What is Taiyaki? Japanese Snacks Explained
Marie Moore
Japanese sweet deserts are just as popular worldwide as Japanese snacks and Japanese candy are! But here at TokyoTreat we often get questions about specific Japanese treats and what they are exactly! So we’ve decided to explain the most popular and well loved snacks here in Japan so everyone can enjoy them! Today we’re going to be talking about taiyaki, so what exactly is taiyaki?
Taiyaki is a Japanese fish shaped cake, the tai of taiyaki 鯛 (though normally written as たい) means the red seabream fish the cake takes its shape from, and 焼き means baked. Despite many sources describing it as a cake, we would say its most comparable to a waffle.
The traditional filling for taiyaki is sweet read bean past also known as anko, and even today it’s still the most popular filling, but you can also find shops selling taiyaki with custard, matcha cream and chocolate fillings! Lately theres even been shops selling taiyaki with savory fillings like cheese!
How are they made? The batter taiyaki starts out as is just your typical pancake or waffle batter. This is then placed inside a hot fish shaped mold much like a waffle plate, each side poured separately and filling placed on one side. Before the batter is cooked through the mold is closed and both sides of the taiyaki stuck together, it is then cooked until golden brown.
Another fairly common filling for taiyaki is ice cream, much like waffle ice creams from other countries you can get these frozen taiyaki from many stores or supermarkets! Something more recent though is the adaptation of the traditional taiyaki to make them into an ice cream cone shape and then filled with soft serve ice cream and other goodies! These soft serve taiyaki shops have been popping up all over the globe recently due to their cute shape and deliciousness factor!
Nowadays you can even get Pokemon taiyaki!!! Famous Japanese taiyaki store Kurikoan sells Magikarp shaped taiyaki at their Akihabara location in Tokyo!!
And that’s everything you need to know about taiyaki! If you want to learn more about Japanese snacks or Japanese candy, you can read about traditional Japanese sweets called wagashi or about 10 different types of mochi!
What do you think about taiyaki? Have you tried it? What’s your favourite filling? Let us know in the comments!
Keep up with all fun foodie news coming out from Japan by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
Want to get a FREE Japanese candy box? Check out how to get one here!
Related articles
Oita is Home to Awesome Rock Carvings!
Japan may be super famous for anime, ninja, and ramen, but it’s also a profoundly spiritual and religious country. In fact, its relationship to Buddhism dates back centuries. Of all the shrines and religious sites to visit, look no further than the Magaibutsu in Oita Prefecture on the island of Kyushu!
Japanese Romance Movies and Shows To Watch This Year!
Japanese romance movies and TV shows often focus on realistic emotions rather than exaggerated drama or fantasy. Instead of fast-moving plots, these stories usually develop slowly and emphasize everyday experiences that feel familiar to viewers.
Meiji University Horse Escapes from Campus!
It’s January 2026, and the year of the horse has begun. In the Chinese Zodiac, the horse is the seventh of twelve signs.. For a particularly wily and rascally horse in Kawasaki, it meant that it was high time to hightail it out of Meiji University on the morning of Monday, the 5th.
White Day in Japan: Sweet Thank-You After Valentine’s
White Day in Japan is like a sequel to Valentine’s Day, but with its own rules, history, and sweets. Celebrated every year on March 14, it is the day when people who received gifts on February 14 give something back, most often men returning chocolate and presents to women who spoiled them a month before.
From Romance to Self-Care: Japan’s New February 14th Trend
February 14th is widely celebrated in Japan as Valentine’s Day, a holiday associated with chocolate and gift-giving. Unlike many countries, Japan developed its own rules for celebrating Valentine’s Day.
Essential Japanese Restaurant Phrases Every Diner Should Know
Eating at a restaurant in Japan is usually a pleasant experience, but language differences can initially make it feel uncertain. Many restaurants, especially local ones, do not offer English menus or explanations. Learning common Japanese phrases helps diners move through meals more confidently. When both sides of the exchange feel familiar, dining becomes more relaxed...