Taiyaki (たい焼き)

Hikari Senpai
Sep 30
2 min read

What Exactly is Taiyaki?

Taiyaki (たい焼き) is a delicious treat that pops up in all kinds of anime—from the super popular to the hidden gems!

Sometimes you’ll see them as cute little fish-shaped cakes, and other times (like in the picture), they’re served more like an ice cream cone.

So, what exactly is Taiyaki (たい焼き)?

Taiyaki is a fish-shaped cake, though its texture is more like a waffle than a traditional cake. It’s usually sweet and can be filled with all sorts of goodies such as sweet potato, chocolate, custard, or even cheese!

Some people get creative and even put sausages inside. But the most classic filling by far is red bean paste, made from sweetened azuki beans.

The second most popular version is Taiyaki filled with ice cream—making it extra fun! You can enjoy it as a cozy filled cake or as a playful ice cream cone treat.

Personally, I love the idea of Taiyaki with ice cream—because let’s be honest, when ice cream’s involved, you just can’t go wrong!

Is There A History Behind Them?

The first part of the Japanese word Taiyaki (たい) means tai, or red seabream—the fish that Taiyaki is shaped after.

The second part (焼き) means “baked,” so you could say that Taiyaki translates to “baked tai” in English.

Taiyaki (たい焼き) is believed to have originated in Japan sometime before or during the Meiji era (1868–1912). The exact place of its birth, however, is still a bit of a mystery.

Some say it was first made at a shop called Naniwaya Souhonten in Azabu-Jūban, Tokyo. Others believe it started in Daimon, Mie, at a place called Hinodeya Shokudou.

Wherever its true origins lie, taiyaki became a beloved snack throughout the Meiji era. It may have been “forgotten” for a while during World War II, but it quickly bounced back—and today, you can find this tasty treat all over Japan!