This here is Tokyo Banana, a speciality treat from Japan, Tokyo. Generally it resembles a banana (hence the name) and is a spongy confection that has banana creme filling inside. At first glance it's best described as a twinkie with banana in it! Before visiting Japan, I practically got swamped with people asking me to bring this stuff back. It's apparently *that* legendary.
The stuff is practically sold everywhere touristy, you can get it at train stations in Tokyo and there's a variety of flavours and designs featuring leopard spots, tiger stripes and giraffe spots with each 'design' having it's own distinctive flavour. I wasn't able to try all the different flavours but they go like this: tiger stripes were caramel flavoured, giraffe was banana pudding, leopard is chocolate. The company makes a whole slew of tasty treats (mostly banana themed!) you can check them out here.
Sure enough, it was delicately spongy and roughly banana shaped. It did smell nice and rather banana-ish too; I'd describe the entire experience as gently banana, if that made any sense. Time to take a bite!
Mmph. That was delicious. The spongecake was very soft and fluffy, and the inner creme had the consistency and texture of banana mixed with custard. Not too sweet but distinct, I think I'm insulting Tokyo banana by comparing it to twinkies.
Spire sez: I.cannot.get.enough.of.the.stuff. If you go to Japan, this is a must try, even if you don't like sweets. Seriously, it's a right shame if you don't.. My only complaint: dammit I should have bought a bigger box =_=;
Spire's Ratings
Flavor: 5/5
Price: 4/5
DIY level: Nonexistant
Fun: Damn that's tasty
Silvy's Ratings
Flavor: 5/5
Price: 3/5
DIY level: Nonexistant
Fun: OMNOMNOMNOM