Hyperlocal Tokyo

A Japanese confectionery shop located in Ningyocho, Nihonbashi. Their "Torayaki" (literally "tiger cake") is popular. It's a type of dorayaki, a traditional Japanese sweet. The dorayaki is small and has a sweet bean paste filling that isn't overly sweet. It costs 330 yen (including tax). The interior used to have a refined atmosphere, typical of a traditional Japanese confectionery shop, but recently it's been a bit cluttered with packaging materials and other stock, which detracts from the ambiance. Generally, a woman and a man (presumably the owner) are the ones who serve customers. The man is more friendly and approachable. The shop typically opens at 9 am, but on Sundays it opens at 9:30 am, so be aware of that. Closing time varies depending on the day of the week.

A Japanese confectionery shop located about a 4-minute walk from Ningyocho Station. This is a venerable old-fashioned Japanese confectionery shop with a long history spanning over four centuries. It opened its doors in Tokyo in 1954. The "Torayaki" (¥330) is a type of dorayaki, but it is said to be derived from a Chinese legend that symbolizes the prosperity of descendants. It is a labor-intensive confection made by hand over four days by skilled artisans. ----- 【Torayaki (¥330)】 This dorayaki is simply delicious! The dough is thick and fluffy, but it also has a chewy texture when you bite into it. It's a type of dorayaki that I haven't encountered anywhere else. Incidentally, they say that if you carefully peel off the thin paper, you'll reveal a beautiful tiger pattern. However, my peeling technique was not good, and the surface of the skin peeled off quite a bit. The bean paste is a tsubuan (つぶあん) with the shape of the beans clearly visible. The sweetness is just right and well-balanced with the dough. At first, I thought it was a bit small for the price, but it was a delicious dorayaki that left me satisfied. ----- Ningyocho is famous for the dorayaki of Seijuken, but this one is also a must-try. Thank you for the delicious treat.

While the lineup is mostly for gifts, it seems many people buy Toraya's 'Yaki' for everyday consumption. I bought some too, following suit. The expiration date is the next day, but they recommend refrigeration due to the heat. I also bought their 'Warabi Mochi' which has a one-day expiration. The 'Warabi Mochi' was soft with a nice springy texture, and the generous amount of roasted soybean flour complemented it perfectly. It's made with 'Warabi' and lotus root powder. Both were a bit too sweet for me, but the 'Yaki' would be a welcome treat for those who love 'Anko' (sweet bean paste). The 'Warabi Mochi' also has a smooth, jiggly texture and would satisfy those who enjoy traditional Japanese sweets with its classic flavor.

This is an old-established Japanese confectionery store famous for its "tora yaki." "Tora yaki" is a Japanese confectionery with a tiger pattern, featuring a sweet bean paste filling. It is not the same as "dora yaki." The texture of the bean paste with its large beans is interesting and delicious. It is a must-try for those who love bean paste, offering a pure and unadulterated taste. "Tamaman" features a chestnut filling surrounded by layers of different bean pastes, including "uguisu" (green bean paste), creating a vibrant visual. The taste changes with each bite, making it a unique and surprising confectionery. Its white exterior belies the unexpected flavors within. All of these Japanese confections are delicious, offering a taste of the store's long history and tradition. They are perfect for both personal enjoyment and as gifts.

◆Tora-ya Ki ¥330 Taiyaki, dorayaki... and here we have Tora-yaki! This is a must-buy. I visited in the afternoon on a weekday and there were no other customers. It's a bit smaller than usual, but the fluffy dough is packed with large-grained sweet bean paste, and the sweetness is just right. Delicious! ¥330 for one is a bit pricey, I thought, but after eating it, I understood why. The Tora-yaki packaging features a tiger design, so it would be a fantastic gift to bring someone.