Osaka specialty "Takoyaki" — Street food loved around the world
Known as Osaka's soul food, "takoyaki".
These bite-sized treats are appealing for their crispy exterior and gooey, soft interior,
and when you walk around Osaka you’ll catch the savory aroma of takoyaki everywhere.
This article introduces the history of takoyaki, popular shops, tips for eating it, and recommended toppings.
It’s one of the must-try foods when sightseeing in Osaka!
What is takoyaki? — Simple but deep in flavor
1. Basic information about takoyaki
Takoyaki are round snacks made by cooking a wheat-flour batter with pieces of octopus.
They are characterized by a crispy outside and a gooey, soft inside,
and are commonly eaten topped with sauce, mayonnaise, aonori (dried seaweed), and katsuobushi (bonito flakes).
History and origin of takoyaki
1. The birth of takoyaki
Takoyaki was born in 1935 (Showa 10) at Osaka's "会津屋" (Aizuya).
It was developed from a popular dish at the time called "radio-yaki", a wheat-flour batter dish that included beef tendon and konnyaku,
and adding octopus to that batter marked the beginning of takoyaki.
2. Why it’s loved in Osaka
Osaka has a strong "konamon" culture (a culture with many wheat-flour–based dishes), and
okonomiyaki and takoyaki are so familiar that they are often made at home — a very close part of daily life.
It’s uniquely Osaka that most households have a takoyaki pan!
5 popular takoyaki shops in Osaka — Enjoy authentic flavors
1. 会津屋 (Aizuya) — The shop where takoyaki was founded
Location: Nishinari-ku, Osaka
Opening hours: 10:00–20:00
Features: The original takoyaki that you eat without sauce
2. Takoyaki Douraku Wanaka (fluffy and gooey texture)
Location: Namba / Dotonbori, Osaka
Opening hours: 10:00–22:00
Features: Exquisite takoyaki with a crispy outside and gooey inside
3. Kukuru (juicy with large pieces of octopus)
Location: Dotonbori, Osaka
Opening hours: 10:00–22:00
Features: Luxurious takoyaki filled with large octopus pieces
4. Hanadako (grab-and-go near Umeda Station)
Location: In front of Umeda Station
Opening hours: 9:00–21:00
Features: Super accessible near the station! A popular shop that often has a line
5. Kougaryu (Kouga-ryu) — Perfect balance of sauce and mayonnaise
Location: Amerikamura
Opening hours: 11:00–22:00
Features: A long-established shop with an exquisite balance of sauce and mayonnaise
Tips for enjoying takoyaki deliciously!
1. Enjoy them piping hot!
Takoyaki are best eaten while hot!
However, the inside is gooey and very hot, so be careful not to burn yourself!
Rather than waiting for them to cool completely, it’s recommended to blow on them and eat while they’re warm.
2. Change the flavor with toppings!
The taste of takoyaki can change dramatically depending on the toppings!
Sauce & mayonnaise: The classic seasoning
Lots of green onion: A refreshing flavor
Mentaiko mayo: Creamy with a spicy kick
Ponzu & grated daikon: A light, Japanese-style takoyaki
Cheese & black pepper: A rich, Western-style twist
Practical information for travelers
1. Where are the best spots to eat takoyaki?
You can enjoy takoyaki all over Osaka, but
the most recommended areas are the busy districts like Dotonbori, Namba, and Umeda!
Eating takoyaki in front of the iconic "Glico sign" in Dotonbori is a popular way for tourists to enjoy them.
2. How much does takoyaki cost?
A pack of 6–8 pieces typically costs about 500–800 yen.
Some shops even offer free toppings, so keep an eye out!
3. Can you buy takoyaki as a souvenir in Osaka?
There are frozen takoyaki as well as takoyaki sauce and shop-original batter mixes for sale, so
bringing home the taste of Osaka as a souvenir is definitely possible!
Summary and Frequently Asked Questions
Summary
- Takoyaki is a representative street food of Osaka.
- It originated at "会津屋" and developed from radyo-yaki.
- There are many popular shops in Dotonbori, Namba, and Umeda!
- The key is to enjoy them hot, and you can change the flavor with toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where did takoyaki originate?
A: It was created in 1935 at Osaka’s "会津屋" (Aizuya).
Q: Are there takoyaki fillings other than octopus?
A: In Akashiyaki (Hyogo Prefecture), eel (anago) is sometimes used instead of octopus.
Q: Can I take takoyaki to go?
A: Takeout packs are available, but it’s best to eat them as quickly as possible!
Finally
When you come to Osaka, takoyaki is a must-try food!
Enjoy authentic flavors in Dotonbori or Umeda,
and have fun finding your own takoyaki style with different toppings and ways of eating them!
When traveling in Osaka, be sure to try hot, fresh takoyaki!
