
Takoyaki (たこ焼き), literally means ‘fried octopus’, is a specialty dish from Osaka. Every ball contains a small piece of octopus (Tako) as its main ingredient. Some people call it ‘octopus balls’ or ‘octopus dumplings’ in English but I think the name ‘Takoyaki’ is getting well known worldwide nowadays.
Takoyaki is similar to Okonomiyaki in its taste and that it uses a flour-based batter with dashi stock. Very savory with a lot of umami. However, unlike Okonomiyaki, it is grilled on a special iron plate with many round wells so they are in little round ball shape. And very CREAMY inside, for that everyone can’t help falling in love with Takoyaki
It is a popular casual street food. You can buy it from a takoyaki stand on the street, and some Izakaya restaurants have it on their menu. But it’s also cooked at home. In Osaka, every family has their own Takoyaki pan/hot plate! That is not always in other areas.
Don’t like octopus? No problem! We enjoy other alternatives at home.
We sometimes bring ingredients you like and make a Takoyaki party too. It is always fun to make them yourself with your friends and family!
In this class, we will prepare different ingredients for you to choose from.
My suggestions for other fillings can be;
Squid
Chikuwa (fish cake)
Shrimp
Crab sticks
Sausages
Canned tuna
Cheese
We will be making Japanese sweets using the Takoyaki pan too.
If you want to try Takoyaki but don’t like octopus, this class is the choice for you!
I can also introduce where to buy a Takoyaki pan for you to bring back home.