I heard, Osaka is known for its delicious takoyaki. I am not a takoyaki expert but I have eaten a lot of them, and I wanted the real one. 😆 I mean, I should at least eat takoyaki while I am in Japan, right?
Right away, I searched for a takoyaki shop that was not a touristy one because I bet I would line up for hours just to eat them in minutes. Google was a big help in always looking for these hidden gems.
Pochi Takoyaki was just a walk from Tengachaya Station and the shop was visible from so no sweat looking for it. 😁 The shop was manned by three staff and I guess the two were part-time students, and the older guy was the owner.
Just from afar, I can literally hear the sizzle of the griddle which made me even hungrier. 😆 tsss tsss 🔥
A closer look at the griddle. It was hot just a few feet away from it.
There were seats available facing the kitchen.Yey, I can see some cooking action while we wait. 😁 The shop was not that big that I can hear the chatters of the staff, so at this point, I was getting used to small spaces. 😁 We were just the customers and some drunk grandmas at a separate table. They were giggling and gossiping out as they jugged their beers.
The staff handed us the menu. He was so kind and at the same time, I could tell on his face he was curious and about to ask questions. He asked us where we were from. I told him to take a guess, and he got it wrong. 😅 I said, "Oh, that was close!". I like locals who start a convo because it's giving a warm welcoming. 😌
Back to the menu, here is step-by-step instruction on how you would like your takoyaki.
Step 1: Choose your set of Takoyaki. 6, 8 and 10 pieces.
Step 2: The flavor or the taste of choice. Soy sauce, ponzu, salt, or plain.
Step 3: Toppings. Bonito, mayonnaise, green onion.
Step 4: Just the add-ons like cheese.
Step 5: Eat and enjoy! 🐙
On the other side of the menu are the combo sets. They serve beer, soft drink, and karaage.
We chose the 6-set of takoyaki so that we can eat other variants. While waiting for our orders, we got our cola in a clear mug. Perhaps beers are more popular here.
It was hot inside because of the air coming from the griddle, plus it was Summer and no air conditioner. As I sipped on my ice-cold cola, my eyes were glued on the baseball game on the television while my peripheral vision was on the side looking the way they cooked the takoyaki.
We got the 2 sets of 6-set takoyakis- mayonnaise and green onion toppings and the cheese. I ruined the cheese on top.🥲 I forgot that I was taking pictures for the blog. But whatever, it will taste the same.
The first bite sent me heaven. 🥲
It was worth the hot weather and enduring an all-day walk. A little smoke came out as I sliced it with my chopsticks. Oh, I cannot wait for it to cool down. So impatient of me! 😆 This takoyaki was too good not to eat it right away. So I bite it and I got a burn on the top of my mouth. Ouch.
Perfectly cooked! 😩
Golden brown exterior and a gooey inside. Almost like a batter but I know it was cooked. It had a deep smokey flavor and a bit salty. Every flavor has a purpose in this dish. Texture, temperature, taste- everything was chef's kiss.👌🏻
AHHHH the cheese string moment! 😆
I tried to pick the cheese on top of the takoyaki of the thought that it would just stay on its form. Oh, no-- it stretched soooo long😆 I did not wanted to touch the table or else, I will not experience the cheesy takoyaki, haha. We were giggling, pulling the cheese until I cannot function due to overlaughing. We looked ridiculous but hella fun. 😁
Laughing about cheese is ridiculous, but that made our takoyaki food trip a moment. The shop reminded us of yummy food, kind staff, and good laugh. It was about sharing the perfect bites to people who are your same insanity, haha. ☺️ Ahh~ I cannot wait for another takoyaki discovery~!☺️
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That is it for this blog. I will see you at the next one!
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