Japanese Food Tips

Imagawa-yaki is a Japanese confectionery made of flour, eggs, and sugar dissolved in water. The dough is poured into a metal circular mold about 7 cm in diameter and 2 to 3 cm high, and baked with sweetened red bean paste (anko) inside. Imagawa-yaki tastes similar to the taiyaki (Japanese fish-shaped hot cakes) introduced previously on our website. Imagawa-yaki is said to have originated in a shop located in a place called Imagawa in Edo (the former name of Tokyo) during the Edo period (1603-1867), from which it received its name. Imagawa-yaki was apparently very popular as a snack for the common people in the Meiji era (1868-1912). It has various names depending on the region or store, such as Oobanyaki, Kaitenyaki, and many more. Imagawa-yaki can be easily purchased for around 100 yen each and are often eaten as a snack even today. In addition to the most popular filling, there are several other types including custard cream. There are many stores specializing in Imagawa-yaki, and it is often sold at open-air stalls at festivals. It is also distributed as a frozen food.