What is Kudo Pan, beloved by the people of Aomori Prefecture? Introducing the classic and best-selling products

in the supermarket's bread sectionKudo Breadand can't help but pick it up, you're probably a resident of Aomori Prefecture. While "English Toast" is well-known nationwide, locally there are many other breads that have been a staple for breakfast and snacks. I myself grew up surrounded by Kudo Bread since childhood.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at the appeal of Kudo Pan, a bakery that has been loved in Aomori for many years! From classic items to hidden favorites, and a wide range of products that go beyond just bread, we'll introduce you to some of the products that only locals know about

---

What kind of company is Kudo Pan?

Kudo Pan Co., Ltd. is a bread company in Aomori City that was founded in 1950. For many years, they have supplied products to school lunches and supermarkets in the prefecture, and for many residents of the prefecture, they have been a part of their lives since they were old enough to understand

Unlike major national chains, this store features a lineup that is closely aligned with Aomori's food culture. Its commitment to producing locally sourced products has earned it the trust of many years of customers

Not just bread! Exquisite Japanese and Western sweets

Kudo Pan is a bread manufacturer, but they also produce a wide range of Japanese and Western sweets. Many families offer the company's skewers of dumplings to their Buddhist altars, especially during the equinox, Obon, and New Year's holidays, and this was a common sight in my home ever since I was a child

Furthermore, Kudo Bread's "Special Strawberry" and "Special Mocha" can not only be enjoyed as is, but can also be used to make cakes. Many people have probably made a mock cake by topping Special Strawberry or Special Mocha with whipped cream and fruit for birthdays or Christmas, right? The charm of Kudo Bread lies not only in its bread, but also in its ability to accompany you on special occasions.

Introducing Kudo Pan's classic and best-selling products!

The classic British toast

When you think of Kudo Bakery, you immediately think of their "English Toast." It's now a nationally renowned soul food of Aomori Prefecture and a very popular souvenir.

It's a simple sweet bread made with fluffy slices of bread sandwiched between margarine and granulated sugar, but once you're hooked on its sinfully sweet and crunchy texture, you won't be able to get enough. Sweet red rice and chawanmushi are standard dishes in Aomori, but even here, sugar is used generously...it shows how much sugar the people of Aomori love

In addition to the classic English toast,Even Crunchier" and "Maximum Crunchinessthey also sell

Enjoy two flavors at the same time! Double sandwich

The "Double Sandwich" is another classic item that enjoys enduring popularity. We recommend the "Ogura & Margarine," which offers a delightful marriage of mildly sweet red bean paste and slightly salty margarine. These two coexist in perfect balance, and the moment you take a bite, you'll feel a wave of nostalgia.

It's filled with a generous amount of red bean paste and margarine, and is more filling than it looks. It's a great product to have for breakfast or as a snack

A hidden gem! Chocorei

At first glance, it may seem unassuming, but "Choco Ray" has many fans. It's a luxurious treat with chocolate and syrup on top of a Danish pastry. The Danish pastry is moist, and the chocolate and syrup on top are a perfect match.

When I was a child, having this as a snack made me feel a little special. Even now, the retro packaging and taste remain unchanged, and I find myself reaching for it without even realizing it. It's not flashy, but it's a bread that has been passed down as a secret "Aomori staple."

A classic offering! Skewered dumplings

An essential item in the Japanese sweets section is Kudo Bakery's "Kushi Dango" (skewered dumplings). They come in three flavors: red bean paste, sesame, and soy sauce (mitarashi), but my personal favorite is the red bean paste. The dumplings, generously coated in mildly sweet smooth red bean paste, have a chewy texture and a nostalgic taste.

During the Obon and Higan holidays, these skewers of dango can be found lined up in the Japanese sweets section of supermarkets. They are a staple in the lives of Okinawans, used as offerings to the dead and as family snacks. The wide selection of Japanese sweets, which is surprising for a bread company, is a testament to Kudo Pan's strength

---

Also pay attention to seasonal products

At Kudo Pan, you should also pay attention to the limited-edition products that appear each season. In spring, seasonal Japanese sweets such as sakura mochi and kusa dango are lined up in the store. They all have a gentle, homemade taste, and you'll find yourself buying them when they appear on the shelves

Furthermore, during the Obon festival, products for offering to Buddhist altars, such as rakugan (a type of Japanese confectionery) and mooncakes, also appear, and assorted confectionery packs are popular for memorial services and as gifts.This lineup, rooted in local food culture, is a unique charm of Kudo Bakery that you won't find in bread manufacturers from outside the prefecture.

---

Summary | Kudo Pan: A taste of Aomori that can be used as both a staple food and a snack

Kudo Pan is not just a local bakery. They not only make bread, but also Japanese sweets and sponge cakes, and are a companion for both everyday and special occasions. For breakfast, snacks, and offerings. It has become a part of our lives without us even realizing it, and that's why we can't help but pick it up

We look forward to continuing to create products that cater to the needs of Aomori residents

---