What I Got: “Straight Outta Japan”

Price: $$

Location: NYC, MA

Review:

 If you don’t know what taiyaki are, they are Japanese fish shaped cakes typically filled with either red bean or custard.  Taiyaki NYC is unique because they make large taiyaki with a divet to hold ice cream.  The taiyaki are even still filled with either custard or red bean!  You can choose whatever taiyaki, ice cream flavor, and toppings you want or get a combination from the menu.  There is matcha and black sesame flavored ice cream for true Japanese dessert lovers but also chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla.  Both the taiyaki and ice cream are incredibly delicious, and together they make an extra special treat!

“Straight Outta Japan” – The “Straight Outta Japan” includes a matcha and black sesame ice cream swirl in a red bean taiyaki cone topped with rainbow mochi and a wafer cookie.  The ice cream is amazingly creamy and truly packed with flavor.  The matcha flavor is earthy and sweet while the black sesame is nutty and rich.  The flavors meld together beautifully.  Each lick was better than the next as I savored the complex flavor profiles.  The crisp wafer and chewy, sweet mochi are a fun edition.  The taiyaki is tender and fluffy on the inside and slightly crisp on the outside.  The subtly sweet taiyaki cake compliments the ice cream perfectly.  Once you finish the ice cream, there is nutty, creamy, sweet red bean waiting underneath.  There is never a bland bite between the various flavors and textures throughout the entire dessert. It is as delicious as it is adorable!