Dorayaki: Pancake known as Doraemon’s Yummy Buns

Doraemon is one of the most famous and successful Japanese manga series. Even now, the TV anime airs at 7 p.m. every Friday in Japan, but do you know what Doraemon’s most favorite confection is?

Dorayaki (どら焼き): Doraemon’s Yummy Buns

It is “Dorayaki (どら焼き)” that Doraemon loves most. The sweet treat appears in the English version of the anime as “yummy buns”. They are actually a traditional Japanese sweet.

Dorayaki is made up of two baked pancakes with sweet red bean paste called “Anko (あんこ)” in between. The dough is made from eggs, sugar, and cake flour, and the addition of honey makes the pancake somewhat moist.

The author of Doraemon Fujiko Fujio was born in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture, where there is a custom of presenting Dorayaki during celebrations or when Buddhist memorial services are held.

And probably for that, I think the author chose Dorayaki as Doraemon’s favorite confection.

Origin 

Dorayaki was first made in the 12th century. The origin of its name comes from the fact that the Wagashi is similar in shape to a traditional Japanese gong called “Dora (銅鑼)”.

Fillings

Sweet Azuki red bean paste or Anko is the most common filling for Dorayaki, which sometimes comes with chestnuts or Mochi rice cakes.

In modern times, Dorayaki comes in 2 different variants, that is, “Mushi Dorayaki (蒸しどら焼き)”, and “Nama Dorayaki (生どら焼き)”.

Mushi Dorayaki (蒸しどら焼き)

Image: Amazon.co.jp

Mushi Dorayaki is not baked but steamed. It is a folded sponge cake with sweet red bean paste/custard cream in the middle. The dough may contain ingredients such as brown sugar or Matcha green tea powder.

Nama Dorayaki (生どら焼き)

Nama Dorayaki originated at a cake shop located in Miyagi Prefecture named “Kato Maronie (カトーマロニエ)”. 

This variant is similar to waffles and consists of a filling of whipped cream and sweet red bean paste sandwiched between 2 baked pancakes.

Other than whipped cream, ingredients, such as custard cream, chocolate cream, cut fruits, or fruit jam, may be used in Nama Dorayaki. This pancake is sold refrigerated or frozen.

Shop Information: Kato Maronie (カトーマロニエ)

Address: 6-4-3 Shirakashidai, Rifu-Cho, Miyagi-Gun, Miyagi Prefecture (MAP)
Open: 8:30 to 18:00
Open throughout the year

(Reference Page: Wikipedia どら焼き )