Head or Tail?: Japan’s Favorite Snack “Taiyaki”

Naniwaya owner Kanbe Masanori can often be found at the grill, welcoming customers with a smile.

At Naniwaya, takeout taiyaki cost ¥180 apiece.

For customers who prefer to eat in, taiyaki costs ¥200. A set consisting of one taiyaki and a cup of tasty green tea goes for ¥700.

The Naniwaya noren proudly shows its wear and tear.

At Naniwaya, each taiyaki is grilled individually.

A taiyaki mold. Interchangeable molds allow differently shaped treats to be made.

The Naniwaya shop in Azabu-Jūban, in the heart of the metropolis.

The shop’s menu includes traditional sweets like anmitsu and a wide selection of kakigōri flavors.

The second-floor restaurant serves light meals, taiyaki, and other sweets.

Naniwaya is also known for its yakisoba, a bargain at ¥500.

A mound of bean paste sits atop a thin layer of batter. Achieving just the right balance of batter to bean paste is a highly-developed skill.

Kanbe sets to work only after checking the temperature of the grilling iron by bringing it close to his cheek, a craftsman’s skill developed over decades.

Perfectly grilled taiyaki await customers. Prepared individually, each is slightly different than its neighbors.

Many shops use griddles capable of cooking several taiyaki at once. (© Pixta)

A glass of milk pairs well with taiyaki (¥700 for the set).

The an used at Naniwaya tastes less sophisticated and is not overly sweet or cloying. The shop also sells azuki bean paste by itself.