A Japanese takoyaki giant makes its U.S. debut in a food court in Gardena this week.
Gindaco, a large chain restaurant that specializes in the golf ball-sized street food of wheat flour batter with fillings such as octopus and pickled ginger, opens at 5 p.m. Aug. 1 at the newly renovated food hall inside Tokyo Central, a Japanese supermarket at 1740 Artesia Blvd. in Gardena.
“It’s nice comfort food. It’s in every street corner (in Japan) and it’s amazing” said Tomoko Imade Dyen, a spokesperson for the company.
And you may want to be at the front of the line when doors open because the first 50 customers on opening day will get a coupon for a free order of takoyaki on their next visit.
The takoyaki chain’s first U.S. outpost will then be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily to serve the savory fried snacks which are made with tender octopus inside and eaten with a variety of toppings.
The company will bring many of its best sellers from Japan to Gardena, including The Original, which is served with a sweet and tangy sauce, seaweed and smoky bonito flakes and the cheese and mentako (cod roe). There will also U.S.-only offerings like a scallion and Sriracha takoyaki.
“It’s just nice and spicy which people like here,” she said, referring to the U.S. only items.