Tokyo attracts an enormous number of visitors, so naturally it also offers a vast range of souvenirs. Each area has its own character, from Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree to Ginza and Nihonbashi, although airports and major stations often carry many of the same products.
These are the souvenirs distributed widely throughout Tokyo.
If you browse several souvenir shops, you will probably notice something you saw at the airport being sold again at a station.
Such products can be called Tokyo staples, and when I actually try them, I am often surprised by how good they are.
Some people avoid them because they lack rarity or seem like an overly obvious choice. Yet a product must survive plenty of competition before becoming a classic. Its price, flavor, and packaging have all earned broad support.
Anyone visiting Tokyo is likely to see Goma Tamago at least once before heading home. I bought a box at the souvenir shop in Ueno Station, so here is a detailed look and tasting review.
Tokyo Tamago Goma Tamago by Tokyo Tamago Honpo
The first thing that catches the eye is this unusually shaped package. Its form is distinctive, while the two-tone white and black color scheme evokes an egg and black sesame.
At first glance, the shape seems awkward for a souvenir-shop display. Am I the only one reminded of the famous black eggs from Owakudani in Hakone?
I had seen this product many times, but knew nothing about it, so I was curious about the flavor.
The seller’s wonderful name, Tokyo Tamago Honpo—literally Tokyo Egg Shop—made it even more appealing.
The best-before date on my box was 20 days after purchase.
White bean paste and sugar stand out among the ingredients, so it is easy to imagine that this will be a sweet confection.
Opening the box reveals this arrangement.
Each sweet is individually wrapped, and the little eggs look as though they have been placed loosely together in the box.
Taking everything out confirms that there are five sweets, along with a small leaflet.
The leaflet is devoted to black sesame. It covers storage instructions, the history of black sesame, and an explanation of the product.
What Does Tokyo Tamago Goma Tamago Taste Like?
Let us try one right away.
Removing the individual wrapper reveals a white egg.
The top has a small pointed bump.
I did not have a knife when it was time to eat, so I broke it open by hand. The cross-section is not especially neat, but this is what the inside looks like.
When I put half in my mouth, the white chocolate is quite subtle. Instead, the black sesame bean paste and rich sesame paste arrive all at once.
Compared with similarly shaped sweets, the sweetness is restrained. I expected a powerful rush of sugar with the first bite, but the flavor was calmer than anticipated. Then the distinctive taste and aroma of black sesame followed close behind.
This is perfect with tea. It is difficult to classify as either a Western-style or Japanese sweet, but black sesame bean paste is unquestionably the star. Black and white sesame usually play supporting roles in cooking, yet here sesame occupies center stage.
The aftertaste lingers pleasantly, encouraging another sip of tea before the second bite. The remaining half delivers the same generous wave of black sesame filling.
Now I understand why Goma Tamago reigns as a standard Tokyo souvenir.
Of course, one was not enough, and I moved straight on to a second. I finished it effortlessly and enjoyed a thoroughly happy few minutes.
It is worth trying the familiar classics after all. Better still, a box of five costs only 520 yen, which feels like excellent value.
Boxes of eight, twelve, and eighteen also appear to be available, especially at larger stores.
Even when you have no time to browse slowly for souvenirs, Goma Tamago is likely to be available near the Shinkansen platforms or at the airport, making it a very convenient choice.
I have eaten a great many souvenirs, and this one was unquestionably a winner. Thank you for the treat!
Tokyo Tamago Goma Tamago Product Info, Expiration Date, Manufacturer
| Product Name | Tokyo Tamago Goma Tamago |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer / Seller | Tokyo Tamago Honpo |
| Address | |
| Expiration Date | About 20 days from purchase |
| Place of Purchase | Ueno Station |
| Price | 520 yen for 5 |
