The Japanese fish-shaped dessert known as Taiyaki. Taiyaki is traditionally filled with red bean paste, but other fillings such as custard, sweet potato, white bean paste, and other variations can be found easily. The shape of taiyaki also has an important meaning in Japanese culture. Sea bream, which is “Tai” in Japanese, symbolizes good luck, making it a popular treat with a positive connotation.

 

As the meaning implies, in the olden days, real sea bream was very expensive and could not be easily consumed by the general public. Taiyaki became popular as a way to take advantage of the good luck that “tai” or sea bream portrays.

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The popularity of taiyaki ice cream in New York reflects the global appeal of unique and delicious treats with a cultural backstory.