Taiyaki - Japanese Fish-Shaped Dessert

Taiyaki, though literally means “baked sea bream,” is a dessert having the shape of this fish. Its common filling is the red bean paste mentioned even in yesterday’s post. Azuki beans are used in many sweets in Japan. The batter tastes like waffle or pancake. It was first made in Tokyo at the beginning of the 20th century. Tai is an auspicious fish, found on the tables on special occasions such as the New Year or weddings, hence the shape of the mold for taiyaki.