Dorayaki

Japanese Name

どらやき

dorayaki

Description

Dorayaki is a traditional Japanese confection consisting of two fluffy pancakes.
These pancakes are filled with sweet red bean paste, called anko.
The outer layers are soft and cake-like, made from flour, eggs, and sugar.
Dorayaki is usually round and slightly thick, like a mini sandwich.
It’s commonly eaten as a snack or dessert with tea.
Modern variations include fillings like custard, chocolate, or whipped cream.
Dorayaki is popular across Japan and found in convenience stores and sweet shops.
It’s especially known as the favorite treat of the anime character Doraemon.

Dorayaki's origins go back to the early 20th century in Tokyo.
The modern version with two pancakes was invented by Usagiya, a Tokyo sweet shop, in 1914.
Before that, dorayaki was a single pancake folded in half with filling inside.
The name comes from "dora" (銅鑼), meaning gong, due to its round shape.
Red bean paste (anko) has been used in Japanese sweets for centuries.
Dorayaki gained popularity through mass production and anime culture.
Today, it's a symbol of wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets).
Both artisanal and packaged versions are enjoyed across generations.

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