Shio Pan: The Charm of the Savory Bread Captivating the World

In an era where bread enthusiasts seek new, distinctive flavors, one of the fastest-rising stars is Shio Pan — also known as "salt bread." Originating from Japan, Shio Pan has swiftly gained popularity across the globe, including in Thailand.

What is Shio Pan?

Shio Pan (塩パン) literally translates to "salt bread" in Japanese. This delightful bread is characterized by:

• A slightly crispy outer crust
• A soft, buttery interior
• A sprinkle of coarse salt on top
• Often a rich butter filling that melt when eaten

The flavor profile of Shio Pan strikes a perfect balance between sweetness, richness, and saltiness, making it a simple yet irresistibly charming treat.

History of Shio Pan

Shio Pan originated in Ehime Prefecture on Japan’s Shikoku Island. A small bakery named Pan no Mise is credited with creating this bread in the early 2010s.
The concept was to craft a bread that embodied "joy through simplicity," highlighting the best flavors of butter and salt.

Shortly after its debut, Shio Pan became a sensation throughout Japan. Its popularity quickly spread to bakeries in Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, and more recently, in Thailand, Singapore, and the United States.

Highlights of Shio Pan

1. Dual Texture

• A thin, crispy crust
• A soft, moist, buttery center that melts in your mouth

2. Balanced Flavor

• The salt enhances the sweetness of the dough and the richness of the butter
• Each bite offers a deep and memorable flavor experience

3. Simple Yet Sophisticated

• Only basic ingredients: flour, butter, salt, water, and yeast
• Careful techniques in folding butter into the dough and baking create a complex, layered flavor

A Quick Overview of How to Make Shio Pan

1. Prepare the Dough: Using bread flour, water, yeast, sugar, and salt
2. Wrap Butter Inside: Insert a small piece of butter into each dough ball
3. Shape the Dough: Often into a crescent or slightly elongated form
4. Brush Butter on the Surface and sprinkle with coarse salt
5. Bake at High Heat: To achieve a crispy crust and a buttery, melting interior

The Global Popularity of Shio Pan

• Japan: Dedicated Shio Pan specialty bakeries have sprung up nationwide
• South Korea: Many bakeries feature Shio Pan as a best-seller
• United States: Especially in New York and California, Japanese bakeries serve unique versions of Shio Pan
• Thailand: Since 2023, the Shio Pan trend has exploded, appearing in premium cafes, Japanese-style bakeries, and home bakeries

Tips for Enjoying Shio Pan at Its Best

• Eat it Warm: To experience the full richness of the melting butter
• Pair with Black Coffee: The bitterness of the coffee complements the richness and sweetness of the bread beautifully
• Enjoy it Plain: The authentic flavor shines best without additional fillings or toppings

Conclusion

Shio Pan beautifully exemplifies the philosophy of "less is more." Its simplicity of ingredients, paired with artisanal baking techniques, creates a uniquely luxurious experience with every bite.

If you haven't tried Shio Pan yet, you're missing out on one of the most delightfully artistic bread experiences!

Serve up deliciousness with Synova’s quality breads—made easy for your café.