- What Is Taiyaki?
It’s not Takoyaki (たこ焼き), but Taiyaki (たい焼き). The “Tai” in Taiyaki refers to red seabream (Madai), and “Yaki” means grilled. Literally, it means grilled red seabream. However, Taiyaki is a traditional Japanese sweet made by cooking batter filled with sweet red bean paste in a fish-shaped mold. It is based on a wheat-flour batter similar to pancakes or waffles and is usually enjoyed hot, straight off the grill. Loved by people of all ages, taiyaki is a familiar street snack in Japan—easy to eat, comforting, and deeply connected to everyday life rather than formal occasions.
- Why is Taiyaki shaped like a red seabream?
The shape of taiyaki is no accident. The red seabream (tai in Japanese) has long been considered a lucky fish because its name sounds like medetai, which means “joyful” or “auspicious.”
For centuries, red seabream has been served at celebrations, festivals, and special occasions in Japan as a symbol of happiness and good fortune. Since real sea bream was expensive, it was mostly enjoyed by the wealthy.
When taiyaki was created in the late Meiji period, bakers chose the red seabream shape to bring this sense of luck and celebration to ordinary people in an affordable and fun form. Today, taiyaki is not only a beloved sweet treat but also a small symbol of good fortune that anyone can enjoy.
- A brief history of Taiyaki
Taiyaki is believed to have evolved from Imagawayaki (今川焼), a round-filled cake that dates back to the Edo period. Taiyaki itself was born in the Meiji era, around 1909.
The sweet is commonly attributed to Seijiro Kobe, the founder of Naniwaya Sōhonten, a historic shop in Tokyo. Inspired by imagawayaki, he experimented with various shapes before discovering that the sea bream design sold exceptionally well. The connection to good luck helped taiyaki gain popularity among ordinary people.
Taiyaki’s fame soared nationwide in 1975 with the massive hit children’s song “Oyoge! Taiyaki-kun.” Today, taiyaki is enjoyed not only in Japan but also overseas, where it is widely recognized simply as “TAIYAKI (鯛焼き).”
- “Natural” vs. “Farmed” Taiyaki
In Japan, taiyaki is sometimes described as “natural” (天然) or “farmed” (養殖). These terms do not refer to real fish. Instead, they are metaphors describing how the taiyaki is cooked.
■ Natural Taiyaki (One-by-one method)
“Natural” taiyaki is cooked individually using a single mold, one fish at a time.
Characteristics
- Thin, crisp skin with a light crunch
- A generous amount of red bean paste, often filled all the way to the tail
- Careful heat control, resulting in juicy, freshly cooked filling
This style emphasizes craftsmanship and is often associated with traditional shops.
■ Farmed Taiyaki (Multiple-at-once method)
“Farmed” taiyaki is cooked by grilling several pieces at the same time.
Characteristics
- Thicker batter with a fluffy yet crisp texture
- Wide variety of fillings such as custard, chocolate, or mochi
- Creative styles including croissant dough, round shapes, or even non-fish designs
- Modern serving styles like taiyaki ice cream, parfaits, or chilled taiyaki
This type represents innovation and the evolving possibilities of taiyaki.
- Why is Taiyaki usually filled with chunky red bean paste?
Most taiyaki is filled with chunky red bean paste (Tsubuan: つぶあん) rather than smooth paste (Koshian: こしあん). This choice reflects a traditional Japanese approach to pairing textures and flavors.
Smooth red bean paste is delicate and silky, often paired with soft or chilled sweets such as mizuyokan (jellied red bean dessert). Chunky red bean paste, on the other hand, has a richer texture and stronger bean flavor, making it better suited to warm, hearty sweets like taiyaki, dorayaki, and kintsuba.
That said, modern wagashi culture allows for many exceptions, and some shops now offer koshian taiyaki as well.
- The appeal of Taiyaki
Taiyaki has many charms beyond its taste:
- Comforting and warm: Warm batter and sweet filling is surprisingly rare among Japanese sweets
- Easy to eat: No plate or utensils needed—perfect as street food
- Casual yet meaningful: A lucky symbol without formality
- Everyday happiness: Ideal for a small reward, a quick snack, or a hopeful moment before an important event
When you crave a warm, filling Japanese sweet, taiyaki is one of the best choices available.
- Famous Taiyaki shops in Tokyo
- Naniwaya Sōhonten (浪花家総本店)
Founded in 1909, known for traditional one-by-one grilled taiyaki.
1-8-14 Azabujuban, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0045
- Yanagiya (柳屋)
Over 100 years old and considered one of Tokyo’s “Three Great Taiyaki Shops.”
2-11-3 Nihonbashi Ningyocho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0013
- Taiyaki Wakaba (たいやき わかば)
Established in 1953, famous for its large size and fluffy texture.
1-10 Wakaba, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0011
Alongside Takoyaki, Taiyaki is one of Japan’s iconic street snacks that visitors should not miss. This fish-shaped treat, traditionally filled with sweet red bean paste, is warm, comforting, and easy to enjoy on the go. Beyond its delicious taste, taiyaki carries a touch of Japanese culture and good luck, making it both a delightful snack and a small symbol of happiness. Whether you try it from a traditional shop, enjoy a modern twist with custard or ice cream, or experience the white-skinned version, taiyaki offers a uniquely Japanese treat that’s perfect for anyone exploring local flavors.