Taiyaki: Japan’s Fish-Shaped Street Food

What is Taiyaki?

Taiyaki (鯛焼き, meaning “baked sea bream”) is a beloved Japanese street food. Shaped like a red sea bream (tai), this fish-like cake is a treat for both sweet and savory enthusiasts.

Traditional and Popular Fillings

The classic filling is red bean paste, made from sweetened adzuki beans. Over time, variations have grown popular, including:

• Custard
• Chocolate
• Cheese
• Sweet potato