1.
melon bread; melon pan
A popular Japanese sweet bread with a soft interior and a thin, crisp cookie-dough crust scored on top to resemble a melon's rind. Most varieties do not actually contain melon.
From メロン (melon) + パン (bread). Named for its melon-like surface pattern rather than for any melon flavoring, though some modern versions are flavored with melon syrup or filled with melon cream.
Common collocations
- 焼きたてのメロンパン: freshly baked melon bread
- メロンパンを食べる: to eat melon bread
- メロンパン専門店: melon bread specialty shop
Cultural note
A staple of Japanese bakeries and convenience stores. Often eaten as a snack or quick breakfast. Many regional and seasonal varieties exist (chocolate chip, matcha, strawberry, etc.).