TAIYAKI

One of Japan’s most well-known sweets is a fish-shaped cake called Taiyaki, which literally translates to “baked sea bream”.  The name actually comes from the fish-shaped mold that the snack is baked into. Taiyaki was created around 100 years ago in Japan and since its creation it’s remained generally unchanged until very recently. The origin of the fish shape is unknown, but the most common belief is that, because sea bream were very expensive at the time it was shaped in such a way as to make the eater feel as if they were eating luxuriously. It is believed to have originated in Tokyo in Meiji era. It’s very common to see Taiyaki stands at any matsuri, or festival, in the winter, as they’re easy to hold and keep you nice and warm. Taiyaki is made using regular waffle batter, one that has a thin crispy waffle outside and is completely filled with red bean paste (the original filling that is made from sweetened adzuki beans). However, you are not a big fan of the red bean paste it could be replaced with custard cream or chocolate. Nowadays Taiyaki can be found mostly in Asia or America and nowadays available in Europe as well!