“Waiter, there’s a bloody finger in my food!”
Halloween in Japan is probably completely different, yet exactly like what one might expect. Over-the-top costumes from the land of cosplay, parties, and gimmicky merch available on every street corner. However, Halloween also gives Japan’s chefs and bakers, who are known for their creativity and meticulous execution, an opportunity to play with their food in ways that may be a little…off-putting, at first.
Take for example the “finger” bread made by Maison Kayser. Complete with realistic wrinkles, red icing that looks even more like blood as it comes to room temperature, and, perhaps the most disgusting part, an almond sliver that closely resembles a fingernail, the only thing that keeps this bread from making you wonder if you are giving into some baser, cannibalistic instincts before you take a healthy bite into it is that it is rather plumper than any actual finger most of us have probably ever seen.
▼ Maybe even a bit ickier as the color of the almond slivers makes the “nails” look dirty
If you know anything about our editorial staff in Japan, though, then you already know that this was a “must-try”.
The verdict? Maison Kayser’s “finger” bread is light, fluffy, and totally delicious. However, the sweetness of the “blood” icing makes it a no-go as a ramen topper.
▼ Possibly the one time you won’t get yelled at for biting your nails
You can get your own hands on one (or 10?) of these at Maison Kayser bakeries through October 31. The cost is 194 yen (US$1.87) for one. However, if you’d like to check out some other spooky treats in addition to the “fingers”, the Daimaru Department Store in Tokyo is featuring seven other delightful breads and pastries, along with a host of other sweets, during their “Halloween Fest”, which also runs through October 31.
▼ There are witch’s hats filled with a raspberry and almond cream, and gorgeous-looking witch’s broom danishes on offer.
Looking for more Halloween-themed foods to junk-out on while in Japan? You might consider a round of McDonald’s “Magic Halloween Fries” or perhaps Lotteria’s “Purple Magic Bacon Double Excellent Cheeseburger”.
Store Information
Maison Kayser – Daimaru Tokyo / メゾンカイザー 大丸東京店
Address: Daimaru Department Store, Tokyo-to, Chiyoda-ku, Marunouchi 1-9-1, Floor B1
東京都千代田区丸の内1-9-1 大丸東京店 B1F
Hours: 10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. (Mon-Fri); 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. (Sat-Sun)
Website
Images: RocketNews24, Daimaru
[ Read in Japanese ]