Tai Yaki

J and I munched through a box of these Japanese treats yesterday. Our friend Misato san came to NY on business and he brought these for us as Omiage. Oishikatta!

Taiyaki (鯛焼き, Taiyaki) literally "baked sea bream," is a Japanese fish-shaped cake. The most common filling is red bean paste that is made from sweetened azuki beans. Other common fillings are custard, chocolate, and cheese. Some shops even sell taiyaki with okonomiyaki or a sausage inside.

Taiyaki is made using taiyaki or regular pancake or waffle batter. The batter is poured into a fish-shaped mold for each side. The filling is then put on one side and the mold is closed. It is then cooked on both sides until golden brown.

Taiyaki can be found all over Japan especially at matsuri (祭) (Japanese festivals).

This is similar to obanyaki (大判焼き, obanyaki), which is a thick round cake also filled with sweet azuki bean paste or custard.