Imagawayaki 今川焼き aka Hong Dou Bing (紅豆餅) is a popular dish that is often found in Japanese Festivals. Imagawayaki was said to have originated near the Kanda Imagawabashi bridge during the Edo Period. It is a round cake like dish with a sweet filling like custard or red bean inside. In neighboring countries like Taiwan, you can often find these dish made on the street. There are vendors who will make it fresh for any customers.

How is Imagawayaki Made?

Imagawayaki is usually made in a round mold. Batter is filled into two circular mold. Once its set, the filling is put inside the dough. The cook will then flip the other set batter on top. Once formed, the Imagawayaki will form a round circular cake. Vendors will often make big batches at once. However, getting one freshly made is the best.

Cookware Choices

There are various pans that are available to make these cakes. Generally, it is preferable to have a pan that has a nonstick coating. You can basically choose any one with a circular ring. They can be used to cook eggs, biscuits and more.

Cast Iron can develop a nonstick coating over time. This is called seasoning, as you cook in it, they will get better overtime. This seasoning will also protect it from developing rust.

Another reason why cast iron is such a good choice is because it heavy. Once you heat it up to a certain point, it will maintain its heat and hold it throughout cooking. Great if you plan on making for a bunch of guest.

The pan that I recommend you get is made by Lodge. Their Biscuit Pan has one more ring than necessary, but that can be just omitted. It is also great for other stuff as well.

There are some models available with a teflon coating. Those are generally easy to cook with as two tops fold on top of each other. Once one side is done, all you need to do is close it on top of another. While it is easier to cook with, they are not as durable as the cast iron variety.

Where to buy Imagawayaki Pan?

These pans can be purchased at online retailers like Amazon or Walmart. If you want the traditional Imagawayaki pan, you need to go to a Japanese Specialty store.

Imagawayaki 今川焼き aka Hong Dou Bing (紅豆餅) Thoughts

Overall, this is a unique Japanese desert. There are multiple recipes online. However, I recommend that you first try it from a street vendor. You can often find in Asian markets outside. If you cant find it, then try the recipe. It’s not that difficult to make.

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