BeanFish at Uwajimaya Food Court — Review by J. Kenji López-Alt
Seattle, United States — Japanese
J. Kenji López-Alt visits the taiyaki stand at Uwajimaya's food court in Seattle to enjoy this classic Japanese snack - a fish-shaped pancake filled with red bean paste. He praises the crispy exterior and good flavor, noting the stand offers creative variations beyond the traditional filling.
What was great: Crispy taiyaki with good flavor, traditional Japanese preparation, variety of creative fillings including bacon and cheese, Nutella and strawberries, and the special Donkey Kong with banana and custard
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
The main focus of this visit is taiyaki, the traditional old-school Japanese snack that holds nostalgic value for the reviewer. This pancake-like treat is cooked in the shape of a sea bream and filled with sweet azuki red bean paste. The reviewer describes it as having a slightly savory pancake exterior, though noting it's more like a waffle in texture. What stood out most is how crispy the taiyaki was, with good overall flavor that lived up to childhood memories of enjoying these at a Japanese supermarket across from New Jersey.
Beyond the classic preparation, BeanFish offers an impressive array of creative fillings. Savory options include bacon and cheese, while sweet varieties feature Nutella and strawberries. At the time of review, they were running a special called the Donkey Kong, which combines banana and custard filling - a playful take on the traditional snack.
The Experience
This review takes place at the food court within Uwajimaya, a Japanese supermarket with multiple branches throughout Seattle. This particular location appears to be their largest, offering a convenient spot to grab quick bites. The setting is casual and efficient, typical of a supermarket food court environment where customers can enjoy their food immediately after ordering.
The Verdict
The reviewer gives a solid endorsement of BeanFish's taiyaki, particularly for those with nostalgia for this traditional Japanese treat or anyone seeking an authentic, well-executed version. The combination of crispy texture, good flavor, and creative filling options makes this a worthwhile stop for Japanese snack lovers visiting Uwajimaya.