Claimed to be the original creator of taiyaki, Naniwaya opened in 1909 and is still at the top of the taiyaki game today. You’ll often find a queue snaking outside the storefront, but it’s worth the wait for a hot taiyaki fresh off the grill. The taiyaki here only comes with anko (sweet red bean paste) filling, which has been laboriously cooked for eight hours to get that perfect texture and sweetness.
When it comes to classic Japanese street snacks, nothing is quite as ubiquitous as taiyaki – the fish-shaped cakes found on many street corners. Fact is, taiyaki is not shaped after just any good old fish; it's a representation of red sea bream or tai, which it’s so cheekily named after. This particular fish is a symbol of good luck in Japan.
Taiyaki is best described as a cross between a waffle and a cake stuffed with sweet red bean paste – but you’ll also come across a variety of other fillings including custard, matcha, sweet potato and even ice cream. Some creative vendors have even reimagined this humble treat into a croissant-like hybrid with a flaky, buttery crust in place of the cake-like texture.
You should definitely seek out taiyaki when visiting Tokyo. It’s a quick and cheap snack you can easily pick up and enjoy on-the-go. Here are some of the city’s best and most delicious taiyaki.
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