02 Takoyaki

Wheat flour-based batter is poured into the half-spherical molds in an iron griddle, and octopus is thrown in. The batter then fries as you stir and rotate it. This strange ball-shaped food is called “takoyaki” (meaning fried or grilled octopus). The surface is savory and a bit crunchy, and inside is the octopus, with the texture of having been boiled in the creamy batter. Combined with a delicious sauce, the flavor is superb.
While it’s usually eaten as a snack, in Japan’s Kansai region it can be found lined up on the dinner table as an honored main dish. (It’s said that every family has the takoyaki pan needed to make these.)
If you find yourself visiting Kansai, you should be sure to try takoyaki. While it may appear strange to someone not familiar with it, you’re sure to come to appreciate and respect it.