If mochi doesn’t mean anything to you, Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo district offers the perfect introduction.
Family owned and operated since 1903, this humble Japanese confectionary shop has every variety and flavor possible. Mochi is a Japanese rice cake confection made of glutinous rice, that when pounded, becomes a soft dough-like paste. Daifuku is the name for mochi that has been stuffed with sweet fillings, such as sweetened red bean paste, white bean paste, or even various fruits. Fugetsu-do offers a wide selection ranging from the traditional red bean and white bean fillings to more modern renditions with rainbow colors and peanut butter fillings. Other varieties include apple, plum, chocolate, and green tea.
The shop contains other Japanese candies and chocolates and you will usually have the privilege of seeing a family member wrapping newly made mochi for sale. The operation all happens behind the curtain so you can be sure it’s freshly made. Fugetsu-Do offers pre-packaged mochi, but you can also buy them individually so be adventurous and try a few, I promise it’s worth it!
Fugetsu-Do is located on 315 East First Street. Los Angeles, CA 90012
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