Kashiwaya かしわや 今川燒店

Waffle snacks delayed by a buckwheat noodle shop? A dessert now turned into one of Japan's top 100 wagashi shops, with its chewy white pancake available only one day a week!

This shop originally started as a buckwheat noodle restaurant, known for its affordability and great taste, becoming very popular among nearby office workers.

However, I especially recommend the small takeaway window for waffle snacks outside. It’s surprising that such a small shop received recognition as one of Japan's top 100 wagashi shops in 2023, with long queues every Wednesday.

The regular pancake is already well-known, but I always happen to visit on Wednesdays when the exclusive white pancake is available. Its texture is somewhat similar to mochi or bouncy tapioca, with a hint of sweetness. The filling is generous too, making one satisfying to the point of fullness!

The red bean filling has chunky bits, cooked until soft and melts in the mouth, with a sweetness that leans slightly on the sugary side, but still acceptable for me. Additionally, I always order the "soybean flour" flavor, which is sweet and has a slightly crunchy texture; it’s a flavor that almost everyone opts for.

The white pancake is only sold on Wednesdays and every second and fourth Sunday of the month. If you have the chance to try it, you definitely should!