Recipe notes
The origins of taiyaki lie in imagawa-yaki, round cakes filled with anko, which were popularized in Tokyo during the Edo era. Taiyaki first appeared in Tokyo in the late 19th century and quickly became popular thanks to its fish shape, which is associated with good luck and prosperity in Japanese culture.
Although anko is the traditional filling for taiyaki, today there are many modern variations, including custard, chocolate, matcha and even cheese fillings. Taiyaki are often eaten hot, straight from the mold, and make an excellent comforting snack, especially in winter.
Taiyaki are fish-shaped because of their cultural origin and symbolism in Japan. Here are a few reasons why the choice of the fish shape, particularly sea bream (tai), is significant:
1. Symbolism of Sea Bream (Tai): The word "tai" in taiyaki refers to sea bream (tai in Japanese), a fish highly prized in Japan for its delicious taste and symbolic value. Sea bream is often associated with good luck and prosperity, and is often served at celebrations and special occasions, such as weddings and New Year's Eve. The shape of the sea bream gives taiyaki a positive, festive connotation.
2. Word game: In Japanese, "medetai" means "joyful" or "auspicious". The word "tai" is also present in "medetai", reinforcing the association of fish with luck and happiness. The choice of sea bream for the shape of taiyaki therefore plays on this play on words, reinforcing the idea of happiness and celebration.
3. Visual appeal: The fish shape makes taiyaki visually appealing and distinctive, setting it apart from other pastries. Its fun, unique shape attracts people, especially children, and makes it a popular choice at festivals and street markets.
4. Evolution History: Taiyaki appeared in Tokyo at the end of the 19th century, when imagawa-yaki, round cakes with anko filling, were already popular. By giving these cakes a new fish shape, sellers were able to create a differentiated product that quickly gained in popularity thanks to its visual appeal and cultural symbolism.
In short, the fish shape of taiyaki is not just a matter of culinary tradition, but also embodies deeply rooted cultural and symbolic values in Japanese society, associating the dish with good luck, joy and celebration.
