Dorayaki is a Japanese confectionery made by sandwiching red bean paste between two thinly baked castella dough.
It is famous as a favorite of the famous Japanese anime “Doraemon”. It seems to be a sweet that is especially often eaten in Toyama prefecture, the birthplace of the creator of Doraemon.
It has a long history, and it seems that it was in the 12th century, but it did not take its current form until the beginning of the 20th century.
In addition to the red bean paste, there are many variations such as those containing fresh cream and sandwiching red bean paste using seasonal ingredients.
What is Dorayaki and can I eat it?
Materials of Dorayaki
Wheat flour, baking powder, eggs, honey, red bean paste
| with Egg |
| Cafe | Food supermarket | Convenience store | Cake shop |
Dorayaki’s ancestors came from Portugal
Castella is a sponge cake that was originally developed in Japan from sweets that have been introduced from Portugal around the 16th century.
The characteristic of dorayaki is that it uses honey instead of sugar, which was expensive when dorayaki was born.
The origin of the name Dorayaki is not well understood even by Japanese people. The prevailing theory is that the disk shape resembles the percussion instrument “Dora”.
There are half-moon-shaped sweets with red bean paste sandwiched between a piece of dough made from the same ingredients, and the names are different for each region.
Try to eat Dorayaki!
How much ?
$ 1.4～3.7
Where can I get Dorayaki?
Dorayaki is sold at a nearby convenience store. However, it may not be the standard type.
If you want to enjoy the traditional taste, go to a Japanese sweets shop. You can also use the confectionery section of a department store.
Here, I would like to introduce you to the three major dorayaki shops in Tokyo.
Usagiya
Usagi means rabbit and is the logo mark of this store.
You can purchase without reservation until 16:00. This shop has been open for more than 100 years for 4 generations, and the red bean paste made from red beans from Tokachi, Hokkaido is exquisite.
Located in Ueno, there is also a Japanese sweets cafe. Please note that Wednesday is a regular holiday. You should also have cash ready.
Kamejyu
It is located in Asakusa, which is famous for Kaminarimon.
It’s a popular shop with a history of over 90 years, so you may need to line up for about an hour when you buy it.
The feature is that the castella dough is fluffy and there are two types, red bean paste, “kuroan”, and white bean paste, “Shiroan”. Shiroan is smoother and has less bean texture, so I think it’s easier to eat.
A Kame means a turtle, and it is an auspicious creature in Japan because it lives long. The shell is drawn on the dorayaki package. You had better prepare cash.
Sogetsu
Dorayaki with the brand name “Kuromatsu” is famous.
It’s a little smaller than other dorayaki. The feature is that brown sugar and honey are used for the dough. It has a sweet taste, so it goes well with green tea.
However, this shop is located in Higashijujo, which is a little inconvenient, and you can’t buy it anywhere else. It is a popular shop that sells out early. Please note that Tuesday is a regular holiday. You had better prepare cash.
Precautions when eating Dorayaki
For vegetarians
Most are plant-derived ingredients, but a small amount of eggs and honey are used. Decide whether to eat according to your own policy.
For Muslims
Although it is not halal certified, it does not contain any problematic ingredients.
Japanese writer’s comment for Dorayaki
I introduced the three major dorayaki in Tokyo. It may be inconvenient for tourists as these stores have to wait in line.
If you want to enjoy it easily, use a convenience store.
Japanese and Western confectionery called “Nama Dorayaki” with red bean paste and fresh cream sandwiched between them are sold. In autumn, there will be “Kuri Dora” with chestnuts sandwiched between them.
If you are not accustomed to eating sweet beans, this may be more palatable. One dorayaki has about 200 calories. It’s less than a cake, but it feels so full, so don’t overeat when you want to eat a lot.
