be glazed with sugar for added sweetness and crunch.

Where to buy melon pan in Japan

Melon pan, also known as melon bread or melon bun, is a popular sweet bread in Japan. It is known for its soft and fluffy interior and a thin, crisp cookie crust with a signature gridline pattern on top. While melon pan is available in convenience stores and bakeries across Japan, here are some recommended places to buy melon pan in Japan, specifically in the Tokyo area:

Melon Pan Ice Cream

This shop, located in Shibuya City, specialises in melon pan ice cream. The bread is cut into a cone shape and placed in the middle of the ice cream. It is a convenient spot for foodies and Instagrammers, just a 12-minute walk from Shibuya Station. The opening hours are 11 AM to 10 PM daily.

Kagetsudo

Kagetsudo is a long-standing bakery established in 1945 and located near the famous Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo. They offer freshly baked jumbo-sized melon pan, which can be paired with seasonal ice cream flavours such as sakura or sweet potato. It is a 3-minute walk from Asakusa Station, and their opening hours are 9 AM to 5 PM daily.

Tammachi Station Bakery

Just outside Tammachi Station in Yokohama, you'll find a small bakery with a delightful aroma. They offer a variety of breads and desserts, including a simple yet excellent melon pan with an extra crunchy shell and a creamy texture. This local bakery is a favourite among the locals in the area. Their opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday, 8 AM to 7:30 PM.

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