Sep 26

Sep 26 Taiyaki Chicago

Chicago To Do List

Taiyaki Chicago: Japanese Soft Serve Ice Cream

Address: 2618 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

Phone: 7733601785

View Taiyaki’s menu here.

In the heart of Chicago's vibrant Lincoln Park neighborhood, lies a hidden gem that is redefining the ice cream experience. Taiyaki, a Japanese ice cream shop, is quickly becoming a local favorite for those seeking exceptional treats made with premium ingredients. What sets Taiyaki apart from the rest? It's their commitment to offering not just delicious, but also health-conscious and socially responsible options that cater to a diverse range of tastes. Taiyaki also offers milk teas, fruit teas, shakes, & smoothies! If you’re craving something sweet, you have to visit Taiyaki. View Taiyaki’s menu here.

Dairy-Free Delights

One of Taiyaki's standout features is its commitment to providing an alternative to over-processed ice creams that flood the market. Their soft-serve ice cream is a prime example of this commitment. Unlike traditional ice creams made with milk, Taiyaki's soft serve is crafted using coconut oil. This ingenious switch offers a healthier, non-dairy alternative that doesn't skimp on flavor or creaminess. Whether you're lactose intolerant or simply looking to make more mindful dietary choices, Taiyaki has you covered.

Sourcing the Finest Ingredients

Taiyaki's dedication to quality doesn't stop at ice cream. They pride themselves on sourcing only the finest ingredients from socially responsible growers across the globe. From their teas to their sweeteners, every component of their offerings is carefully selected to ensure the highest quality and integrity of taste, which is hard to find in Chicago!

Homemade Goodness in Small Batches

One of the hallmarks of Taiyaki is their commitment to small-batch, homemade production. This approach ensures that each item they serve is a labor of love, crafted with precision and care. The result? A menu that's not only delectable but also rich in authenticity and tradition.

All-Natural and Additive-Free

In a world where additives and artificial sweeteners are prevalent, Taiyaki takes a stand. They believe that a treat should be as good as the ingredients that go into it. As a result, everything on their menu is free of additives and sweetened with house-made cane sweetener instead of high-fructose corn syrup. This commitment to natural ingredients doesn't compromise on taste; it enhances it.

Irresistible Ice Cream Offerings

Taiyaki offers an enticing range of ice cream options that won't break the bank like other speciality ice cream shops. Prices for their delicious soft-serve ice cream start at just $4.95. You can enjoy your ice cream in cups or cones, and here's the best part: you can make your ice cream creation vegan for just $0.75 extra! Their soft serve flavors include classic choices like vanilla and chocolate, but they also offer unique options like matcha. Plus, keep an eye out for their rotating flavor of the week, which adds an exciting element of surprise to each visit.

Japanese Roots

Taiyaki, the heartwarming specialty at Chicago's Taiyaki in Lincoln Park, traces its roots to a rich Japanese tradition. The name "Taiyaki" itself translates to "fried fish" in Japanese, and this dessert has a fascinating history dating back to Japan's Edo Period in the 1600s. During those ancient times, fish held a special significance in Japanese culture, symbolizing both luck and prosperity. Vendors across Japan began using fish-shaped molds to create delightful pastries filled with various fillings, including the beloved red bean paste. These sweet fish-shaped treats quickly gained popularity and became a staple of Japanese street food. Now, you can find them in Chicago!

At Taiyaki in Lincoln Park, they've taken this traditional concept and added their unique twist. They bake their fish-shaped cakes to order in cast iron, ensuring they are warm and fresh. The cakes are then filled with your choice of delectable fillings and topped with soft-serve ice cream, creating a delightful blend of hot and cold sensations. It's a sensory experience that combines the crispiness of a waffle on the outside with the softness of a pancake on the inside, making it a true delight for the taste buds. Keep in mind, they have a rotating flavor of the week that will have you coming back for to see what’s next on the menu!

Your New Go-To Chicago Ice Cream

Taiyaki's dedication to offering an exceptional and guilt-free treat experience is a testament to their passion for quality and innovation. Whether you're in the mood for a refreshing tea or a luscious soft-serve ice cream, Taiyaki's menu will not disappoint. So, next time you find yourself in Lincoln Park, be sure to stop by this charming ice cream shop to savor exceptional treats made with premium ingredients. They even offer student discounts with proof of ID! Your taste buds will thank you, and you'll leave with a newfound appreciation for the artistry of Taiyaki in Chicago!