Snacks come and go, but some street snacks like Imagawayaki (今川焼き) have been enjoyed by Japanese generation after generation. A Japanese snack or dessert with sweet red bean paste filling encased on the inside, Imagawayaki is one of the popular wagashi (和菓子) that’s been around for over 300 years.
What is Imagawayaki (or Obanyaki)?
Imagawayaki (今川焼き) is like a stuffed pancake. The batter is poured into a special cast-iron round grilled pan and grilled until crispy on the outside, and filled with sweet red bean paste. You might know this dessert by Obanyaki (大判焼き). Depending on the region of Japan, these treats go by different names. The name Imagawayaki is used in the Kanto region (Tokyo area) while Obanyaki is used in the Kansai region (Osaka and Kyoto area). Imagawayaki was named after the Imagawa Bridge, which is close to where the dessert was first sold in the late 1700s during the Edo period, way before Taiyaki was invented back in the 1900s. Obanyaki was named as the shape of this dessert resembles Oban (an old Japanese coin used at the time). You might think Imagawayaki is similar to Dorayaki and Taiyaki because they are all filled with sweet red bean paste but the texture of each treat is slightly different.
What Can You Fill Imagawayaki (Obanyaki)?
Traditionally, these round disc-shaped treats are filled with sweet red bean paste. Yes, the Japanese have a long history of affection for the sweet red bean. Kind of like the Americans’ love for peanut butter, we even have two types of red bean pastes: tsubuan (chunky) and koshian (smooth). However, in recent years, we are seeing more variety of fillings being offered. From sweet flavors such as vanilla-flavored custard (recipe), matcha (green tea), and chocolate, to savory fillings like curry and cheese, I just love how creative & fun we can get with these sweet snacks!
Where Can You Find Imagawayaki (Obanyaki)?
You can find the snack being sold at Japanese festivals, food stands/shops at Nakamise-Dori (shopping streets toward a popular temple), and underground floors of big department stores (aka Depa Chika).
Where to Buy Imagawayaki Pan
Warm and fluffy with delicious red bean goodness, it’s hard not to enjoy this traditional snack with great fondness. Not only do I get all nostalgic when eating them, I just love how my children’s face light up when they take a bite out of the sweet pancake. If you are planning to make the Imagawayaki recipe, find a relaxing weekend and enjoy the delightful snack with a cup of green tea! Wish to learn more about Japanese cooking? Sign up for our free newsletter to receive cooking tips & recipe updates! And stay in touch with me on Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, and Instagram.
