Little Taiyaki In Sapulpa Offers Sweet Japanese Treats

Waffles come in many shapes and sizes, but the most popular in Japan are the ones in the shape of a fish.

It is called taiyaki. Michelle Villabrille and her sister Kathryn Villabrille became fascinated by this iconic Japanese snack at a young age.

"We loved anime and Japanese culture," Michelle said, "During the anime, you would actually see these anime characters have little taiyaki's and we were like what is that? So, we actually looked it up and we found out it is a waffle in the shape of a fish."

Years later, she got deployed with the U.S. Navy to Japan and tasted taiyaki for the first time. This inspired the idea to open Little Taiyaki with her family.

Michelle said her parents bought a storefront in historic downtown Sapulpa on the corner of E. Dewey Ave. and S. Water St. They renovated it, her mother did the interior decorating, and she and her sister came up with the concept and recipes.

The Villabrille's opened Little Taiyaki three months ago. Michelle said it is the only place in Oklahoma that serves taiyaki.

Customers can choose from several taiyaki flavors.

"We have Nutella, Biscoff cookie, mozzarella cheese, Oreo, and caramel Oreo," she said.

The shop also sets itself apart with its taiyaki cone.

"You can actually choose a filling spread that you want on the inside and then you choose a soft serve that you want with the two toppings that you would like," Michelle said.

The mix of flavors and cultures is this family's sweet way of bringing a new experience to Sapulpa.

"We want people to try something that they have never experienced, something that is more pleasant, and we just wanted to broaden people's experience," Michelle added.

Little Taiyaki is open Monday through Sunday 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

It is located along the Route 66 Christmas Chute, which is having a Lights On Nov. 16.

Michelle said during the holiday season the shop will be open until 10 or 11 p.m. for the Christmas Chute crowd.