Mini Taiyaki Cafe

I saw this place in an ad while I was chilling at the Korean spa down the street. The ad was a bit misleading because it said there were 3 types of filling and also an ice cream filling. When I got there, the only fillings were red bean/​walnut and custard.
So we order then the girl tells us to take a seat. There’s only a 4-​seat table, some awkwardly placed stools behind the haircut stations (yes, it’s in a salon if you haven’t already read that), and then some couches towards the back of the salon. It took about 10 minutes for our order to be ready and I ordered 4 large taiyaki and no one was ahead of me. 4 large = $ 6
It was obvious that the custard-​filled ones were made first because they looked limp and sad when I got them. The red bean/​walnut ones were freshly made so I ate those and they were so good! The red bean had a firm consistency and the crushed walnuts added nice texture. The custard was so goopy I didn’t realize half of it fell out of my fish while I was eating. I wouldn’t get the custard again.
I would definitely come back to get the red bean filled taiyaki if I’m in the area. I wonder if I can call ahead so I don’t have to deal with sitting around people getting their hair ‘did.

cant get better then a 2 for 1 deal, cute korean girl giving me haircut and free desert with it.

Weeeeeird. Totally got lost looking for this place, so first off– it’s in the rancho shopping plaza, where all the other Indian and Korean restaurants are. Then. It’s in a hair salon.
Yes. Literally a little stand in the hair salon, so don’t go in expecting the smell of pancakes, it will smell like hair chemicals and hair product. That was actually a really gross feeling because then I instantly felt like the hair might be up in the food… Even though it’s in a corner of the shop, doesn’t feel that good of a mix.
That said, we spent quite some effort looking for it so I bought a box anyway.
«Large» red bean fish (has walnuts in it, which I don’t love but it’s ok, the red bean was a nice level of sweetness). 4 pcs for $ 6. I was hoping they’d make it fresh for you, but I guess only if they sold out the batches they’ve been making.
Unfortunately doesn’t beat getting fresh taiyaki made hot off the mold walking around during a festival, but I guess it’s nice that this exists.

So… THIS PLACE IS AMAZING. Yes, it’s part of a hair salon, but it’s the wonderful, fresh, D E L I C I O U S taiyaki that steals the show!
The woman helping us was SO sweet and friendly, and made us lovely little fish. And it’s so inexpensive! $ 5 for ten mini redbean/​walnut and custard taiyaki. And the big ones are so cheap and yummy!
I WILL be coming back soon!

Wow 5 stars? Maybe I’m doing it wrong but I just wasn’t impressed. First of all, don’t come here expecting a full café, it is just a little stand kind of awkwardly in a hair salon. A friend and I stopped by because I LOVE taiyaki. I have a pan at home and make them from time to time after I was introduced to them in Japan. The guy at the counter barely spoke to us and kind of just gave us a box and said it was mixed flavors, but it ended up just being red bean. Maybe you have to eat them fresh here because the ones we got were very chewy and just sort of OK. He didn’t even say enough to let us know we COULD buy fresh ones or ones ala mode. Maybe you have to get a haircut here or speak Korean.
At least if I want to try it again I don’t have to go all the way out to this little strip mall because Verde Tea Café on Castro St. has started selling them.

I love fishes cause they’re so delicious… Gotta eat here~
You know how much I love taiyaki?! Enough to have bought a pan mold just so I could make my own anytime I wanted them. Great idea, but poor execution on my part.
My batter is no where near as delicious as the ones whipped up in this petite shop.
The taiyaki comes in two sizes, small or big (I prefer the big sizes). You can get them filled with red bean and walnut, custard, or a la mode (vanilla only). All wonderful flavors in my opinion. Note– if you get a la mode, it’ll take about 15 – 20 minutes to prepare, but you can call ahead.
I would suggest trying to eat them fresh if you can. The texture of a fresh taiyaki is crispy on the outside and warm and gooey on the inside. The batter has a mochi like texture which makes it nice and chewy. It’s like getting a warm hug. Very yummy!
Lastly, this place is cash only and it’s located inside a beauty parlor, so you can have taiyaki while getting your hair done up.

Warm, fresh, nice sweet red bean center with walnuts for texture. Perfect while waiting for a hair cut or to go.

Look for Korean Hair Salon! This place was hard to find but once we’re inside, we were greeted by nice folks. They weren’t selling the small taiyaki so we waited for the large ones. They made it fresh and it was so delicious. This place is run by cute Koreans and they were super friendly. The wait turned a bit long so they gave us free small taiyakis to eat. I’d come back again but now I know where to look!

I remember eating these when I was in Korea~ I’ve been going to this salon for the past 6 years and was surprised when I discovered they were also selling these treats. The perfect snack for any occasion~ I recommend anyone who hasn’t tried to definately check it out if they are in the area. They taste best when warm. If you plan to take these to-​go make sure to warm them up at home before indulging.
:)

Expensive, $ 3 for a small Taiyaki, but SO WORTH IT. It was pretty good, I can’t lie. Warm, crunchy, chewy, and not too sweet, I am in love! The mini boxed taiyakis are good too. There are a mix of custard and red beam filled ones. They’re not made with tapioca like the regular sized one, they’re basically fish shaped (walnut pastries) but they’re the best I’ve had in this area!

I fell in love with their custard cream boonguhppang. I finally get to enjoy boonguhooang in Santa Clara!

These little fish shaped cakes are the perfect treat. Like other Unilocalers said, once you start you can’t stop. So, if you’re craving for some sweets in the morning or after lunch, stop by here. You won’t be disappointed!

Me and my husband always come here for dessert! And hair cut too! The boss is so friendly and professional! The Taiyaki is so yummy! Really recommended!

My friend surprised me with a dozen freshly baked box of these that came in assortment of red bean with walnuts and the other with tapioca. After one bite, I was totally hooked! I almost devoured the whole thing. that’s how addicting and yummy they are!
Kuddos to the owner who thought of this in having this in a salon. You’re spending at least 30 minutes to several hours in salon and it’s a great idea where you can get a little treat before, in between or after your service.
Two thumbs up on including your business card with the packaging so I know where I can get these and recommend it to people.

My coworker brought in an assortment of the gold fish for breakfast. I had the custard filled and walnut/​red bean ones. They were still warm from being freshly cooked and were great.
When I was younger I’d have to go to the Japantown Center in San Francisco to have these. The version sold here are a lot smaller (mini versions), but just as good. I think these mini versions are the perfect treat size. The only downside is that once you start with one, you just keep going because they’re so good.