We tried 11 different kinds of oversized Okinawan sweet buns!

Hello to all of you who love Okinawa.
Autumn is the season for reading, the season for sports... there are many kinds of autumn, but surely the season for eating is No. 1!

And so, it's finally time for our long-awaited taste test!
This time (probably)Comparing Okinawan bento boxesA high-calorie project that surpasses all others. Here comes that big guy that represents Okinawa, where "bigger is better"—a sweet bun!

The breads featured here can all be purchased at supermarkets and convenience stores throughout Okinawa Prefecture for around ¥120 to ¥200 each (except for Nakayoshi Bread, which is around ¥400).
It's cheap, but high in calories.
We'll be comparing 11 different types of large Okinawan sweet buns!

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3. Three types of spiral bread
[1] Swirl Sandwich | Marusou
[2] Swirl Bread | Okiko Bread
[3] Spiral Sandwich | Gushiken Bread
2. Two types of chocolate melon bread
[4] Super Black Melon | Okiko Bread
[5] Ultra Melon Chocolate | Gushiken Bread
2. Two types of Nakayoshi bread
[6] Nakayoshi Bread | Gushiken Bread
[7] Nakayoshi Premium | Gushiken Bread
4. Zebra Bread
[8] Zebra Bread | Okiko Bread
5. Author's Recommendation! 3 Types of Okinawan Sweet Breads
[9] Brown Sugar Flavored UFO Bread | Gushiken Bread
[10] Shikuwasa Anpan (Okinawan citrus-flavored sweet bun) | Gushiken Bread
[11] Mango Yogurt Steamed Bun | Okiko Bread
6. Calories are nothing to be afraid of!

※please note
This review is based on my own personal opinions and biases. Please forgive any inaccuracies.
The evaluation was based on a 5-star scale for "Impact," "Fillingness," and "Non-Diet Feeling." Please note that the size may vary depending on the product. All information in this article is current as of August 2017.

3. Three types of spiral bread

First, let's start with a taste test of three types of "Uzumaki Bread," a quintessential Okinawan sweet bread!

As the name suggests, this bread is characterized by its rolled-up appearance. Inside, it's filled with a crunchy, sugary cream.

In Okinawa, both on the main island and the outlying islands, there are various manufacturers and shops of all sizes that make something called "spiral bread (or sandwich)," but apparently the original is "Marusou Uzumaki Sandwich" from Miyako/Irabu Island.

[1] Swirl Sandwich | Marusou

Impact: ★★★☆☆
Satiety level: ★★★☆☆
Non-diet effect: ★★★★☆
Size: Approximately 15cm / Calories: Unknown

This is the original "spiral sandwich."
I roughly measured it and it's about 15cm, which isn't surprisingly large. However, it has a substantial weight to it, which feels quite pleasant.

The dough is more like a madeleine or other baked good than bread, with a firm texture. The cream has a simple, straightforward sweetness and texture from the sugar. Of the three types I compared, this one was the most crunchy.

Thanks to the dough and cream, each bite requires more chewing. As a result, it's surprisingly satisfying considering its size. One of these could probably satisfy a week's worth of sugar needs.

Marusou's "Uzumaki Sandwich" can be purchased at Miyako Island Airport and souvenir shops. It's rarely available on the main island, so be sure to try it when you visit Miyako Island.

[2] Swirl Bread | Okiko Bread

Impact: ★★☆☆☆
Satiety level: ★★☆☆☆
Non-diet effect: ★★★☆☆
Size: Approximately 14cm / Calories: 566kcal

Okiko Bread's "Spiral Bread" is one of Okinawa's two major bread manufacturers.
As the packaging shows, this bread is characterized by its fluffy, soft texture. Of all the spiral breads I tried this time, this one is by far the softest. It's like a hot dog bun.

The amount of cream is on the smaller side, but personally, I think this is just right. The balance of sweetness and bread is exquisite. There's not much of the sugar's crunchiness, and it tastes more like a rich milk cream than a butter cream.

It's perfect to eat when you're tired from work!

[3] Spiral Sandwich | Gushiken Bread

Impact: ★★★☆☆
Satiety level: ★★☆☆☆
Non-diet effect: ★★★★☆
Size: Approximately 16cm / Calories: 582kcal

Another giant among Okinawan bread manufacturers, Gushiken Bread, offers their "Spiral Sandwich."
The texture, sweetness, and crunchiness are somewhere between Marusou and Okikopan. It truly combines the best of both worlds.

While the dense yet light texture is noteworthy, what truly stands out is the generous amount of cream. Its slightly crunchy texture and intense sweetness give it an incredible presence. The overall buttery flavor is strong, making it perfect for when you're craving something sweet for a snack!

By the way, it goes very well with milk.

2. Two types of chocolate melon bread

Now, let's get to the main point.
Among Okinawa's oversized sweet buns, these two types of chocolate melon buns stand out with their overwhelming presence.

Look at this! This is Okinawan sweet bread.

Its form and weight give it an intimidating presence.

As a side note, these are the very first breads I noticed when I moved to Okinawa, and they are memorable because they made me think, "Could it be that Okinawan sweet buns are all big size!?"

[4] Super Black Melon | Okiko Bread

Impact: ★★★★☆
Satiety level: ★★★★☆
Non-diet effect: ★★★★★
Size: Approximately 20cm / Calories: 875kcal

Okiko Bread's "Super Black Melon" is refreshingly straightforward in its sweetness.
The cookie dough on the surface has a bitter taste with an undeniable sweetness. The cream sandwiched inside is a rich butter cream with a slightly crunchy texture from the sugar, adding a straightforward sweetness.

Among the many well-balanced, high-achieving members of Okikopan, this one is quite avant-garde, and in a good way, it defies expectations.

Although it's smaller than "Ultra Melon Chocolate," this one is definitely sweeter.

[5] Ultra Melon Chocolate | Gushiken Bread

Impact: ★★★★★
Satiety level: ★★★★☆
Non-diet effect: ★★★★☆
Size: Approximately 23cm / Calories: 882kcal

This is Gushiken Bread's "Ultra Melon Chocolate," which is ultra-sized and delicious. The milk cocoa-flavored cookie dough is thickly coated, making it very satisfying. The cream has a margarine-like saltiness, and when eaten together, it tastes like butter coffee.

The sweet and salty combination makes it surprisingly easy to eat a lot!
The bread I wanted to eat when I came home exhausted from club activities, saying "I'm so hungry!"

2. Two types of Nakayoshi bread

The king of the "big-sized sweet bread world" has finally arrived.

It's so popular that you could say there isn't a single Okinawan who hasn't eaten it. In fact, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call it soul food... It's Gushiken Bread's "Nakayoshi Bread"!

Previously, in an article on Okinawa Lab titled "How Many Do You Know? Okinawa Local Sweets ," we introduced the half-size version of this "Nakayoshi Bread."

Of course, we've prepared the regular size this time!

Its length is an astonishing 35cm!

The defining characteristic of "Nakayoshi Bread" is that it can be easily divided by hand into individual loaves. I, the author, am convinced that it's called "Nakayoshi Bread" because it's meant to be shared amicably.

[6] Nakayoshi Bread | Gushiken Bread

Impact: ★★★★★
Satiety level: ★★★★★
Non-diet effect: ★★★★★
Size: Approximately 35cm / Calories: 1333kcal

Let's start with the standard flavor.
Like the spiral bread, this bread evokes a sense of nostalgia. A simple cocoa-flavored dough is filled with a gentle milk cream. It's no wonder that it has enjoyed unwavering popularity in the Okinawan sweet bread scene for many years.

While it's probably meant to be shared among several people, if you eat it alone, it provides approximately 67% of the average daily calorie intake for an adult male and approximately 74% for an adult female, making it an ideal anti-diet food.

As of August 2017, in addition to the "Premium" flavor which we will compare next, "Peanut" and "Jersey & Custard" flavors are also available.

[7] Nakayoshi Premium | Gushiken Bread

Impact: ★★★★★
Satiety level: ★★★★★
Non-diet effect: ★★★★★★★
Size: Approximately 35cm / Calories: 1677kcal

"Nakayoshi Premium" lives up to its name with its luxurious feel. You can enjoy three flavors—chocolate, maple cream, and peanut cream—all at once. Its non-diet aspect also earns it a solid 7 stars.

Okay, let's get started and divide one of the mountain... Hmm. The bittersweet chocolate and the sweetness of the fragrant peanut cream. It goes well with coffee too! Delicious... wait a minute.

Where is the maple cream??

I was sure I smelled maple when I opened the bag, but when I took it apart, this is what I found.

Actually, every two layers of this treat have peanut cream and maple cream sandwiched in between! What is this?! It's so much fun!

The maple cream also pairs perfectly with the chocolate bread, making it hard to choose between the two in terms of deliciousness. Personally, it's a flavor I really love. And I'm sure many people will like it too.

Delicious and fun – that's what you'd expect from "Nakayoshi" (a Japanese term for close friends). I'm truly impressed.

4. Zebra Bread

One of Okinawa's long-selling, large-sized sweet buns that shouldn't be forgotten is "Zebra Bread." Along with "Nakayoshi Bread," it can usually be found in supermarkets and convenience stores throughout the prefecture.

[8] Zebra Bread | Okiko Bread

Impact: ★★★☆☆
Satiety level: ★★★☆☆
Non-diet effect: ★★☆☆☆
Size: Approximately 15cm / Calories: 563kcal

I also love "Zebra Bread".
This sandwich features thick slices of bread filled with chunky peanut cream and brown sugar sauce. The fluffy bread, reminiscent of a high-quality down comforter, is truly worthy of Okiko Bread!

The cream and sauce are more savory than sweet, making them incredibly easy to eat. Don't worry about calories; just enjoy the texture and aroma to the fullest.

Incidentally, the name "Zebra Bread" comes from the fact that it has stripes when viewed from the side. The yellow sign (?) that the zebra on the package is wearing around its neck is said to be a remnant of when the price was printed there.

Enjoy a flavor that has been loved on this island for over 30 years.

5. Author's Recommendation! 3 Types of Okinawan Sweet Breads

Although they aren't particularly large, I'd like to compare them with some of my recommended sweet buns that have a distinct Okinawan feel!

After much deliberation, this is the lineup I've come up with.

Three types of sweet bread, all of standard size.
If you thought, "Isn't it a little small?", then you're already a true Okinawan!

[9] Brown Sugar Flavored UFO Bread | Gushiken Bread

Impact: ★☆☆☆☆
Satiety level: ★★☆☆☆
Non-diet effect: ★★☆☆☆
Size: Approximately 11cm / Calories: 341kcal

"Brown Sugar Flavored UFO Bread" is characterized by its moist, sponge cake-like surface.
The original "UFO Bread" is about 1.5 times larger than this brown sugar flavor. With its heartwarming packaging that reflects the spirit of Gushiken Bread, this product has captivated everyone who sees it.

It's a simple bread, just as it looks, and you can enjoy the mellow sweetness and aroma of brown sugar.

[10] Shikuwasa Anpan (Okinawan citrus-flavored sweet bun) | Gushiken Bread

Impact: ★☆☆☆☆
Satiety level: ★★★☆☆
Non-diet effect: ★★☆☆☆
Size: Approximately 10cm / Calories: 364kcal

If you're looking for a bread that pairs well with green tea or jasmine tea, look no further than "Shikuwasa Anpan." The refreshing tartness of shikuwasa citrus perfectly complements the sweet red bean paste. It tastes like a sophisticated Japanese confection, similar to yuzu yokan (citrus sweet bean jelly).

[11] Mango Yogurt Steamed Bun | Okiko Bread

Impact: ★★☆☆☆
Satiety level: ★☆☆☆☆
Non-diet effect: ★★☆☆☆
Size: Approximately 10cm / Calories: 224kcal

Last but not least is Okiko Bread's limited-time "Mango Yogurt Steamed Bun." This bread uses mangoes from Tomigusuku, and they have been releasing collaborative products every year since 2013. This year, in addition to the steamed bun, they are also selling "Mango Whipped Cream Melon Bun" at the same time.

These steamed buns have a refreshing sweetness, and when chilled, they develop a cake-like texture. They're really good! They're only available until around September, so if you haven't tried them yet, give them a go!

6. Calories are nothing to be afraid of!

We presented this taste test with generous portions, like a large sweet bun. What did you think?

Since calorie information was provided for all items except Marusou's "Uzumaki Sandwich," I calculated the total calorie count for this meal to be 7407kcal (or more).

But to be honest, I don't really care about calories!
I was very satisfied with this taste test. Every single one of them was delicious, regardless of the calories.

I hope you all enjoy Okinawa's oversized sweet buns!
We'd love to hear your recommendations for delicious sweet breads!