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# Mini Taiyaki Cafe – Unique Taiyaki Experience Inside Korean Hair Salon, San Jose, CA

Mini Taiyaki Cafe, located at 5075 Stevens Creek Blvd, Ste 1, in San Jose, CA, offers a unique culinary experience nestled within a Korean hair salon. This cafe specializes in freshly made taiyaki, a popular Japanese fish-shaped cake, filled with various flavors like red bean, custard, and Nutella. The establishment has garnered attention for its quirky location and delicious offerings, with patrons often surprised by the quality of the taiyaki despite the unconventional setting. Reviews highlight the made-to-order freshness and the appealing taste, making it a must-visit for dessert lovers in the area.

## History
### The story of Mini Taiyaki Cafe
Mini Taiyaki Cafe was founded with a vision to bring authentic Japanese street food to the local community in San Jose. The unique concept of operating within a hair salon was born out of a desire to create a casual, welcoming atmosphere where customers could enjoy delicious taiyaki while waiting for their hair appointments. This innovative approach has allowed the cafe to carve out a niche in the bustling food scene of the area.

### Milestones and growth
- Opened within a Korean hair salon in San Jose, CA.
- Gained popularity for its unique location and quality offerings.
- Expanded menu options based on customer feedback.
- Established a loyal customer base through word-of-mouth and social media.

### Cultural and local influence
The cafe reflects a blend of Japanese culinary tradition and local culture, appealing to both Japanese cuisine enthusiasts and those curious about new food experiences. Its location within a hair salon adds an element of novelty, attracting a diverse clientele. The fusion of these two worlds has fostered a community atmosphere, where patrons can enjoy taiyaki while engaging in conversations about hair, beauty, and food.

### Continuing the tradition
Mini Taiyaki Cafe continues to uphold the tradition of serving freshly made taiyaki, ensuring that each order is crafted with care. The owners are committed to maintaining high standards of quality and flavor, often experimenting with new fillings and techniques to enhance the customer experience. This dedication to authenticity and innovation keeps the spirit of traditional taiyaki alive while adapting to modern tastes.

## Community
### Community involvement
The cafe actively engages with the local community by participating in events and collaborating with nearby businesses. Its unique location allows it to attract foot traffic from the hair salon, creating a symbiotic relationship that benefits both establishments. Additionally, the cafe often hosts small gatherings and promotions, encouraging community interaction and support.

### Community notion about the place
Local patrons appreciate Mini Taiyaki Cafe for its quirky charm and delicious offerings. Many view it as a hidden gem, often sharing their experiences on social media and recommending it to friends and family. The cafe's unique concept has sparked curiosity, leading to an influx of visitors eager to try the taiyaki and experience the unusual setting.

### Events and gatherings
While the cafe is primarily focused on serving taiyaki, it occasionally hosts small events to celebrate Japanese culture and cuisine. These gatherings provide an opportunity for community members to come together, share their love for food, and learn more about the culinary traditions behind taiyaki. Such events foster a sense of belonging and promote cultural exchange within the community.

## Offerings
### What Mini Taiyaki Cafe offers
Mini Taiyaki Cafe specializes in freshly made taiyaki, offering a variety of fillings that cater to different tastes. The menu is straightforward, focusing on quality over quantity, ensuring that each taiyaki is made to order and served hot. The cafe's commitment to freshness and flavor has made it a popular destination for dessert lovers in San Jose.

### Dining and food experience
The dining experience at Mini Taiyaki Cafe is casual and laid-back, with customers often enjoying their taiyaki outside the salon. The taiyaki is made fresh while you wait, allowing patrons to savor the warm, crispy exterior and soft, flavorful filling. While there are no formal dining tables, the cafe's location encourages a relaxed atmosphere where customers can enjoy their treats on the go.

### Events and packages
Currently, Mini Taiyaki Cafe does not offer extensive event packages, focusing instead on individual orders of taiyaki. However, they do provide options for bulk orders, making it a great choice for small gatherings or celebrations. Customers can place orders ahead of time to ensure a quicker service, especially during peak hours.

### Facilities and features
- Located inside a Korean hair salon
- Freshly made taiyaki to order
- Limited seating available
- Free Wi-Fi for customers
- Easy access to parking nearby

## Pros and Cons
### Key insights from reviews
Reviews of Mini Taiyaki Cafe highlight both the strengths and weaknesses of the establishment. Many customers praise the quality and taste of the taiyaki, while others express concerns about the unique setting and potential odors from the hair salon. Overall, the cafe has received a mix of positive and constructive feedback.

### Compliments and strengths
Customers frequently commend the freshness of the taiyaki, noting that it is made to order and served hot. The unique flavors, particularly the red bean with walnuts, have garnered positive remarks, and many patrons appreciate the friendly service. The novelty of the location adds to the overall experience, making it a memorable visit.

### Contrasts and notable mentions
Some reviews mention the strong chemical smell associated with the hair salon, which can be off-putting for certain customers. Additionally, the inability to mix and match flavors has been a point of contention, as many would prefer to sample multiple fillings in one order. Despite these drawbacks, the overall quality of the taiyaki tends to outweigh the negatives for most patrons.

### Summary evaluation
Mini Taiyaki Cafe stands out for its unique concept and delicious offerings. While the setting may not be for everyone, the quality of the taiyaki and the friendly service make it a worthwhile stop for dessert enthusiasts. The cafe's commitment to freshness and flavor continues to attract a loyal customer base, ensuring its place in the local food scene.

## Location & Nearby Attractions
Mini Taiyaki Cafe is located in San Jose, CA, specifically at 5075 Stevens Creek Blvd, Ste 1. The cafe is situated within a small strip mall that includes a Korean hair salon, making it a unique destination for those seeking both beauty services and delicious taiyaki. The area is known for its diverse culinary offerings, with several other restaurants and cafes nearby, providing ample options for visitors looking to explore the local food scene.

## FAQs
**What are the opening hours** Mini Taiyaki Cafe typically operates during standard business hours, but it's best to check for specific times.
**Is there parking available** Yes, there is limited parking available, but street parking can also be found nearby.
**Can I place an order ahead of time** Yes, customers are encouraged to call ahead to minimize wait times.
**What flavors of taiyaki are offered** The cafe offers red bean, custard, and Nutella as filling options.
**Is there seating available** There is limited seating, and many customers prefer to enjoy their taiyaki outside.

## Visit Mini Taiyaki Cafe Today
Experience the delightful fusion of a hair salon and a taiyaki cafe at Mini Taiyaki Cafe in San Jose, CA. With its unique offerings and commitment to quality, this cafe invites you to enjoy freshly made taiyaki in a quirky setting. Whether you're a fan of red bean, custard, or Nutella, there's something for everyone to savor. Don't miss out on this hidden gem in the heart of the city!

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The address is correct, this Taiyaki cafe is literally inside this Korean hair salon. While unexpected, the Taiyakis are made to order and so tasty. They offer red bean (with or without walnuts), custard, and Nutella. There is a 4 piece minimum for custard though. You can get 4 pieces for $8 or 7 pieces for $14. Parking is limited since the lot is small. It's so weird when you walk in and they all stare wondering what type of patron you're going to be... hair? Or Taiyaki?

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Food was really tasty and cute Food was a 10/10 Was really cute And service 7/10 A little busy

2052f7fe-e545-4da7-99c3-48ce593b7a87

This would have been a 5 star review if they got our order correct... To start, as many of the reviews stated, this cafe is INSIDE the hair salon! Quality/Quantity - We ordered two of each flavor; red bean with walnuts, custard, and nutella. But I ended up with 6 red beans with walnuts... The good news was that the taiyaki was amazingly good! And is this a mini size...? I am scared to see what a regular size is! I was so happy until I tried the "custard;" what? It tasted just like red beans with walnuts. Then I tried the Nutella, what? It tasted just like red beans with walnuts... Made fresh while you wait. We had to wait a long while to let it cool; it was that fresh! Generous size and generous portions of red bean and walnuts. Promotion = 4 for $8 or 7 for $14. He said we can also get 3 for $6 or 6 for $12. Can someone do the math for me on the discounts? LOL. Atmosphere - Hair salon with a cafe in the rear. As you walk, it smells like someone just got a perm... I was immediately concerned about what my food was going to smell or taste like. Good size salon, actually it was fairly large. The cafe is just a counter and two tables near the entrance. Blasting K Pop music and videos. Free wifi which I did not use. Service - Good, except they got our order wrong. Price - $2 each, $12 total. Cash discount = No sales tax. Owner Comment - Congrats on your success; I look forward to trying your other flavors and updating this review.

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Located inside a hair salon, this place makes the takayakis with red bean and walnut which is unique from places like somi somi which i dont think includes walnuts. I had to wait a bit and did not like the smell of the hair salon at all. It costs $8 plus tax with card. I waited outside. The lady gave me a card and said i can call ahead next time so i dont have to wait. They were made in 15 mins and very fresh which i was happy about and i liked the walnuts. Might be back but discouraged as the smell inside the salon i really abhor.

b2481f4d-5a53-466c-bd36-bc0191d9ee5d

Been hearing so much about this place, but it would be great to stop in if I was just in the neighborhood but I would not go out of my way. Let's start at the beginning. Yes, this place IS located inside a salon. That's a bit odd to begin with. Parking can be a hassle. Small lot for a busy establishment. There is signage for the "cafe". The workers looked as confused as I was but thankfully I knew what to look for. $8 for 4 pieces. You can only pick one flavor for this option. Red bean nutella, or custard. Takes 10 mins for each order. Downside to this cafe is the smell of the salon. It smells like chemicals in there. I went outside and came back to get my taiyakis. The taiyakis are big and filling. A little undercooked for my liking.

bd4d67e2-94d0-42c4-a273-5c5d0ab0b9c5

I've driven by this taiyaki cafe located in the Korean Hair Salon so many times, and finally stopped by recently. They made your taiyaki to order, and I was able to call in my order ahead of time to avoid a wait. As other Yelpers have mentioned, it's a 4 piece minimum order for each flavor (custard, red beans, or nutella). It was less than 10 minutes for my order placed at 5:15pm on a Thursday, and I tried the Custard Taiyaki (4 pieces/$8, https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=V8fEFAQk2UMWmmaAnK5qsg&userid=76vIFZcC7owykCBjMfGVXg). The crispy edges of the taiyaki were good, but the consistency of the rest was too soft/gooey, and I prefer chewier taiyaki. The custard filling was ok, but there needed to be more filling. As other Yelpers have mentioned, you want to eat the taiyaki as soon as possible since they get soggy very quickly. However, you can also pop them into the toaster for a few minutes to crisp them back up. I ended up adding my own Nutella at home for the taiyaki pieces without filling, and it was really good! I would come back to try their red bean, but hope they start allowing a mix and match of flavors in the future. Parking was easy to find at the time; this lot is tiny, but they have some reserved spots specifically for the hair salon. Added bonus- you can get great dumplings from the restaurant next door!

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Wanna get your hair done? Want Taiyaki? Get both at Mini Taiyaki Café. I say get both because the Mini Taiyaki Café is located in the Korean Hair Salon. The address on Yelp is right. Just walk right on in. Starters, parking is tight. If it's busy with the restaurant a few doors down, it might be easier to park on the street. There's a plaza across the street too. Free though. No meters. At least that I saw (for street parking). Check signage though. Said it already - you'll find the Taiyaki Café in the Korean Hair Salon. Know this though - different flavors offered are: custard, Nutella and red bean. Comes in orders of four or seven pieces. No mixing and matching. It's all one flavor or none at all. My friend Irene and I went for the custard. Café - misleading. No tables to dine in on. None outside either. Plus, you probably wouldn't want to eat in the Salon anyway. Unless you like the smell that's associated with Hair Salons. Anyway, we devoured the Taiyaki outside in the parking lot while it was nice and warm. Careful with that first bite as the filling is hot. The outside was nicely prepared; not over or under done. Enough filling to have a taste with each bite once you hit the core. I enjoyed it fresh and hot. I don't know how it would be heated back up or cold. It was gone before we got back into the car.

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**February 2022 Visit: Monday afternoon** Rookie mistake! My friend and I couldn't find the cafe as the small strip mall only had a restaurant (not this one) and a hair salon - so I called the shop number and was informed that it was located INSIDE the salon. Oh okay! There's a small counter with their simple menu. 4 pieces for $6 or 7 pieces of $10. They have four different filling flavors: Red Bean past with walnuts, Custard, and Nutella; however, you can't mix and match for an order - you must pick the same flavor which was kind of a downer, but my friend and I picked their classic custard to give it a go. We waited about 10/15 minutes outside, because honestly their was a super strong chemically smell inside the salon as expected. The taiyaki was crisp on the outside and gelatinous on the inside. I think there's more agar surrounding the custard, but overall, I think it's a nice inexpensive treat that's best enjoyed right then and there.

2b04339e-c8c3-4207-a0ef-c0ed1721696d

[Pre-pandemic Review] This cafe is located inside the Korean Hair Salon. When you walk inside you are kinda confused as to where this cafe is, but it's just a counter that you can order from. It looks more organized now - they have signage, etc. as opposed to then when we first went. Food: The taiyaki here is not your clean cut lines like other places. The extra batter has run over the fish outline and they leave it on your taiyaki, so you get the nice crispy extra edges. What a deal! Unfortunately, you can't mix and match flavors - they all need to be the same flavor. - red bean paste with walnuts - custard - nutella We opted for the custard. It was nice and hot, freshly made. Crispy, crunchy outside, but inside was soft and chewy. The custard filling was one of the best we've had. This is such a delicious dessert. As we were driving away and enjoying them so much, we thought, we should have bought more or when will we return and get them again!?! We loved it...until I saw the hair in them as we were finishing up our last bites of the crispy edges.

9c144804-bea3-4278-8549-f26c6de7b4ea

Never thought Id walk into a hair salon to get some taiyaki but nonetheless it's probably the best I've had in the area! They have a small counter at the back you can order from and the owners were nice, they let me mix and match the flavors. Overall i will go back here again :).

Discover Mini Taiyaki Cafe in San Jose for authentic Japanese treats and cozy ambiance. Perfect for a unique culinary experience. Visit us today!

Mini Taiyaki Cafe in San Jose - Authentic Japanese Treats

Santa Clara County

Mini Taiyaki Cafe

California

Explore the full menu at Mini Taiyaki Cafe in Santa Clara. Discover signature dishes, drinks & must-try items. Visit us at 5075 Stevens Creek Blvd, Ste 1.

Mini Taiyaki Cafe Menu – Food & Drinks in Santa Clara

Learn about Mini Taiyaki Cafe, a cozy spot in Santa Clara offering delicious Japanese treats and drinks. Perfect for a quick snack or casual meal. Visit us today!

About Mini Taiyaki Cafe in Santa Clara

Opening hours for Mini Taiyaki Cafe, Santa Clara. Find opening hours for Mini Taiyaki Cafe, Santa Clara on 5075 Stevens Creek Blvd, Ste 1.

Mini Taiyaki Cafe Menu Overview

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Experience the Menu at Mini Taiyaki Cafe

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