カステラ

かすてら
noun
castella sponge cake
food
1. castella sponge cake
A Japanese sponge cake originally introduced by Portuguese missionaries in the 16th century. Made with sugar, flour, eggs, and starch syrup, it has a moist, dense texture.
カステラを切(き)る。
To cut castella.
長崎(ながさき)のカステラはおみやげに人気(にんき)がある。
Nagasaki castella is popular as a souvenir.
おばあちゃんがカステラを焼(や)いてくれたので、緑茶(りょくちゃ)と一緒(いっしょ)に食(た)べた。
Grandma baked castella for us, so we had it with green tea.

Etymology

From Portuguese "pao de Castela" (bread of Castile). Introduced to Japan through 長崎(ながさき) during the Portuguese trade era in the 16th century.

Cultural note

長崎(ながさき)カステラ is the most famous variety. The bottom of a traditional castella has a thin, slightly crunchy sugar layer called ザラメ. Castella is a standard gift item and pairs well with Japanese tea.

Common collocations

Related Words

Compare: 蒸(む)しパン (steamed cake)
general
Added 2026.2.10 17:06 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
10500/10787_kasutera