[LIMITED TIME ONLY]

Prefecture: Okinawa
Producer: Okinawa Seifun
Ingredients: Flour, sugar, kokuto (Okinawa black sugar), mochiko (glutinous rice flour), salt, baking powder
Vegan, Dairy-free, Soy-free
Size: 350g

For many in Okinawa, the chewy texture and sweet flavor of this traditional treat is a taste of nostalgia. Chinbin, thin Okinawan-style crepes, originated in China and were once offered to the gods on May 4th of the lunar calendar to pray for the health and growth of children, but are now enjoyed any time of year. 

The simplicity of this crepe mix allows the unique, sweet licorice flavor of the kokuto (local Okinawa black sugar with a hint of earthy bitterness) to shine while the mochiko (glutinous rice flour) gives it a pleasant chewy texture. While much of the sugar cane crop that covers Okinawa is used to make processed white sugar, eight islands in the region still produce pure, traditional kokuto, each with a distinguishable flavor based on the growing environment and cultivation methods.

Founded in 1955, Okinawa Seifun is the only flour milling company remaining in Okinawa. The company’s long-lasting legacy began amid the post-war turmoil, supplying Okinawa with a stable food source and helping to boost the economy. Today the company continues to support the healthy future of Okinawans through its dry noodles, flour, baking mixes, and bottled water.
 

Suggested uses: In a bowl, whisk 400ml (1 2/3 cup) of water with the package of chinbin mix. Heat a frying pan and add enough cooking oil to lightly coat the bottom of the pan. Over medium heat add one ladle of batter and spread into a flat circle. Once the surface of the chinbin is dry and forms holes, flip and cook the other side. Remove from the frying pan and let cool slightly before rolling into a tube. Top with whipped cream, fresh fruit, or chocolate sauce for added flavor. The mix can also be used to make other sweets and baked goods such as dorayaki (mini Japanese red bean pancakes), madeleines, and muffins (try our Okinawa Kokuto Mushipan (Black Sugar Steamed Muffins) recipe).