Doraemon also loves｜Enjoy the variations of Dorayaki!

In Japan, there has long been a confectionary called “dorayaki.

The dorayaki is made of flour and filled with sweet red bean paste between two layers of doughy crust.

Doraemon is said to have a stock of dorayaki in his four-dimensional pocket.

I used to eat Western sweets more often as a child, but as I got older, I gradually began to appreciate Japanese sweets, and now I am a fan of dorayaki.

At first glance, dorayaki looks simple, with red bean paste in between the crusts, but there are a variety of crusts, for example, from chunky to thin.

In this article, I will explain about dorayaki, its history, points of attraction, and recommended famous dorayaki stores, including my experience.

What is the origin of Dorayaki in the first place?

There are various theories on the origin of the name “dorayaki,” but the most popular theory is that it was named after the shape of a gong, which resembles a percussion instrument made of metal.

Other theories include “because the color and shape resemble a gong” and “because dorayaki was baked by heating a gong.

It is said that dorayaki in its current form was created during the Meiji period (1868-1912).

Before that, the original dorayaki was called “sukesoyaki,” which was made during the Edo period and consisted of a thin, crepe-like dough that wrapped a square-shaped filling.

It is said that the modern form of dorayaki with a thick castella-like crust and sweet bean paste was first sold by Seibei Morita, owner of “Baikatei” in Nihonbashi-Odenmacho, Tokyo, in the early Meiji period, who changed the square-shaped crust to a round one.

In the Kansai region, it is called “Mikasa,” “Mikasa-yaki,” or “Mikasa-manju,” which is derived from its resemblance to the shape of Mount Mikasa in Nara Prefecture.

Why is Dorayaki considered an auspicious food?

The reason why dorayaki is considered a good luck food is because of its shape.

The shape of the two crusts sandwiching a single red bean paste from both sides is particularly suitable for wedding greetings and wedding party favors, as it evokes the image of a couple’s love that embraces the bonds of family and relationships with their children, parents, etc.

In addition, because of its familiar appearance and universal flavor, dorayaki is a Japanese confectionery that can be enjoyed on a variety of occasions, from daily snacks to celebrations and mourning events.

The round shape is thought to symbolize a perfect image with no flaws, and to symbolize a happy family and relationships.

Furthermore, azuki beans used in dorayaki contain healthful nutrients such as polyphenols and dietary fiber, which are believed to help with metabolism and bowel movements.

In particular, “tsubu-an,” which is eaten with the crust, allows the full nutritional value of the original azuki beans to be consumed, and is also considered auspicious in terms of blessings to health.

Three Attractions of Dorayaki

Here is a summary of some of the attractions of dorayaki as I see them. Exquisite texture with fluffy and chewy texture

Exquisite texture of fluffy and chewy

Dorayaki is characterized by the exquisite combination of a fluffy, castella-like crust and anko (red bean paste).

The crust is made using a process unique to Japan, and is baked with honey to create a moist texture.

The moment you put it in your mouth, the fluffy texture of the skin and the mild sweetness of the red bean paste spread out, giving you a pleasant feeling of happiness.

If you look closely at the skin, you will notice bubbles on the surface.

This is a proof of baking at a high temperature, and the craftsmanship of baking the dough with sugar to a soft and fluffy texture without burning it shines through.

Many foreign tourists love this exquisitely balanced Japanese confectionery, with the gentle sweetness of the sweet bean paste and the soft and fluffy crust melting together in the mouth.

Various variations of both Japanese and Western styles

In recent years, not only the traditional red bean paste, but also dorayaki with a Western taste is popular among foreigners.

Products with cream and anko (red bean paste) sandwiched between dorayaki crusts are characterized by their pancake-like texture.

The chocolate and strawberry cream filled dorayaki are especially easy for children to eat, and the taste is friendly to foreign tourists as well.

In recent years, Western patissiers, mainly from France, have been creating ingenious dorayaki.

For health-conscious Westerners, the high nutritional value of azuki beans, including polyphenol (nearly twice that of red wine) and dietary fiber (three times that of burdock root), is another reason for their popularity, and they are paying close attention to Japanese sweets made with anko.

Beautiful appearance and cultural significance

The characteristic disk shape of dorayaki is said to resemble a musical instrument, a gong.

The castella dough, with its lightly browned surface, has a subtly sweet aroma and gentle flavor, and has a presence that gently envelops the various ingredients.

Another cultural attraction is that different regions have different names for it, such as “Mikasa.

And through the experience of being drawn in by the aroma of freshly baked dough and enjoying the aroma first before eating it, many people describe it as “tasting like chestnuts,” and the “deliciousness” of Japanese culture has been transmitted across borders.

Today, fresh cream and sweetened chestnuts are sometimes added to anko, leaving a strong impression on foreign visitors as a symbol of the rich Japanese food culture.

My three recommendations for excellent Dorayaki stores

This time, I would like to introduce three of the best dorayaki stores that I recommend.

My 3 favorite Dorayaki stores

Column: Why does Doraemon like Dorayaki?

Behind Doraemon’s preference for dorayaki is a touching memory of his first love.

According to the original story, when Doraemon was depressed during his robot school days, his first love, Nora Myako, gave him a dorayaki saying, “It’s a 20th century candy.

When Doraemon ate them, they were surprisingly delicious.

This experience of “the taste of first love,” the dorayaki given by his first love, became the starting point of Doraemon’s love for dorayaki.

Therefore, for Doraemon, dorayaki is not just a food, but a special existence that is associated with precious memories.

Another theory is that the ingredients in Doraemon’s bean paste are the best source of energy to power Doraemon, or that the original author Fujiko F. Fujio himself was a Doraemon lover.

Three ways to enjoy Dorayaki

To enjoy dorayaki to its fullest, try these tips:

✅ How to enjoy them warmed up

Japanese dorayaki can be enjoyed even more deliciously by warming them up.

Dorayaki is delicious cold, but just by warming it in the microwave for 30 seconds, the dough is restored to fluffiness and the anko (red bean paste) to just the right softness.

Warming the dough and anko (red bean paste) will bring out the aroma of the dough and anko, and the flavor will become richer and richer.

To warm the dorayaki, place it on a plate, cover with plastic wrap, and cook at 600 watts for 30 seconds.

For a twist on warmed dorayaki, we recommend adding butter or cheese to the dorayaki.

Adding butter, in particular, allows the butter melted by the heat of the dorayaki to soak into the dough, creating an exquisite “sweetness” that is both Japanese and Western.

The refined sweetness of anko (red bean paste), the salty taste of butter, and the richness of milk combine perfectly to transform the taste into something exceptional.

This is a new way to enjoy a traditional Japanese confectionery with a modern twist.

✅ Arrangement with ice cream and fruits

Dorayaki is a Japanese confectionery with a wide range of arrangements.

During the hot summer months, we recommend “Dorayaki Ice Cream,” which is ice cream sandwiched between two pieces of dorayaki dough.

You can enjoy the “hiyatsu” texture of the freshly baked warm dough and the cool ice cream.

You can enjoy the traditional Japanese taste of azuki ice cream if you sandwich it between two pieces of ice cream, but you can also experiment with your favorite flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, or green tea.

You can also sandwich fruit between dorayaki for a refreshing flavor and texture.

Sliced fruits such as strawberries and bananas can be sandwiched together with anko (red bean paste) to create a new taste that blends Japanese and Western flavors.

Fruit dorayaki, which sandwiches only fruit instead of anko (sweet bean paste), is perfect for breakfast or brunch, and can be enjoyed like a pancake, making it a familiar dish even for foreigners who do not like Japanese sweets.

✅ Comparing Various Types of Castella

How about making your own dorayaki as a memorable part of your stay in Japan?

In fact, dorayaki is a Japanese confectionery that is relatively easy to make at home. The basic ingredients include eggs, sugar, honey, and flour, all of which can be found anywhere.

There is also a traditional recipe made with a simple “sandowari” mixture, which is easy for even beginners to try.

Also, pancake mix can be used to make them even more easily.

The charm of homemade dorayaki is the aroma and fluffy texture of freshly baked dorayaki.

You can also enjoy making your own original dorayaki by arranging the ingredients of your choice, such as green tea, chestnuts, cream cheese, etc.

You can taste the delicious dorayaki from famous stores at home!

You can purchase these unbelievably delicious dorayaki from Amazon from the comfort of your own home.

In this article, I will introduce some of the dorayaki I recommend that you can purchase on Amazon.

Find the dorayaki of your choice and enjoy an elegant snack time from the comfort of your home.

If you are interested, check out the following products on Amazon!

Awashima-do Premium Dorayaki 30 Piece Set, Gift, Present, Moon Viewing, Respect for the Aged Day, Individual Packaging, Souvenir, Popular, Large Capacity, Retirement, Transfer, Handout, Petite Gift

Candy no Sakai Butter Torayaki Gift Box, 12 Pieces, Tiger Pattern Ann Butter, Dorayaki

I-UP Doraemon Dorayaki Tower Game, For Ages 3 and Up, 4546598517552