If you’re looking for freshly made taiyaki in Saitama, Tentekomai near Sashiogi Station is a shop worth visiting. Located just steps from the station, this local favorite has built a reputation for crispy taiyaki packed with generous fillings.
What makes Tentekomai especially interesting is that it offers both traditional flavors and unusual creations. During my visit, I tried the classic Ogura An and the much rarer Macadamia Nut Cream. One represents everything people love about traditional taiyaki, while the other shows how creative this shop can be.
About Tentekomai
Tentekomai is a specialty taiyaki shop in Sashiogi, Saitama.
The shop has earned strong reviews for:
- Crispy taiyaki skin
- Generous fillings
- Friendly customer service
- Creative seasonal flavors
Many reviews mention that the fillings are packed all the way to the tail, making each taiyaki feel larger and more satisfying than expected.
Ogura An Taiyaki
If it’s your first visit, the Ogura An taiyaki is the perfect place to start.
Packed with Sweet Red Bean Paste
Unlike mass-produced taiyaki that sometimes leave empty spaces inside, Tentekomai fills its taiyaki generously.
The result is a dessert where every bite contains plenty of filling.
Taste and Texture
Taiyaki Skin
- Crispy exterior
- Freshly baked aroma
- Light texture
One of the most common compliments in customer reviews is the texture of the skin. The outside has a pleasant crispness while the inside remains soft.
Ogura An
- Rich azuki flavor
- Traditional sweetness
- Smooth and satisfying texture
The filling feels authentic and comforting without becoming overly sweet.
Macadamia Nut Cream Taiyaki
This was the flavor that immediately caught my attention.
You can find red bean taiyaki almost anywhere in Japan.
Macadamia Nut Cream? That’s much harder to find.
A Rare Taiyaki Flavor
One of Tentekomai’s strengths is offering flavors that stand out from the crowd.
The Macadamia Nut Cream version feels more like a specialty dessert than traditional street food.
Taste and Texture
Cream Filling
- Rich and creamy
- Distinct macadamia aroma
- Smooth texture
The flavor is unmistakably macadamia nut rather than generic sweet cream.
Why It Works
What surprised me most was how natural the combination felt.
I expected it to be a gimmick flavor, but the nutty richness pairs surprisingly well with the warm taiyaki shell.
It’s sweet without being overwhelming and feels much more premium than a typical cream-filled taiyaki.
The Crispy Skin Makes the Difference
Many taiyaki shops focus only on the filling.
At Tentekomai, the skin is just as important.
What Customers Love
Reviews frequently mention:
- Crispy edges
- Freshly baked texture
- Good balance between skin and filling
That crispness creates a satisfying contrast with both the bean paste and cream fillings.
Why Tentekomai Stands Out
The shop succeeds because it offers two things at once:
Traditional Appeal
- Classic red bean taiyaki
- Authentic Japanese flavors
- Freshly baked craftsmanship
Creative Appeal
- Unique fillings
- Seasonal specials
- Flavors you won’t find everywhere
That combination keeps customers coming back to try something new.
Store Information
Tentekomai
Sashiogi, Nishi Ward, Saitama City, Saitama
Taiyaki specialty shop located just outside Sashiogi Station.
Map
Why I Enjoyed Them
The biggest surprise was the difference between the two flavors.
The Ogura An taiyaki delivered exactly what I want from a traditional taiyaki: crispy skin and rich red bean filling.
The Macadamia Nut Cream version, however, was the standout. It’s not a flavor you see often, and the nutty cream tasted much better than I expected. Combined with the shop’s crispy taiyaki shell, it felt like a unique dessert rather than just another variation.
If you’re visiting Tentekomai, I highly recommend trying one of each.
Real Taste Experience (Short Video)
Watch the crispy skin and fillings in action:
