What is Takoyaki?

Question

What is Takoyaki?

TasteAtlas · Accepted Answer

The small, round takoyaki are one of the most famous Japanese snacks, made with a simple egg batter that is enriched with diced octopus pieces. These tiny balls get their signature shape from the traditional iron pan in which they are grilled. The pan is filled with small round molds in which the batter is poured and swirled until the traditional round shape has been developed.

The creamy egg mix consists of wheat flour, soy sauce, and dashi stock, and after it has been poured into the sizzling molds it is topped with tender octopus pieces. Sliced scallions, pickled ginger, crispy fried tenkasu pieces, and dried fish flakes are often incorporated to elevate the flavors of the dish.

Takoyaki is believed to have originated in Osaka in 1935, and the invention of this Japanese classic is usually linked to Endo Tomekichi, a street vendor who used to sell chobayaki pancakes which were baked in similar molds. Read more

He added boiled octopus and other flavorings to create what would become one of the favorite Japanese snacks. Although octopus is the traditional complement to takoyaki, homemade varieties can include many different ingredients. Takoyaki can be found everywhere in Japan: at numerous food courts, stores, bought from street vendors, or served in specialized takoyaki restaurants.

They are always served hot and are usually sold in packs of eight or twelve pieces. Traditionally, each serving is topped with a thick takoyaki sauce (similar to Worcestershire sauce), Japanese mayonnaise, a sprinkle of dried seaweed, and a layer of smoky fish flakes.