Japanese food Takoyaki is recommended at Itami airport in Osaka

When you use the Itami airport, I recommend you to try “Takoyaki”.

Kukuru’s takoyaki is very mellow and delicious, so you should definitely try it.
The outer (flour dough) is soft, but the octopus inside is plump, giving it a unique texture that will make you addicted to it.
The soup stock is strong and the sauce has a strong taste, so it goes well with beer:)

What is Takoyaki?

Takoyaki (たこ焼き) is a popular Japanese street food and snack that originated in Osaka, Japan. The name “takoyaki” literally translates to “grilled octopus,” and it consists of small, round, batter-coated balls typically filled with octopus pieces and various other ingredients.

Here’s how takoyaki is typically made and served:

1. Ingredients:
   • Takoyaki batter: A mixture of flour, water, eggs, and dashi (a Japanese fish and kelp stock).
   • Octopus: Small pieces of octopus are a central ingredient.
   • Tenkasu: Crispy bits of deep-fried tempura batter.
   • Beni shoga: Pickled red ginger.
   • Green onion: Chopped green onions are used as a topping.
   • Takoyaki sauce: A savory-sweet sauce similar to Worcestershire sauce.
   • Katsuobushi: Bonito flakes.
   • Aonori: Dried seaweed flakes.
   • Mayonnaise: Often drizzled on top for extra flavor.
2. Cooking Process:
   • A special takoyaki pan with half-spherical molds is used to cook the dish.
   • The pan is preheated, and each mold is filled with the batter mixture.
   • A piece of octopus, along with tenkasu, is placed in each mold.
   • As the batter starts to cook and solidify, it’s shaped into a ball using special metal picks.
   • The balls are rotated to ensure even cooking and a crispy, golden exterior.
   • Once fully cooked, they’re served piping hot.
3. Toppings and Presentation:
   • Takoyaki balls are traditionally garnished with a special takoyaki sauce, mayonnaise, aonori, and katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes).
   • The bonito flakes “dance” on the hot takoyaki due to the heat and create an appealing visual effect.

Takoyaki is a delicious and iconic street food in Japan, loved for its combination of flavors and textures. It’s often enjoyed at festivals, food stalls, and dedicated takoyaki specialty shops. Making takoyaki at home has also become popular, with people customizing the fillings and toppings according to their preferences.