Just about every culinary culture has pancakes. You know that chain pancake place over by the highway? They claim to be 'International', but they only offer us French Toast and Belgian Waffles. What other international delights are they keeping from us?


Ten Yen Waffle

Ten Yen Waffle

Photo: matt kirkland

Inside the giant discount store Don Quijote in Shibuya, there's a kiosk in the back that makes these novelty waffles shaped like giant ten yen coins. They're standard-issue waffle batter but with a big block of mozzarella cheese inside.

It's sold on a popsicle stick (!) or in a cardboard sleeve. Variations have included multicolored cheese (with food coloring) for special events.

The waffle kiosk

Illustration of stretchy mozzarella waffle

Ten Yen Cheese Waffle Recipe (Japanese Street Food)

Ingredients (Makes 6-8 Waffles)

  • All-purpose flour – 1½ cups
  • Sugar – 2 tablespoons
  • Baking powder – 2 teaspoons
  • Salt – ¼ teaspoon
  • Eggs – 2 large
  • Milk – ¾ cup
  • Butter – 4 tablespoons (melted)
  • Shredded cheese – 1 cup (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
  • Vegetable oil or non-stick spray – For greasing the waffle iron

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  2. In another bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the milk and melted butter.
  3. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
  4. Fold in the shredded cheese, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 2: Preheat the Waffle Iron

  1. Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions and lightly grease it with vegetable oil or non-stick spray.

Step 3: Cook the Waffles

  1. Spoon a ladleful of batter into the center of the waffle iron and close the lid.
  2. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the waffle is golden brown and crispy on the outside.
  3. Carefully remove the waffle and set it aside on a wire rack to cool slightly. Repeat with the remaining batter.

Step 4: Serve

  1. Serve the cheese waffles warm, optionally with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of additional cheese on top.

Serving Suggestions

The Ten Yen Cheese Waffle is delicious as a snack, breakfast, or light meal. Pair it with:

  • Honey or maple syrup for a sweet-salty contrast
  • Tomato soup or a savory dipping sauce
  • A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives
Name_ Ten Yen Waffle
Origin_ 🇯🇵 Japan
Morphology_ ⊞ mold
Flavor_ savory
Filling_ mozzarella cheese
Topping_ none
Recipe_ Ten Yen Waffle Recipe
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