Dorayaki

By far one of the most popular wagashi (traditional Japanese confections) types, dorayaki is a delicious snack consisting of a sweet filling sandwiched between two fluffy pancakes. Its name stems from dora, the Japanese word for a gong, which the dorayaki shape is reminiscent of, and although its origins are in fact said to be ancient, the popular treat took its current form in the early 1900s when it was reportedly first made as a sandwich by a Tokyo-based confectionery called Usagiya. Ever since, the term dorayaki has been denoting two small pancake-like patties glued together with the so-called anko or sweet azuki red bean paste. The pancake batter is typically flavored with honey, a splash of sweet rice wine called mirin, and even a touch of soy sauce. Being a part of an overall Japanese wave of nostalgia for foods from the Showa Era (1926-1989), dorayaki is once again becoming more and more popular, while most manga and anime fans may remember it as the favorite snack of the blue robot-cat Doraemon, a manga series character from the 1970s. Also, apart from the classic red bean filling, today you can choose between many other flavors such as white bean paste, matcha green tea paste, and sweet potato and chestnut cream, or you can opt for an interesting East-meets-West snack by choosing custard cream, whipped cream, or a decadent chocolate-and-strawberry combination for your dorayaki filling.