Japanese food

Last update September 7, 2025

Japanese Food - Takoyaki -



  

Tako Yaki

Octopus Ball (baked batter with diced octopus)

As a famous Takoyaki commercial phrase says, “Osaka derutoki tsuretette” (Take it with you when leaving Osaka), Takoyaki is one of Osaka’s local food specialities. When you stroll the streets of Osaka Minami (South), you will find Takoyaki shops here and there, along with Okonomi-yaki, another important Konamon (food cooked using flour). The word “Takoyaki” is composed of two words: Tako (octopus) and Yaki (bake), and is derived from the cooking method of baking a flour batter with small pieces of octopus meat in a dedicated iron baker with multiple round moulds. When baking is done, it’s served with special sauce, mayonnaise, sprinkled with Katsuo Bushi, Ao Nori, and minced Beni Shōga. Usually eaten as a snack, which is why many festivals call Takoyaki vendors. Some may eat it as post-drink Shime (ending food just before going home), as you will see drinkers in the Minami streets heading toward their favourite Takoyaki shop for their Niji-kai or Sanji-kai (second or third round of drinking party). As one of the most loved food items in the Kansai region, I recommend trying it when in Osaka.

japanese-food-takoyaki
Takoyaki sprinkled with Katsuo Bushi and Beni Shoga. 		japanese-food-takoyaki-minami
Takoyaki served at a shop in Minami. 		japanese-food-takoyaki-vendor
Takoyaki available at a food stand with Tsuma-yoji mini sticks for picking up the food.
japanese-food-takoyaki
Takoyaki sprinkled with Katsuo Bushi and Beni Shōga.

japanese-food-takoyaki-minami
Takoyaki served at a shop in Minami.

japanese-food-takoyaki-vendor
Takoyaki available at a food stand with Tsuma-yoji mini sticks for picking up the food.