Dorayaki

Meaning and Origin of the Name Dorayaki

Dorayaki is a beloved Japanese sweet consisting of two round, flat pancakes sandwiched together with a filling of sweet red bean paste. This dessert is widely popular both in Japan and internationally, especially known as the favorite snack of the iconic anime character Doraemon.

The name Dorayaki comes from the Japanese words Dora (銅鑼), meaning gong, and Yaki, meaning grilled or baked. This name reflects the desserts round shape, resembling a gong, and the cooking method involving grilling or pan-frying.

The Legendary Origin of Dorayaki

One popular legend connects dorayaki to the samurai Musashibo Benkei, who was injured and cared for by a couple. After he recovered and left their home, he accidentally left behind his gong.

The couple, lacking proper cooking utensils, used the gong as a makeshift pan to fry batter until crisp and then filled it with sweet red bean paste. This story is said to be the origin of dorayaki, literally meaning pancake grilled on a gong.

Development and Modern Form of Dorayaki

Historically, dorayaki was quite different from todays version. It was made from buckwheat flour mixed with red bean paste and formed into a single, dense, chewy piece. However, in the early 20th century, a Tokyo shop called Usagiya developed the modern dorayaki recipe.

Inspired by the Portuguese Castella sponge cake introduced to Japan in the 16th century, Usagiyas version consists of two soft pancakes sandwiching sweet red bean paste called anko. This new style quickly gained popularity and became a favorite treat among children and families across Japan.

Dorayaki in Modern Culture and Doraemon

By the 1960s, dorayaki had become more prominent in popular culture, especially after its association with the anime and manga series Doraemon, which debuted in 1969. Doraemons love for dorayaki helped boost the desserts fame worldwide.

Today, dorayaki comes in a variety of flavors and fillings, including green tea, custard, chocolate, and many more, catering to diverse tastes and modern preferences.

Availability and Making Dorayaki at Home

Dorayaki is widely available in bakeries, convenience stores, and specialty shops throughout Japan and internationally. For those interested in making dorayaki at home, quality ingredients can be found at Rimping Supermarket branches.