Taiyaki
Taiyaki
Taiyaki are fish-shaped Japanese waffles, cooked in a hinged cast iron or aluminium mold and filled with sweet red bean paste, anko, in the traditional version, though modern variations include custard, chocolate, matcha cream, cheese and sweet potato. The fish shape, which represents sea bream (tai), is associated with good fortune in Japan, which is part of the reason they have been such an enduring symbol of Japanese festival food since their introduction in the early twentieth century. Today they are found at matsuri festivals, street stalls, department store basement food halls and increasingly at dedicated taiyaki shops in cities around the world.
Making taiyaki at home is a rewarding project that produces results considerably better than most commercially available versions, primarily because the batter can be made fresh, the filling can be chosen and controlled, and the molds can be used at exactly the right temperature for optimal texture. The ideal taiyaki has a thin, crispy shell with a slight caramelised surface and a generous, smooth anko filling that fills the cavity completely without leaving air pockets.
The molds in this collection are made from cast iron and aluminium, both of which heat evenly and produce the characteristic golden surface finish. Cast iron molds heat more slowly but retain temperature better, which is helpful for consistent results when making multiple taiyaki in succession. Aluminium molds are lighter and faster to heat, better for quick production. Both produce excellent results and the choice is largely a matter of preference and cooking style.
Red bean paste, available in the ingredients section of this collection, comes in both tsubu-an (chunky) and koshi-an (smooth) styles, both are traditional, and the preference between them is entirely personal.
Discover more in our subcategories:
Browse our molds and cutters for more baking tools, and explore drinkware to serve alongside.
Showing 8 products
AVAILABILITY: In stock (20 items)
Uji Heritage Series | Premium Ceremonial Grade A Organic Japanese Matcha Savor the pure, unadulterated essence of Japan's most celebrated tea heritage. Grown in the mist-shrouded, nutrient-dense hills of Uji, Kyoto, the historic birthplace of Japanese tea culture, this official...
AVAILABILITY: In stock (499 items)
The Iwachu Taiyaki Frypan, cast iron pan with two fish-shaped cavities for making Japanese taiyaki, the beloved fish-shaped cakes filled with sweet anko red bean paste or custard. In the Box 1 Japanese Cast Iron Frying Pan Manufacturer Iwachu (Morioka,...
AVAILABILITY: In stock (6 items)
The Iwachu Hot Sand Frypan is a Japanese cast iron sandwich maker for making hot sand (hot sandwich) toasties - a beloved Japanese cafe culture staple - with the superior heat retention of Nambu Tekki cast iron. Brand Iwachu (岩鉗)...
AVAILABILITY: In stock (500 items)
The Saikai Plates Gift Set is a beautifully curated selection of Japanese ceramic plates from the Saikai pottery tradition, coordinated designs, gift-box presentation, and practical everyday beauty. Artisan Collection Line Saikai Premium Ceramic Coordinates Product Type Shallow Side Dishes /...
AVAILABILITY: In stock (2 items)
Asabashi Plates are Japanese ceramic plates with the classic Asabashi morning chopstick pattern, a subtle geometric design in blue and white that references the clean, orderly aesthetic of traditional Japanese tableware. Artisan Pottery Style Authentic Mino Ware (Mino-yaki / 美濃焼)...
AVAILABILITY: In stock (500 items)
Half Moon Trays Set, a pair of Japanese serving trays in a classic half-moon shape for presenting sushi, sashimi, and small dishes in authentic Japanese style. Includes 5 matching trays Dimensions 30 x 26.2 x 1.5cm each Material ABS resin,...
AVAILABILITY: In stock (0 items)
Sweet Azuki Paste (Anko), ready-made Japanese red bean paste sweetened and cooked to a smooth consistency. The essential filling for daifuku mochi, dorayaki, taiyaki, and wagashi sweets. Origin Authentic Product of Japan 🇯🇵 Bean Type Sweetened Azuki (Red Bean) Net...
AVAILABILITY: In stock (0 items)
Azuki Beans, the small red beans at the heart of Japanese sweet confectionery. Simmer with sugar to make anko red bean paste for daifuku mochi, taiyaki, and dorayaki pancakes. Origin 100% Made in Japan 🇯🇵 Bean Type Dried Red Azuki...