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 our blog post on traditonal 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
Pet Cafe in Japan: A Fun Way to Relax With Furry Friends!
Whether you’re a tourist or a local, pet cafes offer a calming break from the busy streets of Japan’s cities. With proper manners and the right expectations, visiting a pet cafe can be an exceptional, stress-free experience.
Kadokawa and Even More Fascinating Museums in Japan
Japan has amazing sights, but if you’re looking for something different, why not explore some of its most unusual museums? One highlight is the Kadokawa Culture Museum. It’s a creative space filled with books, anime, and art. From traditional tattoos to the history of money and the design of everyday packaging, these places offer a...
Summer Gifts in Japan: The Ultimate Guide!
In Japan, gift-giving is a big part of the culture, especially during the summer’s Ochūgen season (tradition of giving gifts).
Tama and Even More Iconic Animals from Japan!
Japan has many beloved animals, such as Tama the Cat, that have become cultural symbols. Whether famous for their loyalty, unique charm, or connection to local history, these animals have captured people’s hearts worldwide.
Guinness World Records: Discover the Smallest Park on Earth!
When you think of Japan, you might picture cherry blossoms, sushi, or those super speedy bullet trains zooming around. But Japan is also a big deal when it comes to breaking Guinness World Records! Whether ridiculously tiny or impressively huge, Japan is snagging records left and right. The latest jaw-dropper? A park in Nagaizumi, Shizuoka...
Animal Café Etiquette: How to Enjoy Pet Cafés and More!
If you’ve planned to visit Japan before, chances are you’ve heard of an animal café. They’re great destinations for people who can’t own pets or are away from their creature companions. And there are often tasty treats and drinks to enjoy as well. But while you might be excited to play with a puppy or stroke...