What is Taiyaki? Try the Authentic Taste at These 4 Historical Shops in Japan

What is Taiyaki? Try the Authentic Taste at These 4 Historical Shops in Japan

What is Taiyaki

Taiyaki is a Japanese baked cake, shaped like a fish – how adorable! Taiyaki in Japanese actually means ‘baked fish’, tai (sea bream) is a type of fish. Traditionally, it is filled with delicious red bean paste made from sweetened azuki beans.

Taiyaki have been loved for many generations in Japan, it is also a recognisable Japanese sweet that is popular in western countries as well. This traditional sweet is worth a try if you are in Japan, can enjoy a relaxing stroll down the peaceful street of Japan with this freshly baked delicious dessert.

 

How is it made

The batter itself is usually made from wheat flour and ingredients such as egg, sugar and milk. The filling is what makes it special, it is red bean paste that is made from kneading crushed boiled red beans and sugar into a smooth paste that just melts into your mouth.

The process of making it is fairly easy, the batter is poured onto a hot iron plate, then a generous layer of red bean paste is placed over the top. It is particularly delicious when it is freshly made. Let’s explore places that are considered to have the best Taiyaki in Japan!

 

 

 

1. Naniwaya Sohonten – Original Maker of Taiyaki

 

 Photo: wikipedia

 

Taiyaki is definitely something you must try in Japan, Naniwaya Sohonten is your top place to go to if you want to experience the traditional taste of Taiyaki. This place is said to be the original maker of Taiyaki as the store has been established for over 108 years since Meiji era. The store is well-known among local and even tourists, is it also known as one of the “Tokyo Taiyaki Gosanke” (Tokyo Big Three).

One of the store’s best feature is that they still stick to the traditional method of making Taiyaki individually using a special pan. The Taiyaki made from Naniwaya Sohonten is famous for its thin and crispy skin baked texture that is only from using wheat flour and azuki beans with a strong fragrance from Tokachi, Hokkaido. The red bean paste is slowly cooked for 8 hours to get that perfectly smooth texture. 

 

 

Photo: masaemon

 

 

 

2. Yanagiya – A Long Established Taiyaki Store in Tokyo

 

Photo: gotrip 

 

Yanagiya has recently reach their 101st anniversary, the store is well-known for its delicious taiyaki and it has been loved for many years in Ningyocho. The store has been established for over 101 years; it is one of the original taiyaki stores that still keeping their old school atmosphere.

It is also listed in the “Tokyo Taiyaki Gosanke”. When you visit this store, you can be sure about the freshness of the dessert, the azuki bean paste is made every morning to delivery fresh ingredients and ensuring that customers experience the best quality for their food.

 

This place is also great for gifting, if you purchase 4 or more pieces, they will be wrapped the Taiyaki in a wood that absorbs moisture, so it will still be delicious even if you bring it home to your family!

 

 Photo: gotrip

Photo: gotrip

 

 

 

3. Amane – Delicious Treat at Kichijoji station

 

Photo: tabelog

 

If you are at Kichijoji station, you cannot miss out on these delicious goods. The shop is located in front of the Kichijoji station, it is definitely not hard to miss especially with that delicious smell. The famous feature of Amane Taiyaki is the brown sugar that is coated for both the sauce and the skin of Taiyaki.

When you take a bite, the rich sweetness spreads throughout your mouth. The skin is thick and chewy, when combining with the smoothness of the red bean paste, this snack is just amazing. At Amane, they also offer different bean paste flavours depending on the season, chestnut bean paste is also famous and is sold during September.

 

 Photo: cake.tokyo

 

Photo: kichinavi

 

 

 

4. Taiyaki Wakaba – Big Size Taiyaki

 

 Photo: favy

 

Taiyaki Wakaba is only 5-minute walk from Yotsuya Station. The store was opened in 1953, Taiyaki Wakaba is located in the middle of a housing estate and is popular amongst the locals. The Taiyaki from Taiyaki Wakaba is slightly larger and has a fluffy and soft texture, with the delicious sweet red beans.

On busy days, you may see a line of customers in front of the store, these delicious goods can be enjoyed as breakfast or a quick snack. But, because of its large size, it will definitely fill you up like a meal. It is filled with plenty of anko paste, perfect to go with any tea!

 

 Photo: Masaemon

 Photo: Masaemon

 

 

 

Sources:

jalan

aroimakmak

ryoko-traveller

 

Photo:

tabelog

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