If you are in Japan and you want to try some non-touristy food then Takoyaki is what you have been looking for. Takoyaki is a street food that is most prevalent in Osaka. ‘Tako’ is Japanese for ‘octopus’ and ‘yaki’ is the word for ‘cook’. Takoyaki is made by pan frying little dough balls in a half circle griddle. A small piece of cooked octopus is then added to the center and the mixture is flipped over so that it forms into a ball. This results in a gooey dough center and crispy outside. What happens after the takoyaki has been cooked will depend on where you are eating. In Eastern Japan it is most common for it be covered in a dark sweet-soy sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes.

Check out the ‘Cooking with a Dog’ video above to make your very own takoyaki. ‘Cooking with a Dog’ is the best!

WARNING: eating takoyaki immediately after it has been cooked will most likely burn your mouth! I have done this many times and it extremely painful.

If you are not sure where to go for takoyaki try out the chain store ‘Gindaco’. Gindaco is common throughout Japan and their takoyaki is very good.

Gindaco

Takoyaki from Gindaco