Dorayaki Decoded: Unveiling the Secrets of Japan's Favorite Pancake

Japan is famous for having a wide variety of traditional desserts and confections. So when one of them stands out, you know for sure that it's something special. Dorayaki is beloved among food lovers in Japan and anime fans all over the world. Join us as we examine this Japanese red bean pancake and why it’s so popular.

Introduction to Dorayaki

Dorayaki is a traditional Japanese dessert that consists of a sweet red bean filling sandwiched between two fluffy pancake-like layers. This is one of the most aesthetically pleasing Japanese confections, thanks to its golden brown outer layer and fluffy inner layer surrounding the moist filling. The best part is that it tastes as good as it looks, filling your mouth with sweet and savory flavors after each bite.

Dorayaki also serves as a modern and traditional icon, often associated with the popular Doraemon anime series and ancient samurai. In the culinary scene, it’s one of the most famous confectioneries to ever come out of the country. There’s a lot to unpack when it comes to this delicious pancake. Let’s begin with its origin stories.

The Origins of Dorayaki

The most popular origin story associated with dorayaki is more of a legend than an actual historic event. According to folklore, a samurai who lived in the Edo period (1603–1868) is responsible for inventing the snack. His name was Benkei, and one day, he forgot his gong in a farmer’s house where he had been hiding. The farmer eventually used this gong to fry pancakes, and so, dorayaki was born. Another legend claims that Benkei accidentally created it by spilling red bean paste on a pancake he was making.

Another theory claims that the dorayaki is a modern version of “sukesoyaki,” a thin layer of dough stuffed with bean paste that was popular in the Edo period.

There are many more theories, including one that claims Tora no Taro, a samurai, named it after his lost sword.

Whichever theories are true, what we know for certain is that the dish got its name from the Japanese keyword dora, which means “gong.” This references its identical appearance to the percussion instrument of the same name.

Early dorayaki had a different shape from the modern version we know today. The current shape first appeared in 1914 on the menu of Usagiya, a restaurant located in Ueno, Tokyo.

What Makes Dorayaki Unique?

Dorayaki stands out from other dessert cuisine because it can contain a wide variety of sweet and savory ingredients, including honey, flour, and eggs. Although red bean paste (anko) is the most common filling, there are many other variations of the snack. Let’s take a deep dive into the preparation and variations of the dish.

Preparation of Dorayaki

Making basic Japanese pancakes can be quite easy if you follow our simple dorayaki recipe. The following is a list of ingredients you’ll need:

• Plain flour

• Eggs

• Sugar

• Filling: typically anko or adzuki (red bean) paste

• Neutral oil

• Honey

• Baking powder

To prepare dorayaki, start by mixing eggs, sugar, honey, flour, baking soda, and water in a bowl. The egg mixture will form the batter for the main dish. This batter resembles pancake batter. Once you have it ready, you can use it to make the honey pancakes.

Add a little neutral oil and pancake-like batter to a non-stick pan and begin the frying process. You’ll need to flip each pancake over after frying one side for about 1 minute and 30 seconds. 

After frying all of the pancakes, assemble them in pairs (for example, 5 pairs from 10 pancakes). Stuff each pair of pancakes with your preferred fillings. You should get a set of round sandwiches with the fillings partially visible between each pancake. Your delicious dessert is ready to be eaten or stored in plastic wrap.

Variations of Dorayaki

Dorayaki has no limits when it comes to variety. The snack allows you to enjoy different flavors and textures without drastically changing its preparation method. The following are variations based on fillings: 

• Sweet red bean paste: This is the traditional version that has been in Japan for centuries. It contains anko, a sweet red paste derived from the adzuki beans. Some variations use white bean paste (shiroan) as the filling. 

• Custard: This variant uses custard made by mixing egg yolks, sugar, vanilla, and milk. 

• Fruit: Fillings can also be created from fruits. Strawberry, apple, citrus, grapes, and peaches are some of the common fruit variations. You can slice them individually or together as a blend of different fruits.

• Matcha: Although relatively new in the global culinary scene, matcha dorayaki is one of the most popular variations of the dessert in the world. The matcha cream has a vibrant and slightly bitter taste of green tea that appeals to a global audience. 

• Butter: You can add more creamy texture to your pancakes by filling them with butter and sweet bean paste.

• Ice cream: This is a fairly recent variation of the Japanese confection. It’s filled with vanilla, chocolate, or fruit-flavored ice cream.

Dorayaki vs. Taiyaki: Understanding the Differences

Taiyaki, another famous Japanese treat, is often compared to dorayaki because they contain identical fillings, including anko, custard, matcha, and chocolate. While both Japanese sweets have some similarities, they are quite different from each other. The most notable difference between the two dishes is their shape. While dorayaki has a round sandwich shape, taiyaki is a fish-shaped pastry. Also, it is soft and fluffy all through, unlike taiyaki, which has a crispy exterior and fluffy interior.

Cultural Significance of Dorayaki

Dorayaki holds a special place in Japanese traditional and pop culture. It sometimes serves as a key element in traditional folklore and legends passed down from one generation to another. The dessert also features heavily in anime, especially in the popular show known as Doraemon. According to the storyline, it’s depicted as the protagonist’s favorite food and helps drive the plot at certain points in the show.

In real life, you can find it in different restaurants, cafes, food stands, and other eateries in Japan. It also serves as a common snack during festivals, parties, and other celebrations. 

Where to Find the Best Dorayaki in Japan

Looking for sweet and fluffy dorayaki during your stay in Japan? We’ve got you covered! Our team curated a list of the best places in Tokyo and other regions to enjoy authentic dorayaki. Check it out!

• Usagiya (Tokyo): Famous for inventing the current shape of dorayaki, there’s no better place to enjoy the snack than this historic shop located in Ueno. Their dorayaki is not as soft as those of the many other stores in the country.

• Kamejū (Tokyo): This Asakusa-based restaurant is famous for making large dorayaki with crater-like holes scattered around it. Their anko filling has a gentle sweetness and a smooth, moist texture that adds to the satisfaction of the meal.

• Seiju-ken (Tokyo): The batter used in Seiju-ken’s dorayaki has a slightly bitter taste that balances out the sweet filling. This store offers both large and small options.

• Namiyoshi an Hon Ten (Osaka): This Osaka confectionery shop has been operating for more than 160 years. They use classic recipes for different kinds of sweets, including dorayaki.

Dorayaki Across the Seasons: Seasonal Variations and Ingredients

Many confectionary shops and restaurants offer limited-time dorayaki by using seasonal ingredients as fillings. In spring, they sell sakura-flavored bean paste and in autumn, chestnut. By using these unique fillings for a limited period, they enhance the traditional recipe with a timely twist.

Dorayaki in Popular Culture: From Anime to Cafes

There’s a reason people refer to dorayaki as an “anime pancake.” They often look perfect in real life, much like anime food would look on TV. Many people became aware of the dessert thanks to the anime and manga series known as Doraemon. In the show, Doraemon can’t get enough of it, even wishing to eat “mountains of dorayaki” in one episode. The main reason for his strong love for the snack is that he got it as a gift from his ex-girlfriend.

There are several character cafes that leverage the show’s pop culture fame to create themed desserts and menu items related to Doraemon and his love for dorayaki.

Conclusion:

Dorayaki is not only a versatile and delightful dessert but also a bridge between tradition and modern tastes. Feel free to further explore this Japanese snack by making some yourself or buying it from a confectionary shop near you.

The most convenient way to enjoy traditional Japanese sweets and snacks is by getting through Bokksu. By getting a Bokksu Snack Box Subscription, you only have to sit back and relax while we deliver a box of treats to you every month. Look out for dorayaki and taiyaki in our monthly curations. You can also stop by Bokksu Boutique and select from our vast collection of interesting Japanese snacks.