Imagawayaki

Imagawayaki is a Japanese snack that is enjoyed throughout the country and is known under various names. The dish consists of a cake-like sponge that is filled with sweetened anko (red bean) mixture. The thick, egg-based batter is poured in special pans, allowing the cake to attain its traditional round form and a crispy shell. It is believed that imagawayaki first appeared in the 18th century and that it was a predecessor to taiyaki – a similar, fish-shaped treat. Due to its popularity, this traditional treat nowadays comes with various fillings which may include white beans, vanilla-flavored custards, fruits, or even cheese.