Taiyaki are the perfect winter treat and Hakata Hiiragi serves some of the best in town. The shop was opened in 2013 by Yoh Daichi, who learnt his craft in Tokyo. Cooked in corn oil, the taiyaki are vegan, and have a delightfully subtle taste. The batter is cooked for forty minutes (most shops do it in ten) until light and crisp, while the azuki (red bean) filling takes five hours to prepare and is restrained in its sweetness. The taiyaki are best enjoyed warm and, at only ¥140 each, are an absolute steal. Also available are mochitto taiyaki (¥170), which contain mochi powder as well as azuki.
Originally published in Fukuoka Now Magazine (fn217, Jan. 2017)
