Zunda: The Sweet Taste of Sendai (and How to Eat It)
Zunda: The Sweet Taste of Sendai (and How to Eat It)
A guide to zunda – from milkshakes to mochi, KitKat to roll cakes. Where to find them, what to try, and why this sweet edamame paste stole my heart in Sendai.
If you’ve ever been to Sendai, you’ve seen it: that vibrant green milkshake, the fluffy mochi topped with what looks like pesto but tastes nothing like it. That’s zunda – a sweet paste made from edamame (young soybeans), and one of the most beloved regional specialties in Tohoku.
I first tasted it during my hakama day in Sendai, and the memory still makes me smile. This guide is my love letter to zunda – what it is, where to find it, and why you should make room for it on your next trip to Tohoku.
🌱 What is Zunda?
Zunda (ずんだ) is a sweet paste made by grinding boiled edamame with sugar and a pinch of salt. The result is a chunky, vibrant green spread with a gentle nutty sweetness. It’s been a specialty of the Sendai region for centuries – some say samurai ate it as a quick energy boost, while others trace it to local festivals where it was offered to the gods.
Today, zunda is everywhere in Sendai. The undisputed champion is Zunda Saryo (ずんだ茶寮), a local chain that started the zunda shake craze. Their signature drink – a milkshake made with vanilla ice cream and their own zunda paste – is what I queued for after my morning in Matsushima. One sip and I was hooked.
🍬 The Many Faces of Zunda
Zunda isn’t just for milkshakes. Here are the most popular ways to enjoy it – all widely available in Sendai Station and beyond.
Image: Zunda Saryo (via X)
Zunda mochi is the classic. Freshly pounded rice cakes (mochi) are topped with a thick layer of zunda paste. The combination of chewy mochi and the smooth, sweet edamame paste is pure comfort.
Zunda shake is Zunda Saryo’s signature. A thick, cold milkshake made with vanilla ice cream and their own zunda paste. It’s the perfect antidote to a warm spring day – or any day, really.
Pro-Tip: If you want the ultimate version, ask for the Zunda Shake Excella (typically available from 11AM to 6PM from the Zunda Komichi branch). It's topped with whipped cream and a drizzle of extra zunda sauce. It's only available at select counters like the one at Zunda Komichi (3F).
Image: Zunda Saryo (via X)
Zunda roll cake is a newer creation. Light sponge wrapped around a creamy zunda filling – elegant and not too sweet. You can order it online (see link below).
Zunda mochi ice cream – whether the type that wraps soft zunda‑flavoured ice cream in a chewy mochi skin, or just with the flavor itself topped with mochi (or even red bean sometimes), they all taste amazing if you're a fan! It’s a popular snack to have, and a fun twist on the classic.
Image: Nestlé / Zunda Saryo (via X)
Even KitKat has jumped on the zunda bandwagon. This limited‑edition KitKat Zunda Shake flavour was created in collaboration with Zunda Saryo. (Note: This flavor is typically a seasonal winter/spring release, so keep an eye out from October through late March!) The wafers are sandwiched with edamame‑infused cream and coated in a zunda‑flavoured white chocolate. It’s the ultimate souvenir for sweet‑toothed travellers.
📍 Where to Find Zunda
- Sendai Station 3F (Zunda Komichi): The "Zunda Lane" right by the Shinkansen Central Gate. Best for a quick shake before your train. (Map Code:
21 645 345*02)
Note: Shop open 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Cafe space typically 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. - Sendai Station B1F (S-PAL): Located in the Date no Komichi souvenir hall. Best for buying boxed mochi to take home. (Open 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM)
- Sendai Station 2F (Vending Machines): Look for the green vending machines near the central stained-glass window (pedestrian deck level)—yes, you can buy zunda in a can!
- Matsushima / Ichinoseki / Morioka: Many regional hubs carry zunda treats. Even if it's not Zunda Saryo, the local versions during summer festivals are incredibly fresh.
- Online – You can order zunda roll cakes and other sweets directly from Zunda Saryo (Japanese only).
🌸 When to Enjoy Zunda
Zunda is available year‑round, but fresh edamame (the base) is at its peak in summer (July–September). That’s when the flavour is most vibrant. However, the paste is made from carefully preserved beans, so shakes and sweets taste delicious in any season.
If you’re visiting during the Sendai Tanabata Festival (August 6–8), look out for special zunda stalls—this is when the edamame is freshest and the chilled shakes are most refreshing in the summer heat.
🎁 Zunda as a Souvenir
Zunda travels well. Packaged zunda mochi (individually wrapped), zunda cookies, and the roll cakes are perfect to bring home. The KitKat is another easy option. Just remember that fresh zunda shake is best consumed on the spot – don’t try to smuggle it in your suitcase!
💚 My Zunda Memory
That morning in Sendai, I’d been walking since 3 AM. Hakama, boots, heavy suitcase, then a train to Matsushima, a photographer, Zuiganji, a taxi up the cherry‑blossom hill. By the time I made it back to Sendai Station, I was sweaty, tired, and my heattech was starting to feel like a furnace.
Then I saw the zunda shake sign. One sip, and everything softened. The sweetness, the coolness, that gentle edamame fragrance – it was exactly what I didn’t know I needed. That taste has stayed with me, and every time I see zunda, I’m back in that moment: lucky, free, and holding a small cup of spring.
If you ever find yourself in Sendai, treat yourself. You won’t regret it.
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