Osaka is Japan's second-largest city after Tokyo. It is home to 7% of Japan's total population and about 10% of foreign residents in Japan.
Osaka has long flourished as a commercial city with thriving logistics. As its port developed, high-quality food such as rice, fish, and vegetables gathered abundantly from all over Japan. Around 1700, it came to be called "Tenka no Daidokoro" (The Nation's Kitchen).
Osaka developed its unique food culture using wheat flour, including cheap and delicious "Takoyaki", "Okonomiyaki", and "Kushi katsu", collectively called "Konamon" (dishes made with flour). With numerous famous sake-producing regions nearby such as "Ikeda" in northern Osaka and "Nada" and "Itami" in Hyogo Prefecture, Osaka is affectionately known as "Kuidaore no Machi" (The City of Extravagant Eating).
Among these, the most popular specialty originating from Osaka is undoubtedly "Takoyaki". As the birthplace of Takoyaki, Osaka boasts numerous Takoyaki shops.
Every shop maintains high quality, making Osaka a fierce battleground for Takoyaki. In this article, I will introduce some of the best Takoyaki shops in Japan that I can confidently recommend.
What is Osaka's Signature Dish "Takoyaki"?
"Takoyaki" is a local dish originating from Osaka. It's a ball-shaped food made by adding dashi (soup stock) to wheat flour, adding octopus, and grilling it. It was first sold to the public in 1935 by Tomekichi Endo, the founder of "Aizuya", a popular Takoyaki shop that still exists today.
The predecessor of Takoyaki was called "Radio-yaki", which contained konjac and beef instead of octopus, but it wasn't popular. Later, inspired by "Akashi-yaki" from Hyogo Prefecture, which contained octopus, Takoyaki was created.
Initially, it was eaten simply without sauce, but over time, it became common to eat it with sauce and mayonnaise. The contents of the batter also vary depending on the shop, with some including pickled ginger, green onions, and tempura scraps. Now, you can enjoy various variations of Takoyaki.
5 Exquisite Takoyaki Shops in Osaka That Even Locals Rave About
Hanadako
Source:Tabelog
Located near Umeda Station in Osaka Shin-Umeda Shokudogai, "Hanadako" is a popular shop that always has a line. While most Takoyaki usually uses boiled octopus, Hanadako uses raw octopus. The large cuts of raw octopus are springy and satisfying to eat. It pairs perfectly with the dashi-infused creamy batter.
Hanadako offers two types of Takoyaki: a simple version and a luxurious "Negi Mayo" topped with green onions and mayonnaise. There are five sauce options: sauce, ponzu, dashi soy sauce, salt, and shio-dare.
My recommendation is the shio-dare. The spicy shio-dare pairs exceptionally well with the "Negi Mayo". The combination of green onions and dashi-infused batter is addictively delicious.
Basic Information:
- Address: Osaka-fu Osaka-shi Kita-ku Sumidacho 9-26 Osaka Shin-Umeda Shokudogai 1F
- Hours: 10:00-22:00
- Closed: None
- Phone: 06-6372-0313
- website
Takoyaki Juhachiban
Source:Tripadvisor
Takoyaki Juhachiban, with its main store in Osaka, is a popular Takoyaki chain with stores across Japan. The characteristic of Takoyaki Juhachiban's Takoyaki is the abundant tempura scraps. The tempura scraps create a unique crispy texture.
In addition to large pieces of octopus, the ingredients include pickled ginger and small shrimp, resulting in a very rich flavor. Also, milk is added to the batter along with dashi, making for a creamy finish, which is another attractive point.
The Takoyaki starts crunchy and crispy, followed by a rich taste - this is the characteristic of Takoyaki Juhachiban's Takoyaki. Skilled artisans grill each one with soul.
My recommended menu item is "Ohako", which allows you to enjoy three flavors: salt, sauce, and ponzu. Starting with the salt flavor that lets you purely enjoy the umami of the Takoyaki, you can experience different tastes, satisfying even greedy people like me who want to try everything.
Basic Information:
Takoyaki Juhachiban Nishi-Nakajima Main Store
- Address: Osaka-fu Osaka-shi Yodogawa-ku Nishi-Nakajima 3-17-17
- Hours: 12:00-22:00
- Closed: None
- Phone: 06-6306-1853
- website
Kougaryu Main Store
Source: Official website
"Kougaryu Main Store" is the birthplace of "Amikake Mayonnaise", which involves eating Takoyaki with mayonnaise. The mayonnaise, developed specifically for Takoyaki, uses only egg yolks, resulting in less acidity and more of the egg's natural umami. As the originator, they have a strong commitment to mayonnaise, making this shop a must-visit for mayonnaise lovers.
There are four sauce options: "Sauce Mayo", "Shoyu Mayo", "Negi Pon" using ponzu, and "Black Pepper Salt". All sauces pair perfectly with their signature mayonnaise.
My recommendation is the unique "Black Pepper Salt". When you add the provided lemon, a fresh flavor spreads in your mouth. Lemon also pairs excellently with mayonnaise. The lemon neutralizes the oiliness of the Takoyaki, allowing you to enjoy a refreshing taste.
Basic Information:
Osaka Amerika-mura Kougaryu Main Store
- Address: Osaka-fu Osaka-shi Chuo-ku Nishi Shinsaibashi 2-18-4
- Hours: 10:30-20:30 / Saturdays and days before holidays 10:30-21:30
- Closed: None
- Phone: 06-6211-0519
- website
Takoyaki Doraku Wanaka
Source: Official website
At "Takoyaki Doraku Wanaka", you can enjoy Takoyaki with a crispy exterior and soft, creamy interior. The crispy texture is achieved by grilling on a copper plate with high heat conductivity, which the shop prides itself on.
The Takoyaki contains three types of condiments: "green onions", salty "pickled ginger", and crispy "tempura scraps". These condiments contribute to the umami of the Takoyaki, and when you bite into it, the aroma of dashi and the umami of the condiments spread in your mouth.
The springy texture of the octopus, the main ingredient, is also an attractive point. The shop's specialty, simple "Kamadaki Salt", is the recommended way to eat, allowing you to enjoy the pure taste of the Takoyaki itself.
Of course, they also offer standard flavors like "Spicy Sauce", "Dashi Soy Sauce", and "Ponzu". Please enjoy it as is or with your preferred sauce.
Basic Information:
Sennichimae Main Store
- Address: Osaka-fu Osaka-shi Chuo-ku Namba Sennichimae 11-19
- Hours: Mon-Fri 10:30-21:00 / 9:30-21:00
- Closed: None
- Phone: 06-6631-0127
- website
Original Takoyaki Aiduya
Source: Official website
"Aiduya" is the shop opened by Tomekichi Endo, the developer of Takoyaki. The attractive point of this shop is that it has maintained the same taste since 1935 when Takoyaki was first sold.
Eating without sauce is the original Takoyaki style. While it may seem simple, Aizuya's Takoyaki is concentrated with the umami of dashi. The melting batter and the plump texture of the octopus combine, filling your mouth with the full umami of authentic Takoyaki.
At Aiduya, you can also try "Radio-yaki", the predecessor of Takoyaki. Radio-yaki contains sweet and savory seasoned beef and konjac instead of octopus. You can enjoy a different taste from Takoyaki. It's recommended to try both and compare!
Basic Information:
Aizuya Main Store
- Address: Osaka-fu Osaka-shi Nishinari-ku Tamade Nishi 2-3-1
- Hours: 11:00-21:00
- Closed: None
- Phone: 06-6651-2311
- website
3 Osaka-originated Takoyaki Shops Loved Throughout Japan
Takohachi
Source: Official website
"Takohachi" is also very popular in Osaka, achieving "crispy on the outside, fluffy and melting on the inside." Their Takoyaki, which can be deliciously eaten even without sauce, is popular among tourists.
Using carefully selected ingredients for flour, dashi, and octopus, each Takoyaki is packed with condensed savory flavors. Try tasting their Takoyaki, which has a slight hint of soy sauce, without any toppings.
Of course, sauce and mayonnaise are provided on the table, so you can enjoy it with sauce as well. At the Dotonbori main store, you can enjoy other Osaka delicacies like yakisoba, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu along with drinks. If you want to casually enjoy Osaka gourmet, visit Takohachi.
Basic Information:
Dotonbori Main Store
- Address: Osaka-fu Osaka-shi Chuo-ku Dotonbori 1-5-10
- Hours: 10:00-21:00
-Closed: None
- Phone: 06-6211-4684
- website
Takoya Dotonbori Kukuru
Source:Tabelog
"Takoya Dotonbori Kukuru", characterized by large octopus pieces and a melty texture, is popular not only in Osaka but also in Tokyo and Fukuoka. Adding a splash of white wine as a finishing touch during grilling gives the Takoyaki an accent and a slightly adult flavor.
The Takoyaki topped with sauce, mayonnaise, bonito flakes, and green laver is the quintessential style. Kukuru's Takoyaki has a light texture and is easy to eat, with many customers reportedly buying a second pack.
At the Dotonbori main store, marked by an octopus sign, they sell "Bikkuri Takoyaki" with octopus legs so large they protrude from the Takoyaki. Even as a Japanese person, I was surprised by its visual! It's a must-try item when you visit the Dotonbori main store.
Basic Information:
Dotonbori Main Store
- Address: Osaka-fu Osaka-shi Chuo-ku Dotonbori 1-10-5 Hakua Building 1F
- Hours: Mon-Fri 11:00-21:00 / Sat, Sun, Holidays 10:00-21:00
- Closed: None
- Phone: 06-6212-7381
- website
Abeno Takoyaki Yamachan
Source: Official website
"Abeno Takoyaki Yamachan" boasts a flavorful batter. It's a popular Takoyaki chain that has spread nationwide from "Abeno" in Osaka.
The secret to Abeno Takoyaki Yamachan's deliciousness lies in the dashi extracted from more than 10 ingredients, including bonito and chicken bones. The dashi also includes vegetables and fruits like pineapple and apple, giving it a fruity taste. They use seasonal ingredients, so you can enjoy different flavors depending on the time of year.
Yamachan's Takoyaki is also characterized by its wide variety of flavors. In addition to the standard sauce, you can enjoy various tastes like cheese, sesame oil, and plum vinegar. My recommendation is sesame oil. It has a light texture with a rich flavor, and it pairs excellently with the green onion topping. This shop is recommended for those who want to try Takoyaki with flavors other than sauce.
Basic Information:
Abeno Takoyaki Yamachan Main Store
- Address: Osaka-fu Osaka-shi Abeno-ku Abenosuji 1-2-34
- Hours: Mon-Sat 11:00-23:00 / Sundays and Holidays 11:00-22:00
- Closed: 3rd Thursday of the month, New Year's Day
- Phone: 06-6622-5307
- website
If You Want to Enjoy Takoyaki in Osaka, "TAKOPA" Where Takoyaki Shops Gather is Recommended
source: Official website
In this article, I've introduced 8 popular shops in Osaka. They all look delicious, making it hard to choose, right? For those who want to enjoy the taste of various Takoyaki shops, I recommend "TAKOPA" located in Universal City Walk Osaka. It gathers a total of 6 shops, including some of the ones introduced here.
The space at TAKOPA is like a Takoyaki theme park. In addition to the standard single-flavor serving, all shops offer a 4-flavor assortment, allowing you to enjoy many tastes. It's also recommended to enjoy taste-testing with friends and family.
As a Takoyaki-loving maniac who wants to enjoy various flavors from different shops, I highly recommend this facility.
It's located near Universal Studios Japan, so it's a good idea to visit in conjunction with Universal Studios! It's open until 22:00, so it's also recommended for dinner.
Basic Information:
- Address: Osaka-fu Osaka-shi Konohana-ku Shimaya 6-2-61 Universal City Walk Osaka 4F
- Hours: 11:00-22:00
- Closed: None
- Phone: 06-6464-3080
- website