A Cultural Guide to Taiyaki - Japan's Beloved Fish-Shaped Sweet
A Cultural Guide to Taiyaki - Japan's Beloved Fish-Shaped Sweet A Cultural Guide to Taiyaki - Japan's Beloved Fish-Shaped Sweet What is Taiyaki? Taiyaki (たい焼き) is a beloved Japanese street food and sweet treat that takes the whimsical shape of a fish—specifically, a sea bream or "tai" in Japanese. This charming dessert consists of a waffle-like batter cooked in a fish-shaped mold, typically filled with sweet red bean paste (anko). History & Cultural Significance The fish shape isn't random—it's inspired by the sea bream, a fish traditionally considered lucky in Japanese culture and often served at celebratory occasions. Taiyaki was created in Tokyo around 1909, making it accessible for common people to enjoy something that sy...