Taiyaki

What is Taiyaki?

Taiyaki is a popular Japanese snack shaped like a sea bream fish (Tai in Japanese). It is made from soft batter filled with various fillings such as sweet red bean paste, cream, custard, chocolate, green tea, cheese, sweet potato, and more.

Origins and Historical Background

Taiyaki originated during the Meiji era (18681912), evolving from an older Japanese treat called Imagawayaki, a round cake filled with sweet red bean paste. In 1909, Seijirō Kanbei, owner of Naniwaya Sohonten in Tokyo, redesigned the treat into a fish shape symbolizing good luck and prosperity, which quickly gained popularity.

Cultural Significance

Japanese people believe eating Taiyaki brings good fortune and prosperity. It is commonly served at celebrations and festivals and became a beloved street food sold at markets and train stations.

Preparation and Fillings

Taiyaki is made using fish-shaped molds where batter made from wheat flour, eggs, sugar, and baking powder is poured, filled with sweet fillings, then cooked to a golden crisp. Traditional filling is sweet red bean paste, but modern variations include custard, chocolate, cheese, sweet potato, and green tea.

Taiyaki in Pop Culture and Globally

Taiyaki appears frequently in anime and manga as a nostalgic comfort food. Recently, it has gained international popularity, especially in South Korea (called Bungeoppang) and Western countries where it has been adapted into fish-shaped ice cream cones.