Wagashi (和菓子) are traditional Japanese sweets that are usually enjoyed with a cup of warm green tea. There are many varieties, sizes, and flavors to choose from. Some are available all year round while some are only available during certain occasions. But wagashi are not just sweets; they are also considered an art form in…

There are plenty of soft serve places in Japan; even some convenience stores have them. Chocolate, strawberry, cookies and cream, mint, mango, matcha: options are bountiful! However, if you’re looking for soy alternatives or if you’re lactose-intolerant, you may not have been able to partake in this creamy treat… Not until now that is! Mr…

One iconic Japanese street snack is Taiyaki, which in English literally means grilled sea bream. As the name would not suggest, this snack is a pancake-like snack with a sweet filling. It is not at all fishy in taste or texture. It does, however, look like a fish. In The Past Fish and pancakes may…

TAIYAKI’S HISTORY “Imagawayaki” iron mold This snack is a cake, which is made in shape of fish, with azuki sweet red bean paste inside of it. In the past, Japanese people only had “Imagawayaki”, which is a round-shape cake with the same filling. “Imagawayaki” are similar to Dorayaki (Doraemon’s favorite snack). “Taiyaki” iron mold In…

Some of you who have already visited Japan or live in Japan may wonder why there are a so many foods (mainly sweets) filled with red beans. The presence of red bean paste or Anko in Japanese food is very common and as popular as Nori(seaweed). Anko has been one of the characteristics of Japanese…