Dora Chan (Matcha)

TASTING NOTES FROM THE CURATOR

Dorayaki is a type of wagashi (Japanese confection) made with two hand-sized pancakes, with a delicious filling inside. The filling is traditionally azuki bean paste (anko), although there have been many variations cropping up through the years, like chestnut cream, Nutella, and, like this one, matcha cream.

This Dora Chan has a subtle flavor—not overbearingly sweet, just enough to keep you wanting more. The matcha cream is light and bright, with a wonderful umami flavor. It balances out the “pancake,” which has a texture and flavor closer to castella cake rather than the regular breakfast pancakes.

This Dora Chan comes from Miyagi, Japan, and arrives frozen and ready to eat once thawed.

PREPARATION AND PAIRINGS

Dorayaki is a perfect on-the-go snack. Pack your Dora Chan (Matcha) for a portable and easy treat for picnics or work breaks. It’s great to pair with hojicha, coffee, and for children, a glass of milk.

A TREAT WORTHY OF A SAMURAI

The name “dorayaki” comes from two words—“dora,” which means “gong,” and “yaki,” which means “cooked on dry heat.” The origin of this treat and this name goes back to a local legend involving the legendary samurai, Musashibo Benkei. There are two versions of it. The first was that Benkei left behind his gong (dora) at a farmer’s house where he was hiding, and the farmer used it to make these pancakes. The other version is a little sweeter: Benkei was seriously injured, and the elderly couple who took care of him made him a little round cake that they cooked on the surface of a gong.

Although this is a widely passed on legend, its modern form only came about in the 20th century. In the Edo Period, dorayaki used a dough that was much thinner, and was a singular piece folded in half. It looked more like an omelet than the pancake sandwich it looks like now.

This present form finds its origins in Usagiya, a confectionary in Ueno, Tokyo, in 1914. The owner decided on using a European-inspired confection, the castella cake (or kasutera) for the dorayaki. The dorayaki pancake, like the kasutera, has traditional Japanese ingredients like mirin and soy sauce, and sweetened with honey.

Storage Instructions

Your dorayaki can be stored in the freezer for a month. Once thawed, it’s best to consume them immediately. If not, store in an airtight container, and they will stay good for five days.