Japanese Taiyaki Manju Fish-shaped Anko Cake Wagashi

I lived in Okinawa for 4 years, but don't think I ever had these cakes while there. That's a shame because they are pretty good, and having them fresh would have been a treat. Like most Japanese dessert foods, these aren't as sweet as what we're used to here in the USA. That's a good thing in my book, and each small fish clocks in at around 100 calories. Despite their appearance, these are NOT chocolate filled cookies so if you're expecting that, then you'll be disappointed. The sponge cake shell is firm but on the soft side, and the sweet read bean paste filling (Anko) is mostly smooth but has a texture to it. Pop one of these in a microwave for 10 seconds and it really enhances the culinary experience.My 14 year-old daughter is really into Japanese culture and wanted to give these a try so I ordered some for her birthday. They ship from overseas so don't expect Prime level delivery speed. They arrived in a bit over a week. These come in a sealed plastic tray (like most American cookies) but are individually wrapped. There are tiny perforations in these wraps so that they can be microwave heated (I'm guessing). Sadly, we had not quite finish the package and ants discovered them and got in through the perforations, so be careful with storage. My daughter enjoyed them, but when shared with a friend, they weren't such a hit. Taiyaki Manju Fish-shaped Anko Cake Wagashi is one of the more "Western" taste-bud friendly imports from Japan, but, it obviously isn't for everyone.If you're adventurous, I say give them a try. The flavor is hard to pinpoint, but I think it is pretty good. My only real complaint is that for the price, I would have loved a portion size that isn't so easy to gobble up, and that more came in a package.~ KortHere is a recipe for making your own anko sweet bean paste. Slather it between two lightly toasted pancakes and you have a close approximation of the Taiyaki Manju.Ingredients:- 200g dried adzuki beans (also known as red mung beans).- 200g sugar- WaterHave a strainer and a pot on hand.Rinse the beans, then place them in a pot and bring the water to boil. Once the water has boiled, turn off the heat and place the lid on the pot and wait for 20 minutes. Drain the water with the strainer and then place the beans back into the pot and add new water. Boil for another 40 minutes, making sure from time to time that there is enough water remaining in the pot. Add some if you see the level is getting low.Once the beans have become soft, drain some water to the point where the water just covers the beans. Place on low heat and add about half of the sugar, stir until it dissolves, then add the other half. Simmer down until you get your desired consistency. Mash or blend into "koshian" paste if so desired.

One of the many 'anime' foods I've wanted to try since watching these baked goods show up at festival scenes, and while not nearly the same size or freshness I'm still satisfied with my purchase.The bread itself is fluffy and light, almost the same consistency as sponge cake or a really soft loaf of sliced bread. It pulls apart with no resistance and turns to much the moment you bite down, it's not very sweet but is a delightful shell for the red bean paste inside. Speaking of which, the red bean filling is the sweeter part of this treat but if you've ever had red bean deserts then you'll know it's a mellow sweetness. I expected something with a bit more of a punch after biting down into the cake, but I can't say that I was disappointed by the taste.Only downside is the size as far as I'm concerned, these things are gone in two bites. I was hoping they'd be a bit larger, like the kind I see being held with both hands at a festival.

Pleasantly surprised! Well packaged, fresh and delicious. This is my first time ordering food from overseas, but apparently I had nothing to worry about. Each cake is individually packaged and the details of the actual cake were well defined and adorable! Will definitely order again.Only negative is they're pretty small, a little smaller than a bar of soap. The package comes with six cakes.... so at $2 a pop, they're nice, but definitely a bit pricy. But for a product coming from overseas (with free shipping) I can't complain.If you're on the fence about ordering these like I was, take the plunge. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

This is my first experience eating this, so my initial impression is so-so. Don't think I'll buy this particular product again, but if I get a chance to try one fresh (or fresh-ish) from a vendor, I might like it better.It tastes like it's been sitting around, so I will admit that this is what sorta put me off. It was okay, but I would hope that trying one fresh will be a better experience. Seen this on many of food travel vids and was eager to try one. Not the worst thing, but hoped it would have been a better experience.

I have never had Taiyaki before but this was a great first experience with it. It was shipped straight from Japan yet came in almost perfect condition. These were a lot better than I thought they would be. The bread on the outside is kind of like a sweet pancake and the center is filled with a sweet bean paste. Try warming it up for 5 to 10 seconds in the microwave! Give it a try if you are curious about foods from Japan.

I ordered this for the novelty. Doesn't tastes too different, it's sweet but not too sweet. It has the Anko but I wished it contained more of that and less breading.

These were packaged very well to maintain freshness. The taste is not something Americans are used to, but if you want to try something new, give these a try.

These are smaller than I expected and I love the little details on them. However the taste is very weird and different then I had anticipated... They are very well made just not really for me! :) I'm sure they might be better with milk, I'll have to try it. Thanks Mm for introducing me to these! (Mystic Messenger) It was still a good experience!!