What is Hiyashiame?
Category: Food&Drink Japanese Seasonings Regions of Japan
Japan has many foods and drinks that are unique to the region.
Hiyashiame is a much-loved drink in the Kansai region.
Written in Kanji, it is “冷やし飴“.
The literal translation is cold candy drink.
What does Hiyashiame taste like?
Hiyashiame is a drink made by adding ginger to water syrup.
Originally, it was a hot drink, but with the development of ice-making technology, it came to be drunk chilled.
What a drink that’s been around for 150 years!
Ginger has the power to invigorate the gastrointestinal tract, so it is also a recommended drink when you are suffering from summer fatigue and have no appetite.
Ginger also has antibacterial properties, making Hiyashiame a drink that is attracting attention as a way to prevent infections.
It tastes similar to ginger ale, but without the carbonation.
This drink is recommended for those who like the flavor of ginger.
Only available in the Kansai region!
Hiyashiame is actually familiar only to those living in the Kansai region of Japan.
If you tried to buy one in Tokyo, you probably wouldn’t find one for sale!
Even among Japanese people, there are many who ask, “What is Hiyashiame?”
It is a local drink unique to Osaka and other parts of the Kansai region!
In Osaka, it is sold in cafes and Japanese confectionery stores, as well as supermarkets and even vending machines.
If you’re ever in Osaka in the summer, look for Hiyashiame!
