50 World Foods to Try Before You Die
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Taiyaki - Japan
These sea bream-shaped pastries are a popular sweet snack in Japan that's been around for more than 100 years. They're made with regular pancake or waffle batter and cooked up in a fish-shaped mold with a filling that typically consists of red bean paste made from sweetened azuki beans. Often sold as street food, they may contain other flavors and fillings, such as cheese, sweet potato, chocolate or custard. Sometimes they come with savory fillings like sausage or gyoza filling. They also may be served with ice cream, used in the same way we use ice cream cones.
Where to eat: For the best, most authentic taiyaki in Japan, head to its birthplace, the Naniwaya Sohonten shop in Tokyo.
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