Dorayaki and ISSO Black Bean Hojicha

On days when you want to take your time with hands-on work,
when you wish to quiet your mind and return to your own rhythm,
when each deep breath feels like a step inward toward your true self—
in such moments, you may find yourself wanting a warm cup of tea and a beloved sweet by your side.

Today’s choice is dorayaki, paired with ISSO Black Bean Hojicha.

Fluffy, golden-brown pancakes and gently sweetened azuki bean paste— 

Dorayaki is one of Japan’s most familiar traditional confections.
The batter, often enriched with honey, is soft and airy, and sandwiched between are generous layers of either smooth or chunky red bean paste.
It’s a sweet filled with tenderness, as if gently cupped between two open hands.

The sweetness of azuki paste is rich and layered—not just sugar,
but the deep, earthy essence of the beans themselves, which unfolds gradually over time.

This gentle sweetness is beautifully complemented by ISSO’s Black Bean Hojicha.

ISSO Black Bean Hojicha — Deep, yet Delicate

ISSO’s Black Bean Hojicha is crafted with care, using only select stems from rare organic first flush tea leaves and richly flavored black beans (Shukukuro) from Hokkaido.
These large, naturally sweet beans offer a full-bodied, aromatic flavor, and are roasted slowly with far-infrared heat to bring out their depth.
The roasted stems of the hojicha add a refined toastiness, creating a tea with both profound richness and a lingering softness.

The pairing of dorayaki and ISSO Black Bean Hojicha brings out the best in each,
offering a quiet satisfaction that lingers in the heart.

Bringing the Joy of Pairing into Everyday Life

Pairing is the art of letting food and tea enhance one another, creating depth and harmony in flavor.
It’s about being present with the ingredients and savoring each moment.
It is, in many ways, a form of respect for things made with care and intention.

When You Don’t Have Dorayaki on Hand…

If you don’t have dorayaki, try topping pancakes, crepes, or rice flour bread with one of the following combinations.
Each pairs wonderfully with ISSO Black Bean Hojicha:

• Bitter Chocolate Ganache
  The nutty aroma of the black beans balances beautifully with the bittersweet chocolate.
  Try sandwiching it between pancake layers for a dorayaki-inspired treat. Adding walnuts is also a great touch.

• Peanut Butter + Honey
  The richness and sweetness pair well with the roasted aroma of the Black Bean Hojicha.
  Works well with crepes or rice-based bread too.

• Azuki (Homemade Red Bean Paste)
  A gentle sweetness and excellent legume-to-legume pairing.
  If you don’t have azuki, try lentils with brown sugar as a substitute.

• Date Paste
  A natural sweetness and roasted depth—a wholesome, plant-based delight.
  Mix in a touch of tahini (white sesame paste) for added richness.

• Black Sesame Paste + Maple Syrup
  A mellow sweetness with a distinctly Japanese flair.
  Add a few shiratama (mochi dumplings) for a more traditional wagashi-like experience.

• Mashed Banana + Walnuts
  The natural sweetness of banana and the richness of walnuts harmonize beautifully with the gentle flavors of the tea.
  When made without dairy or sugar, this becomes a wholesome, body-friendly snack.

The pairing of ISSO Black Bean Hojicha and a sweet treat brings a quiet sense of comfort, as if gently untying the knots in your heart.

Whether it’s a calm moment to center yourself, a relaxed afternoon, or a quiet evening of self-care — take your time, and savor it slowly.

About ISSO Black Bean Roasted Tea

[Packaging Options]

You can choose your preferred style from the following:

* Single Serve Teabag

* Teabags / Tin with ISSO TEA Card

* Teabags / Pouch

* Loose Leaf Tea / Tin with ISSO TEA Card

* Loose Leaf Tea / Pouch

For more details, please click here.