If you’ve ever walked through the neon-lit streets of Osaka, you’ve probably caught that unmistakable smell, warm, savory, slightly smoky, pulling you toward a takoyaki stand. These little golden-brown octopus balls (yes, octopus) are crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and packed with flavor.
But takoyaki isn’t just a snack. It’s a mood. It’s matsuri (festival) culture in a bite. And if you watch anime, you’ve definitely seen it pop up during beach episodes, school festivals, or chaotic food fights.
Even better? You can make it yourself at home. All you need is a takoyaki pan (or a poffertjes pan if you’re Dutch and crafty), a few ingredients, and maybe a friend to eat the balls with. Or by yourself, we don’t judge.
Ingredients (makes ~30 pieces)🥢
For the batter:
140 g wheat flour
1 tsp baking powder
2 eggs
1 tsp soy sauce
1/4 tsp salt
Oil (for frying)
For the stock (dashi):
480 ml water
Filling:
200 g octopus (bite-sized chunks)
3 spring onions (thinly sliced)
Pickled red ginger (finely chopped)
Toppings:
Japanese mayonnaise
Okonomiyaki sauce
Optional:
Aonori (seaweed flakes)
Katsuobushi (bonito flakes that dramatically wave in the heat like they’re alive)
Tools:
Takoyaki pan (or poffertjes pan / cake pop maker)
Squeeze bottle
Skewers or chopsticks for flipping
How to Make Takoyaki (a.k.a. how to become a snack hero)
1. Make your dashi.
Boil the water, stir in the dashi powder, and let it cool down like a samurai staring into the distance.
2. Prep the filling.
Chop everything into small bits. You want a piece of octopus in every ball.
3. Mix the batter.
Sift flour and baking powder into a big bowl. Add eggs, cooled dashi, soy sauce, and salt. Mix until smooth. Pour into a squeeze bottle for easy filling (or spoon it in like a chaotic neutral).
4. Heat the pan.
Brush each mold generously with oil. More than you think. Takoyaki is not the time to be shy.
5. Fill and flip.
Squeeze in the batter till each mold is full. Add a chunk of octopus, spring onion, and ginger. Let it cook for 1–2 minutes, then start flipping with a skewer. Rotate little by little until the balls are round and golden. Add more batter if needed. Channel your inner Hatchan.
6. Top and serve.
Drizzle with mayo and okonomiyaki sauce. Shower with bonito flakes and aonori. Serve hot. Take photos. Feel proud.
👉 Pro Tip:
No octopus? No problem. Try shrimp, cheese, kimchi, or whatever fits your taste. If it fits in a ball, it most likely belongs in a takoyaki.
Takoyaki in Anime🐙
Food is practically a main character in anime, and takoyaki gets more screen time than some characters.
One Piece – Hachi the octopus fish-man literally runs a takoyaki stand. Who better to make it than a guy with eight arms?
Dragon Ball Super – Features a Russian Roulette Takoyaki game where one ball is stuffed with wasabi. Chaos. Tears. Comedy gold.
Do you know more anime scenes with Takoyaki? Let us know!
Takoyaki Trivia You Didn’t Ask For (But Now You Know)🎌
Name breakdown – Tako = octopus, yaki = grilled. No mystery here.
Festival favorite – Similar to pofferrtjes or oliebollen at a Dutch fair, but with way more flavour and more squid.
The pan is key – Cast-iron pans with round molds let you spin and sear to perfection.
Global blow-up – Outside Japan, anything goes. Think cheese, bacon, or sweet dessert versions.
Taste It IRL at Heroes Made in Asia!
Reading about takoyaki is one thing, but eating it while surrounded by cosplayers, Manga and Voice Actors from your favorite Anime? That’s the dream.
At Heroes Made in Asia, you can try authentic takoyaki fresh from Japanese food stands that bring all the festival vibes, minus the plane ticket to Osaka.
🗓️ Early Bird Tickets drop November 14 at 12:00
Get yours before they vanish faster than a plate of hot takoyaki at a Goku family dinner. 🎟️✨
