Table of Contents
Ever tried a Japanese snack that’s as cute as it is delicious? 🐟🍵 We lined up two of Japan’s most loved treats—Taiyaki and Dorayaki—to see how their look, taste, and texture compare.
Both are packed with sweet anko (red bean paste), wrapped in fluffy, comforting layers. But which one would you reach for first? Let’s dive into the world of these bite-sized snacks and find out!
🎯 Skip straight to the reviews
🥢 What Makes These Japanese Snacks So Special?
Taiyaki 🐟 and Dorayaki 🍵 aren’t just delicious—they’re iconic pieces of Japan’s snack culture.
Taiyaki is a fish-shaped cake filled with sweet anko (red bean paste). Originally a street food favorite, it’s now also found in mini snack packs at supermarkets. Its cute shape and golden-brown crust make it a hit with kids and adults alike.
Dorayaki, on the other hand, is a classic sweet made of fluffy castella pancakes sandwiched with anko. Thanks to anime like Doraemon, it has become a cultural symbol, and modern variations like chestnut or matcha cream fillings keep it trendy.
Both are perfect examples of “wagashi” (traditional Japanese sweets) meeting today’s snack culture.
🍴 Taste Test: Cute Snacks, Big Flavors
🐟 Taiyaki Zanmai – Mini Taiyaki Snack
Taiyaki Zanmai comes with three tiny taiyaki, each shaped like an adorable little fish 🐟. Inside, they’re filled with sweet anko (red bean paste)—a classic Japanese flavor.
We Tried It!
Open the pack, and you’ll find the taiyaki looking almost too cute to eat. The dough feels soft and fluffy in your hand.
Take a bite, and the airy pancake melts into the smooth, moist anko filling. It’s light, sweet, and so easy to enjoy. You might be surprised how quickly all three pieces disappear—they’re that addictive!
🍵 Nishoku Dorayaki – Mini Dorayaki Snack
This snack pack gives you two mini dorayaki: one filled with classic anko, and the other with creamy chestnut paste. Both are perfectly sized for a quick snack.
We Tried It!
The dorayaki feel pillowy soft, with a light honey aroma from the pancake layers.
The anko version is rich and comforting, while the chestnut one adds a smooth, nutty twist. Both are so satisfying, you’ll want to try them one after the other.
🍬 Want a monthly delivery of fun Japanese snacks?
Try our Snack Box →🍬 Love matcha snacks? Check out this taste test:
🍵 We Tried Two Matcha Pocky Flavors ▶📱 Taiyaki & Dorayaki Are Gaining Fans Worldwide!
Taiyaki and Dorayaki aren’t just popular in Japan—they’re finding fans all over the world.
🐟 Taiyaki has even gone viral thanks to Taiyaki Ice Cream, where the fish-shaped pastry is used as a cone for soft-serve. Its cute, Instagram-worthy shape makes it a hit with dessert lovers everywhere.
🍵 Dorayaki became famous among anime fans as the favorite snack of Doraemon, a beloved Japanese cartoon character. That connection has made it a must-try for travelers and Japanese culture enthusiasts alike.
These two treats are perfect examples of how traditional Japanese sweets can feel fresh and fun, even in a modern snack world.
🌸 Which One Would You Pick?
Both Taiyaki Zanmai and Nishoku Dorayaki are bite-sized and easy to enjoy.
🐟 Taiyaki’s soft, fluffy dough and generous anko filling make it a comforting little treat.
🍵 Dorayaki offers a pillowy texture with two unique flavors—classic anko and creamy chestnut.
So, which side are you on? Taiyaki 🐟 or Dorayaki 🍵?
Tell us in the comments or tag us on Instagram with your pick!
🍬 Craving more snacks like these?
Discover our Monthly Box →
