Takoyaki – fried octopus balls. Soooo yummy!
If you haven’t had any before, they’re basically made of batter and tempura-like stuff with a few pieces of octopus in the center. The outside is then drenched in some sauce and it is super good
“Japanese dumpling made of batter, diced or whole baby octopus, tempura scraps (tenkasu), pickled ginger, and green onion, topped with okonomiyaki sauce, ponzu, mayonnaise, green laver (aonori), and katsuobushi (fish shavings)” – Wikipedia
The first time I had it was at a Japanese street fair in my city with my cousin. They had a takoyaki stand but it took them a long time to make them and the line of people was super long. I think my cousin and I waited 1-2 hours just to get our takoyaki. This time it took less than 3 minutes to wait in line and it might have even tasted better than my first try. I keep hoping my takoyaki will be crunchy, but it’s always more mushy. I guess it depends on how they make it, but I think we would prefer a crunch to our little octopus balls.
This was all at a japanese market, by the way. We ate in the food court and had some chicken curry katsu. The eating area can get really crowded sometimes and it being a Saturday it was pretty much packed today. There was some lady who literally stood right next to me as I finished the last few bites of my food, and as soon as we got up they sat down at our table right away. That place is hardcore! Gotta fight for your territory, haha.