JPN: Takoyaki Juhachiban (たこ焼十八番)
Certainly way better than being no. 18 in the market!
The dough exhibited a delightful softness with subtle chewiness, studded with crunchy bits that provided a pleasing textural contrast. Inside each ball was a sizeable piece of octopus that was juicy and crunchy. Pika's advice: For an additional ¥200 (~S$1.80), you can get a soft drink of your preference.
Takoyaki, the celebrated Japanese octopus balls, stands as a quintessential street food experience in Osaka. I recall having pretty good ones from Kukuru in my previous visit to the lively Dotonbori district many years ago. This time round, I was drawn to another famous shop that calls itself no. 18, but the origin of the name remains a mystery with no clues provided on their website.
Box of 12 (3 Kinds) ¥1,000 (~S$9.05)
Taste: 8.5/10
The Japanese name of the dish is おはこ 三種盛. Presented before me were twelve delightful pieces of takoyaki with three distinct toppings, my favourite being the grated radish with spring onions and a side of ponzu (Japanese citrus-based sauce) that added depth to the octopus balls with its zesty note. As for the other two, while I leaned more towards the simplicity of salt with seaweed, the other option of Worcestershire sauce and mayonnaise with katsuobushi (Japanese dried bonito flakes) provided a richer experience.
Melon's Rating
Taste: 8.5/10
Takoyaki Juhachiban originated in 1990 from a single store at Nishinakajima in Osaka. At the point of writing, the Dotonbori store is the latest addition to the chain, having opened its doors in 2018.
Takoyaki Juhachiban
(たこ焼十八番)
1-8-26 Dotonbori
Yodogawa, Osaka
Japan
(Daily: 11.00am - 10.00pm)
*Prices quoted are nett prices.
Have a nice meal,
Cliff(y)
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