Oops, at Shirokiya as special vendor is Usagiya, here until tomorrow, the 17th. A wagashiya from Tokyo they are known for dorayaki. Wagashi is traditional Japanese confections, manju would be an example that most people here would be familiar with. Easiest way to describe dorayaki is an anko pancake sandwich. Tsubu an usually, which is a sweet paste filling made from the red azuki bean. Tsubu-an includes whole or partially whole beans, unfiltered an, if you will. The “pancakes” are a finer texture and sweeter than pancakes we would be used to. If anything the closest comparison I could make is pancakes made from castella cake.
Earlier this week I picked up a bag of three. If you’re not in a rush, you can get freshly made ones and watch as they are cooked. It’s a fast process since the an is premade. If that were not the case, this would be a whole different case, since it takes hours to make anko from scratch. And getting fresh made ones are the best, although dorayaki, unlike taiyaki, travels well. When we got to these after dinner, they were still warm so that was great. The an was nice, not overly sweet. The outer pancake was a touch more glutenous than I expected, but still good. Not having had the original before, I’m not sure if this is their style, or perhaps something caused by difference in ingredients or environment.
Anyway, if you’re in the mood for wagashi, pop upstairs of Shirokiya and give Usagiya a try. But you only got one more day! Or wait until they come back again. 3.5 out of 4 an munching monkeys.
I’m glad you got to eat some. I forgot to get some before I left for Japan, and they will be gone when I get back.