Takoyaki
たこ焼きSnack
Takoyaki are Osaka's batter balls with octopus inside, fried in round moulds, and Aizuya in Tamade says its founder made the first ones in 1935.
Where to eat Takoyaki · 2 places
- Wanaka Shin-OsakaOsaka
In Alde Shin-Osaka outside the JR gates, open 10:00 to 21:00.
Aizuya opened in Osaka in 1933, and two years later its founder Tomekichi Endo created takoyaki. Before that he sold radio-yaki, the same kind of ball filled with beef tendon and konnyaku. Aizuya still serves its takoyaki plain, with the flavour in the stock-rich batter, and offers vinegar soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce on the side.
Wanaka fries at Sennichimae near Namba and serves its takoyaki with sauce and a long list of toppings. It has shops across the city, including one in the Alde mall at Shin-Osaka station.
Worth knowing
- Let the first one cool; the centre stays molten long after the outside sets.
Quick answers about Takoyakiよくある質問
Where was takoyaki invented?
Takoyaki comes from Osaka. Aizuya says its founder Tomekichi Endo created it in 1935, two years after he opened the shop in 1933.
How do you order Takoyaki?
Order by the number of balls; Wanaka sells boxes of 8, 12 or 15, depending on the shop. Ask for no sauce at Aizuya to taste the original style.
When is Takoyaki in season?
Takoyaki: Year-round. Stands sell them hot all day, and a box keeps a winter hand warm on the walk back to the station.
Where can you eat Takoyaki in Japan?
Places we list for Takoyaki include Aizuya Honten, Wanaka Sennichimae.