Chinbin is a traditional Okinawan snack that rivals the famous sata andagi. Simple and timeless, Chinbin has long been loved by locals.

Let's explore the characteristics and history of chinbin.

Characteristics of Chinbin

Chinbin is a traditional Okinawan snack that was introduced from China. It is also called Okinawan brown sugar crepe. Although it is called a crepe, there is nothing inside. It is a sweet made by baking brown sugar-flavored batter like a crepe skin and rolling it up into a cylinder.

Brown sugar is a familiar food ingredient for Okinawans, enjoyed by people of all ages, from children to adults.

The name comes from the Chinese word "rice cracker," which is said to be a corrupted version of the Mandarin word "chienbin."

History of the Chinbin

Speaking of Chinbin, it's Yukkanuhi. Yukkanuhi means "fourth day" in Okinawa dialect, and refers to May 4th on the lunar calendar.

Yukkanuhi is a day to pray to the sea god for a good catch and safe voyages. Hari is held in fishing villages and port towns all over the country. Hari is an event in which about 10 people ride on Okinawa's traditional fishing boats, "Sabani," and compete for speed. In some areas, such as Itoman in the southern part of Okinawa's main island, it is called Harley. It is a day when Okinawa is bustling, with many tourists and locals visiting.

In the past, toy markets were held around the venues where the Hari was held. Children's eyes would light up when they saw toys such as tumblers and chin-chin horses.

One of the snacks eaten on this day was "chinbin." Children looked forward to their mothers making chinbin.

Sweets such as chinbin were offered to Hinukan (the god of fire) and Buddhist altars on Yukkanuhi in hopes of children's healthy growth.

Yukkanuhi is also called the "Okinawa version of Children's Day" because of the custom of buying toys and treating children to a feast. Incidentally, May 5th on the lunar calendar is a day to pray for the health of family members.

Although this custom has not been practiced recently, the Yuccanuhi tradition continues to be preserved through Yuccanuhi-themed art exhibitions and toy-making workshops for parents and children.

The difference between Chinbin and Popo

A similar candy to chinbin is called popo.

Like chinbin, popopo is also a ceremonial food for Yuccanuhi. Originally, chinbin and popopo were used as hospitality and celebratory dishes to decorate the dinner table on special days. Even now, many families enjoy chinbin and popopo with their children as Yuccanuhi approaches.

Chinbin and Popo look similar, so even some locals don't know the difference. For those who don't know the difference between Chinbin and Popo, we will introduce the basic ingredients and how to make each.

Materials and how to make Chinbin

Chinbin is a chewy, slightly brown rolled confectionery that allows you to taste the refined sweetness of brown sugar.

The basic ingredients of chinbin are flour, brown sugar, baking powder, water, and eggs. The texture and taste change depending on the ratio of ingredients and the heat. Mix the ingredients, fry the dough thinly in a frying pan, and roll it up to complete.

Ingredients and how to make Popo

Popo is a sweet and salty crepe made by rolling sugar-free white dough with a thin layer of oil and miso on the inside. They look similar, but when you eat them, they are completely different. If Chinbin is a dessert crepe, Popo is a meal crepe.

The basic ingredients of popo are flour, baking powder, water, and oil and miso. It can also be made by mixing it with pork or minced meat. The method of making it is almost the same as that of chinbin. Mix the ingredients together, fry the dough thinly in a frying pan, and then roll it up to complete it.

How to eat chinbin deliciously

Although it is delicious when eaten as is, there are many other ways to enjoy the simple flavor of chinbin. Try different ways to enjoy it and find the way that suits you best.

Simple

If you want to add a twist to your chinbin, try adding honey, jam, chocolate sauce, etc. Just add a little to make a great dessert. It's a simple way to add flavor, so try different flavors.

Topping

Adding strawberries, bananas, and other fruits and whipped cream makes it a luxurious dish that looks just like something you would get at a cafe. It looks gorgeous and lifts your spirits. Adding seasonal fruits allows you to enjoy the taste of each season.

Put the ingredients inside

It is also recommended to put ingredients such as cream cheese or red bean paste inside the chinbin. If you put red bean paste inside, you can enjoy a dorayaki-style chinbin. The combination of brown sugar and red bean paste is perfect. You can enjoy a warm and cozy feeling.

How to get to Okinawa

To get to Okinawa's main island, where you can eat chinbin, it's convenient to take a direct flight to Naha Airport from all over the country.

Here is the flight time for direct flights. The flight time varies depending on the season and weather.

From Hokkaido/Tohoku area to Okinawa main island (Naha Airport) ・Approx. 3 hours 45 minutes from New Chitose Airport ・Approx. 3 hours 15 minutes from Sendai Airport

From the Kanto area to Okinawa main island (Naha Airport) ・Approx. 2 hours 45 minutes from Haneda Airport ・Approx. 3 hours from Narita Airport ・Approx. 3 hours from Ibaraki Airport

From the Chubu area to Okinawa main island (Naha Airport) ・Approx. 2 hours 30 minutes from Chubu Centrair International Airport ・Approx. 3 hours from Niigata Airport ・Approx. 2 hours 45 minutes from Komatsu Airport ・Approx. 2 hours 45 minutes from Shizuoka Airport

From the Kinki area to Okinawa main island (Naha Airport) ・Approx. 2 hours 15 minutes from Kansai International Airport ・Approx. 2 hours 15 minutes from Itami Airport ・Approx. 2 hours 15 minutes from Kobe Airport

From the Chugoku area to Okinawa main island (Naha Airport)

・About 2 hours from Okayama Airport ・About 1 hour 45 minutes from Hiroshima Airport ・About 1 hour 45 minutes from Iwakuni Airport

From Shikoku area to Okinawa main island (Naha Airport)

・About 2 hours from Takamatsu Airport ・About 1 hour 45 minutes from Matsuyama Airport

From Kyushu area to Okinawa main island (Naha Airport) ・Approx. 1 hour 45 minutes from Fukuoka Airport ・Approx. 1 hour 45 minutes from Kitakyushu Airport ・Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes from Kumamoto Airport ・Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes from Nagasaki Airport ・Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes from Miyazaki Airport ・Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes from Kagoshima Airport ・Approx. 1 hour from Amami Airport ・Approx. 50 minutes from Okinoerabu Airport ・Approx. 40 minutes from Yoron Airport

Location of Okinawa Prefecture

summary

Chinbin is a traditional Okinawan sweet that has been popular since before the war. It has a simple taste, so there are many ways to enjoy it. If you visit Okinawa, be sure to try Chinbin.

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