Osaka is one of the largest cities in Japan as well as one of the country’s top tourist destinations. Aside from tourist attractions such as Osaka Castle, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan and Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel, the city is also home to a smorgasbord of local delights that are sure to make your taste buds happy. One of their most famous snacks is takoyaki, otherwise known as octopus balls. These balls, made with fried wheat-based batter and filled with diced octopus, originated in Osaka and are a favourite with the locals and tourists alike. Though the dish is normally made with octopus filling, there are versions with shrimp or other seafood. The balls are usually garnished with a generous serving of takoyaki sauce, Japanese mayonnaise, dried laver, and bonito flakes. Served piping hot, this street food is a must-try while you explore the lovely city of Osaka. Read on to find the best takoyaki shops in Osaka, Japan.
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1. Creo-Ru Takoyaki & Okonomiyaki
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by on Monday, March 21, 2022
Creo-Ru Takoyaki & Okonomiyaki serves delicious takoyaki right in the bustling streets of Dotonbori. They serve the traditional version of takoyaki with bonito flakes and mayo, as well as more Western flavours such as cheese takoyaki. If you want to explore the different items on their menu, try the okonomiyaki. Sometimes, it may take a while for them to cook these delicious treats, but it sure is worth the wait!
Creo-Ru Takoyaki & Okonomiyaki
Address: 1 Chome-6-4 Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan
Website: Creo-Ru Takoyaki & Okonomiyaki
Opening hours: 10am - 11pm (daily)
2. Kogaryu Takoyaki
A popular stall in Osaka, Kogaryu Takoyaki’s servings are soft, delicious and definitely addictive. Experience bliss as the balls burst in your mouth and release the flavours. Options include yuzu takoyaki, pepper and lemon takoyaki and even takoyaki sandwiches. There is also a variety of sauces that you can choose from.
With years of experience, the store has honed the craft and customers all leave with a happy tummy. There are bright stools inside the shop for you to sit and munch on the treats.
Kogaryu Takoyaki
Address: 2 Chome-18-4 Nishishinsaibashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0086, Japan
Website: Kogaryu Takoyaki
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10:30am - 8:30pm; Sun - 10:30am - 8pm
3. Takoyaki Wanaka Sennichimae
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
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Posted by on Friday, April 17, 2020
Takoyaki Wanaka Sennichimae is a go-to place for street food lovers in Osaka. A cosy corner shop that’s especially bustling at night, the establishment offers warm takoyaki that will fill you up. The portion sizes are big enough and the flavours are strong as the takoyaki comes well-stuffed with squid. Combined with seaweed, bonito flakes and a touch of mayo, the delectable dish creates a wonderful blend of flavours in your mouth.
If you’re visiting this shop on a busy night or the weekend, be prepared to join a queue!
Takoyaki Wanaka Sennichimae
Address: 11-19 Nanbasennichimae, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0075, Japan
Website: Takoyaki Wanaka Sennichimae
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10:30am - 9pm; Sat - Sun: 9:30am - 9pm
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4. Aizuya Umeda Store
Aizuya Umeda Store has its roots all the way back in 1933. It’s a bit unique compared to other takoyaki stalls because of its diverse menu. You can try takoyaki with soup, sauce, or mayo, and may even check out ones with beef fillings. They also serve takoyaki without sauce so you can get the actual taste of the delicacy.
The balls are light, crisp and bite-sized so that you can enjoy the swirl of flavours in your mouth all in one go.
Aizuya Umeda Store
Address: 3-2-Umeda Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture Umesankoji
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 10:30pm; Sat: 10am - 10:30pm; Sun: 10am - 9:30pm
5. Takoyaki Yamachan Honten
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Dubbed one of Osaka’s most popular takoyaki joints, Takoyaki Yamachan Honten is a small kiosk that definitely deserves a reputation. Here, you can choose form a variety of versions of takoyaki - plain, with laver and sauce or with cheese. Everyone loves a good takoyaki ball that’s crispy on the outside yet gooey and soft on the inside, and this stall delivers just that.
The shop even serves Akashiyaki, Yakisoba and grilled quid, in case you’re in the mood to try something else. Additionally, you may purchase frozen takoyaki from here to enjoy at home.
Takoyaki Yamachan Honten
Address: 1 Chome-2-34 Abenosuji, Abeno Ward, Osaka, 545-0052, Japan
Website: Takoyaki Yamachan Honten
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 10pm; Sun: 11am - 9:30pm
6. Kukuru
Kukuru lies on a busy Dotombori street with a giant octopus figurine on its door - it’s a sight you can’t miss. What makes it even more unique is that a cute takoyaki theme song plays all the while you are waiting in the long queue it attracts. Aside from serving the usual takoyaki flavours with sauce and cheese, they also have their very own “Surprise Takoyaki” dish. Spoilers ahead if you don’t want the surprise ruined! The surprise dish comes with even chunkier bits of octopus that are deliciously chewy.
The best part? This shop comes with a make-your-own-takoyaki option! Feel free to customise your own mouthwatering treat!
Kukuru
Address: Japan, 〒542-0071 Osaka, Chuo Ward, Dotonbori, 1 Chome−6−12 コナモンミュージアム内
Website: Kukuru
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 9pm; Sat - Sun: 10:30am - 9pm
7. Dotonbori Akaoni
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
This takoyaki stall was awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition, so you can already tell that this is a place worth checking out. With the friendly staff and some of the best takoyaki in Osaka, this shop is sure to impress you.
The takoyaki here is soft and fresh with a delicate flavour. A must-try variation is the one with melted cheese on top. Choose from the sweet sauce or the spicy sauce or maybe try the one that’s dipped in fish soup.
Dotonbori Akaoni
Address: Japan, 〒534-0016 Osaka, Miyakojima Ward, Tomobuchicho, 2 Chome−13−34 ベルファ都島 １Ｆ フードコート内
Website: Dotonburi Akaoni
Opening hours: 11am - 10pm (daily)
8. Hanadako
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Fragrant, crispy and soft are the adjectives most commonly used to describe the takoyaki at Hanadako. The batter is sure to impress you, along with the juicy filling with large bits of fresh octopus. The takoyaki is served piping hot, a perfect evening snack to fill you up. Most customers recommend trying their takoyaki with mayo and green onions. Note that there’s no seating area at the stall, but you can still enjoy these delicious treats on the go.
Hanadako
Address: Japan, 〒530-0017 Osaka, Kita Ward, Kakudacho, 9−16 大阪新梅田食道街 １階
Website: Hanadako
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)
9. Wanaka Namba
Wanaka Namba offers both dine-in and takeaway services and serves hot and fresh takoyaki that is made with love. The balls are baked on a copper plate to ensure that they have the perfect crispy texture outside and a soft melting filling inside. The flour, too, is finely textured to produce the most delicious takoyaki. The octopus bits are chewy and gooey, complementing the fragrant batter surrounding them.
You can choose your own sauce to customise these delectable treats according to your taste.
Wanaka Namba
Address: 3 Chome-7-24 Nanba, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0076, Japan
Website: Wanaka Namba
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11:30am - 9pm; Sat - Sun: 11am - 9pm
10. Atchichi-hompo Dotombori
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Open all the way past midnight, Atchichi-hompo Dotonbori is the perfect spot for a late-night snack. You’ll love the cute inflatable octopus displayed outside! Inside, there are tables and chairs for you to sit on, as well as a TV for entertainment.
The takoyaki is made on iron plates here, instead of copper ones. The balls are delicious, with their thin crispy skin and melt-in-the-mouth filling. The establishment also uses sauce that’s made from scratch in their factory. The owners recommend trying takoyaki with soy sauce and mayonnaise. Additionally, here you can pair the tasty snack with a glass of chilled beer!
Atchichi-hompo Dotonbori
Address: 7-19 Souemoncho, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0084, Japan
Website: Atchichi-hompo Dotonbori
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 9am - 2am; Fri - Sat: 9am - 5am
Relish the best takoyaki in Osaka, Japan
Takoyaki is a must-try delicacy if you’re planning a trip to Japan. You surely wouldn’t want to miss out on this iconic snack that’s a favourite among locals and tourists. Osaka boasts numerous stalls and shops selling takoyaki. Use our guide to find a stall near you and get lost in the flavours of this amazing snack!
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