Japanese Dorayaki: traditional sweet or iconic POP Star?

1. A JAPANESE SWEET? THE JAPANESE SWEET!

If you’ve ever traveled to Japan or even just watched an anime, you’ve probably encountered the famous dorayaki. Two fluffy pancakes sandwiching a filling of anko, a sweet red bean paste. Simple yet incredibly delicious. And there are countless variations.

Do you know where did this iconic treat come from?
The name “dorayaki” comes from dora, which means “gong” in Japanese. Its round shape resembles a small gong.

My favorite dorayaki?
Maple syrup with a light touch of margarine.
Fluffy sponginess of the pancakes.
Creamy richness of margarine.
Caramelized (slightly herbal) flavor of maple syrup.
Instant bliss.

The best part?
As soon as the craving hits, you can always find dorayaki straight away at a combini.
(Quick explainer: Combini, or Japanese convenience stores, sell food, drinks, and every imaginable item or service. Coffee? Check. ATMs? Check. Warm soup, newspapers, socks? You name it. Open 24/7, with at least one in every neighborhood—and in busier streets, there’s one every 100 meters.)

PROs of combini:
An absolute lifesaver, day or night. And they always stock dorayaki!
CONs:
Maybe a bit too easy to indulge? 😅

2. WHY DO DORAYAKI ALWAYS SHOW UP IN JAPANESE ANIME?

Thanks to iconic characters like Doraemon—the robot cat who’s obsessed with this treat—dorayaki has gained worldwide fame. In many of my favorite anime series, dorayaki pops up during moments of relaxation and joy. For creators, it’s become a symbol of the sweetness of everyday Japanese life.
But who ate the first dorayaki?

3. THE TALE OF BENKEI: A DORAYAKI LEGEND

Let’s jump back to ancient Japan, where mist shrouds the mountains and dirt roads are traveled by wandering warriors. In this mysterious setting lived Benkei, a legendary monk-warrior, known for his strength and incredible deeds.

Legend says that after a fierce battle, Benkei was injured and exhausted. Carrying the weight of defeat on his shoulders and wounds on his body, he found refuge in a humble farmer’s house at the edge of a forest.
The farmer, seeing the warrior in such a dire state, decided to help him, hiding him and tending to his injuries. Benkei however wasn’t the type of guy who accepts help without giving something back.

That’s why, to show his gratitude, he decided he would at least cooking for his savior. Nothing crazy, just a simple, quick and comforting dish. But here’s the twist: in that moment he didn’t have any pots or pans available. What to do? Legend says he took one of his battle gongs — yes, the very metal discs used to signal the start of combat — and used it as an improvised pan.

That’s how the first dorayaki was born, named after the dora (gong). Two golden disks filled with a sweet, delicious filling.

4. WHAT DOES THE DORAYAKI REPRESENT TO JAPANESE PEOPLE?

To the average person, it’s much more than a snack — it’s a small indulgence, a sweet that evokes childhood memories and moments of peace.
For younger generations, it carries a mix of nostalgia and modernity. It’s a “vintage” treat that grandparents enjoyed, yet it remains relevant and beloved across all ages, bridging generations.

5. BENEFITS OF EATING DORAYAKI

Okay, let’s be serious for a moment… The benefits… umm… right, the benefits!
Well, apart from the pure joy while eating it (99.99% guaranteed), you might find yourself smiling for the rest of the day. A dorayaki is a small but sweet hug.

On the practical side:
It’s portable.
It gives you a quick energy boost.
It surely make you feel as cool as Doraemon!

And that’s not all… there’s a whole multiverse around it!
Let’s talk about variants!

6. REGIONAL AND SEASONAL VARIANTS

Wearing my investigator’s hat, I dove deep into the world of dorayaki flavors

Many combini like 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart offer special dorayaki flavors that change with the seasons:
• Sakura (Spring): Often sold during cherry blossom season (late March–April). Fillings may be sakura-flavored bean paste or include candied sakura bits.
• Matcha (Summer): A mix of sweetness and a slightly bitter touch, often paired with matcha cream.
• Chestnut (Autumn): September–November features chestnut paste or cream fillings, evoking the season’s flavors.
• Kabocha (Autumn): Some regions sell Japanese pumpkin-flavored dorayaki during the fall.
• Sweet Potato (Autumn-Winter): Popular in colder months, with creamy or mashed sweet potato fillings.
• Uji Matcha & Azuki (Winter): Combining high-quality Uji matcha and red bean paste, this variant is perfect for chilly weather.

Want more? (I get it.)

Certain regions in Japan also boast unique dorayaki based on local specialties:
• Hokkaido: Famous for its dairy, dorayaki here often feature creamy fillings made with local milk or cheese mixed with traditional azuki bean paste.
• Kyoto (Matcha): Kyoto’s premium green tea shines in matcha cream-filled dorayaki.
• Okinawa (Chinbin): Inspired by local sweets, these use Okinawan black sugar (kokutou) fillings.
• Tochigi (Strawberry): Known for its strawberries, Tochigi offers dorayaki with strawberry cream or paste.
• Aomori (Apple): Aomori’s renowned apples appear in fillings of jam or apple cream.

Finally… the classics:
• Anko (Red Bean Paste): The timeless favorite.
• Double-Filling Dorayaki: Combini versions often mix two delicious fillings, like custard and anko.
No matter the version, the dorayaki is a sweet journey through Japan’s culture and flavors. ?

7. WHAT CAN DORAYAKI TEACH ABOUT JAPAN AND OURSELVES?

It might sound philosophical, but savoring a dorayaki is more than just a taste experience. It’s a small journey into Japanese culture. Its apparent simplicity, in both flavor and shape, might hold a wise reflection on life.

In a world that rushes forward, perhaps the dorayaki is here to teach us to slow down, find a more human pace and rediscover the importance of small pleasures. I’m convinced that every dorayaki in the world invites us to be more mindful, more present in the here and now, and to appreciate the simple details of the moments we live. And – probably – to remind us that we are, in a way, what we eat.

So… if you’ve just realized that after all you might be a dorayaki as well. Or maybe you’re just glad to have survived this sudden philosophical trip; here’s a list of… let’s say, peculiar objects that might pique your interest. It’s time for the classic “shut up and take my money!”

😊 Hope you enjoy the reading
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Written by: Dromediary