Add this to the always-growing list of line-based discoveries. The line-up at Yanagiya Taiyaki is pretty intense, even by Tokyo’s line-loving standards.
As soon as I saw that monstrous line, I knew I’d be standing in it. I was a little bit baffled when I realized it was for taiyaki — a fish-shaped pastry traditionally filled with red bean — but my interest was also thoroughly piqued. Taiyaki is a dime a dozen in Tokyo; what makes this place so special?
It might have something to do with the way they cook these things: taiyaki is typically made in something resembling a waffle iron. At Yanagiya, on the other hand, they make them in molds with a long handle, and then put the whole thing directly on an open flame.
This gives the taiyaki a bit more of a crispy exterior, and a lightly smoky flavour.
But is it worth the line? I don’t know. I happened to show up on a Saturday afternoon, so I’m assuming the crowds must have been at their most intense. It took about 50 minutes for me to get my taiyaki.
It’s certainly quite tasty, though I’m not sure that it’s good enough to justify waiting around that long.
I ordered two; I ate the first one when it was still piping hot and fresh, and I waited about ten minutes or so to eat the second. I liked the second one a lot more — it was still warm, but cool enough to let the flavours intensify a bit. In particular, the slight tinge of smokiness really does add something you just can’t get with a typical taiyaki.
Location: 2 Chome-11-3 Nihonbashiningyōchō, 中央区 Chūō-ku, Tōkyō-to 103-0013
How to find it: Just look for the line.