Sweet potato is versatile and nutritious and forms a mainstay in India. And it is relished in myriad ways—be it snacking, as a dish, or as a desert, especially when fasting time approaches. But would anyone pay Rs. 350 for the slice of roasted shakarkand? It has hit the luxury markets in Japan, where people are queueing up to taste a costly sweet potato delicacy.
Located in the vibrant streets of Ginza, Tokyo, Tsubo Yakiimo is a renowned spot that offers an exceptional version of sweet potatoes. Known for its slow-roasted, melt-in-your-mouth delicacies, the shop has become famous for its luxurious take on a staple food. The highlight is the price: a half-slice of sweet potato at Tsubo Yakiimo costs 650 yen (Rs. 350+).
Tsubo Yakiimo specializes in Satsumaimo, which is a type of Japanese sweet potato. These potatoes are roasted traditionally in clay ovens for over three hours, allowing their natural sugars to caramelize. This method results in a smoky, golden delicacy that requires no added sugar. The potatoes are carefully handpicked from Japan’s best farms and aged to enhance their sweetness.
The final product has a dessert-like feel to it, with a texture and flavor similar to biting into a firm marshmallow. This dense yet creamy consistency has made this sweet potato a sought-after treat, especially during the autumn and winter months when sweet potatoes are at their peak.
A video from Indian food blogger Karan Marwah (@foodelhi) captures how this roasted sweet potato looks just so delicious and comforting. Tucked into a more quiet lane of Ginza, it may be quite easy to miss without a map, but the reputation attracts locals and tourists alike. Inside, clay jars upon clay jars of sweet potatoes, slowly baked over charcoal in the air fill with an enticement that is just great.
Tsubo Yakiimo has simple menu with only sweet potatoes. It comes in only three sizes:
It is possible to consume sweet potato hot, chilled, or frozen, thus being a versatile snack or dessert. Sweet potatoes are an ingredient that Japanese people dearly love and associate with the fall and winter seasons. Other than yakiimo, Satsumaimo is used in daigaku imo (sweet potato chunks glazed with sugar) and imo yokan (sweet potato jelly).
Though a slice at Tsubo Yakiimo might cost you an arm and a leg, it is believed that the exceptional quality and artisanal preparation justifies the indulgence. So, would you pay Rs. 350 for half a slice of roasted sweet potato?
