What IS Taiyaki
(and how do I pronounce it?)

Taiyaki (Tie + yaki like teriyaki) are fish-shaped waffles that are stuffed with various sweet or savory fillings. First made in Japan in the early 1900s, Sea Bream (tai in Japanese) were meant to be a symbol of good luck. They are made with a sweet waffle batter, stuffed with various fillings, and then waffled to perfection and served to you piping hot.

Who are you?

Hi, we’re Sam and Maggie, the owners of Neko Taiyaki. We met in July of 2022 and fell in love over our mutual dislike of pickles. I shared my dream to start a food truck shortly after we started dating, and Maggie encouraged me to follow my dream… and now here we are!

I started my career in graphic design and have a passion for cooking and all things Japan. In the truck I man the taiyaki irons. Maggie is a social worker by day and coordinates all of the events and runs the register on the truck.

Why are you making them in Michigan?

That is a great question. I taught English in Japan for a year in 2018-2019. Initially, I went over there because I love anime and video games, but I fell in love with the culture and the food. Here in the United States, when people think of Japanese food, they most often think of sushi or ramen, but there is so much more. I want you to be transported to a street festival in some little town in Japan every time you take a bite.

What does Neko mean?
(and how do I pronounce it?)

Neko means cat! The logo is a maneki neko (another good luck charm in Japan). Think of the little cats with waving paws, or even the Pokémon Meowth (yes, that’s right!)

It is pronounced like neck-o, but knee-co is fine too :)

We have 2 cats named Sushi and Yama. They are the inspiration for the Neko name.