団子 （だんご / Dango）
Japanese rice flour dumpling
- Category
- Sweets / Dessert
- Main Ingredient
- Grains & Noodles
Dango is a traditional Japanese food made from rounded rice flour dough, known for its chewy texture. While “dango” can refer to any round food, it usually means rice flour dumplings, often sold skewered on sticks.
When / How to Eat
Eaten as a snack or with tea, commonly seen at festivals and seasonal events. Also made at home.
Cultural Background
Originally used as offerings in religious rituals, dango spread to common people from the Heian period. Various shapes and ingredients exist across Japan.
Cautions
Due to its chewy texture, be careful not to choke. Especially important for children and the elderly to chew thoroughly.