Taiyaki, Japanese waffles 鯛焼き

Japanese fish-shaped cake

For the Japanese, this fish-shaped cake, commonly sold as street food, in the shape of tai (sea bream) traditionally filled with red bean paste evokes the festivals and memories of their childhood. Found everywhere, from specialized pastry shops and even in konbini!

The story goes that in 1909, in Tokyo, an Imagawayaki salesman named Seijiro Kanbei, came up with the idea of making these treats in the shape of a fish, more specifically sea bream, a very popular fish for the Japanese and whose name, tai, rhymes with "medetai" which means "merry, happy or celebrate". Tai is considered a luxury item, high-end seafood served on special occasions or celebrations. There is even the expression: “tai wa medetai”: “the sea bream is for celebrations”.

To the common people, Taiyaki brought a sense of luxury and good luck in a form of a cheap, affordable, and adorable snack adding to its popularity!

rabbit taiyaki

A taiyaki with the image of Hakuto's White Rabbit

http://hakuto.tea-nifty.com/blog/

Taiyaki

Taiyaki

Michael Ocampo, Flickr

Traditionally, taiyaki were only stuffed with anko. The emergence of Western pastries inspired manufacturers who, in the last century, began to vary the ingredients: custard, chocolate, green tea, and more recently, ice cream and cheese... And even sakura in the cherry blossom season!

The dough has also evolved in variations and is even made with a dough used for croissants. They are also filled with various ingredients such as anko, matcha green tea, or even chocolate. Chains such as, "Taiyaki Crescent", have even sprung up all over the place.

Taiyaki in their molds

Taiyaki in their molds

jpellgen (@1179_jp), Flickr

Sakura taiyaki

Sakura taiyaki

KLOOL.com

Taiyaki with ice cream

Taiyaki with ice cream

minoir, Flickr

Where to eat taiyaki?

Taiyaki is almost, always sold during matsuri (traditional festivals) and attracts many customers. Young and old alike love its hot and crispy dough with a sweet filling that melts in your mouth. Taiyaki is arguably the most recognized Japanese snack for more than a century! 

It is everywhere, found in supermarket grocery shelves or konbini. Taiyaki grill molds are readily available for sale so you can make your favorite taiyaki!

Taiyaki stand

Taiyaki stand

Yuya Tamai, Flickr

A personality test!

It is said, how you eat your taiyaki is important! The sides on which you start the taiyaki reveal your personality! Do you like to start with the head? This implies you’re an optimist but a bit aggressive. Tail first? This means you're a romantic but a bit naive. Or go for the gut? – Apparently, you're energetic, athletic, and friendly...

What is your preference?

How do you eat your taiyaki? It can reveal your personality!

How do you eat your taiyaki? It can reveal your personality!

Michael Ocampo, Flickr

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