Sweet Bean Paste
A Tender Novel About Connection, Redemption, and the Magic of Dorayaki
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By Durian Sukegawa
There’s something quietly profound about Sweet Bean Paste—a novel that gently uncovers the layers of human connection through the art of making dorayaki. This story is more than just a tale set in a Tokyo shop; it’s a meditation on the beauty of ordinary lives, second chances, and finding sweetness in unexpected places.
We meet Sentaro, a man weighed down by regret, resigned to a life of making dorayaki in a small street shop. Everything changes when Tokue—a gentle, elderly woman with a gift for crafting the perfect sweet bean paste—walks into his life. Their unlikely partnership blossoms into a friendship that slowly heals old wounds and reveals hidden depths, both in themselves and in the world around them.
Sukegawa’s writing is as comforting as the pastries he describes. Every scene invites you to slow down and savor the quiet moments, the kindness of strangers, and the transformative power of food. I found myself not only craving dorayaki but also reflecting on the simple rituals that bring meaning to our days.
If you’re looking for a novel that’s tender, hopeful, and beautifully written, Sweet Bean Paste is for you. It’s a celebration of resilience, gentle acceptance, and the unexpected sweetness of new beginnings.
Dorayaki Recipe: Bring the Book to Life
Inspired to try making your own dorayaki? Here’s a simple recipe to taste a bit of the novel at home.
Ingredients
2 eggs
100g (1/2 cup) sugar
1 tablespoon honey
160g (1⅓ cups) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
120ml (½ cup) water
Oil, for cooking
Instructions
Whisk together eggs, sugar, and honey until frothy.
Sift in the flour and baking soda, then mix until smooth.
Stir in water and let the batter sit for 15 minutes.
Heat a non-stick pan over medium-low heat and lightly oil it.
Pour a small amount of batter to form a 4-inch pancake. Cook until bubbles form, flip, and cook until golden.
Repeat with remaining batter, adding oil as needed.
Let pancakes cool, then sandwich sweet bean paste between two pancakes.
Enjoy your homemade dorayaki!
Where to Read It
Sweet Bean Paste is available on Amazon and is currently free with Kindle Unlimited. If you love gentle fiction, Japanese settings, or novels about the healing power of food, this book will stay with you.
