Osaka Namba Takoyaki: Takoshogun & Takoyakiza Reviewed
Craving authentic takoyaki in Osaka's Namba district? Discover two local favorites, Takoshogun and Takoyakiza, for that unique, gooey goodness you won't forget. Delicious adventure!
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Craving authentic takoyaki in Osaka's Namba district? Discover two local favorites, Takoshogun and Takoyakiza, for that unique, gooey goodness you won't forget. Delicious adventure!
Osaka Namba's Must-Try Restaurants
Two Takoyaki Hotspots
Tako Shogun, Takoyakiza
Words & Photos ©HighBooboo
Did you know that the takoyaki we eat in Korea is quite different from
authentic Osaka-style takoyaki?
Unlike the Korean style, where the batter is thoroughly cooked, resulting in a crispy exterior and a moist, tender interior,
Osaka-style takoyaki has a golden-brown crust but a surprisingly gooey, almost 'undercooked' texture inside.
But let me tell you, this texture is incredibly delicious and captivating—
once you try it, you'll be hooked!
When I visited Osaka, I was so enamored that I had 'one takoyaki a day' and explored countless takoyaki spots!
Today, I'm thrilled to share two of my absolute favorite takoyaki places
that I savored near Namba!
Tako Shogun Hours : 7:30 PM ~ 12:00 AM Closed : Sundays, Mondays Location : 2 Chome-3-32 Higashishinsaibashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka |
Our first fantastic spot is Tako Shogun,
nestled in the vibrant entertainment district near Dotonbori.
What makes it unique is its late-night operating hours,
perfect for a delicious snack after an evening out!
It's a cozy little spot tucked away on a street corner, run solely by a passionate owner.
I found it quite fascinating that the kitchen is set up outdoors,
right where the magic happens!
Since many tourist hotels are concentrated in this area,
the menu is conveniently available in four languages, including Korean.
📌They offer just two specialties: takoyaki (8 pieces for ~$4) and
takopizza (8 pieces for ~$6).
Even though there are five griddles ready,
the owner masterfully uses just one, meticulously cooking each batch to order right in front of you.
Watching him artfully form each takoyaki into perfect spheres,
you can truly feel the spirit of a dedicated artisan!
📍We opted for the soy sauce flavor, ordering 8 pieces.
It's a simple yet perfect combination:
a dollop of mayonnaise, a sprinkle of parsley and katsuobushi,
all finished with a light drizzle of savory soy sauce.
The batter itself is seasoned to perfection,
offering a subtle savory taste.
It's a truly unique flavor where the authentic essence of the takoyaki shines through,
rather than being overshadowed by heavy sauces.
This spot serves up genuinely delicious takoyaki. If you're staying nearby, I highly recommend making a stop!
Takoyakiza Hours : 9:00 AM ~ 12:00 AM (Weekends) 10:00 AM ~ 12:00 AM (Weekdays) Closed : Open Daily Location : 12-2 Nanbasennichimae, Chuo Ward, Osaka |
Our second stop is Takoyakiza, conveniently located near Nankai Namba Station.
This takoyaki & teppan specialty restaurant was actually our very last culinary treat
before heading to the airport—a perfect farewell bite!
Takoyaki can be ordered from 6 to 15 pieces,
in increments of 3,
and the more you order, the cheaper it gets!
This restaurant also offers 7 different flavors,
including sauce, soy sauce, garlic soy sauce, and ponzu.
📍Here, I tried ordering 6 pieces with the 'sauce' flavor!
While it's not a place with long queues,
it has a good turnover, so they're constantly making fresh takoyaki.
However, instead of being cooked by a Japanese artisan,
it's made by foreign part-time staff,
which gave it a slightly mass-produced feel.
The toppings are quite standard,
but their signature is generously drizzling sauce over everything!
Also, it seemed the batter was much softer,
as the takoyaki looked a bit deflated.
The takoyaki tasted surprisingly good!
Of course, with so much sweet and savory sauce,
that might have contributed to the overall impression.
It's a decent spot to grab a bite if you're passing by and craving takoyaki,
but it's not necessarily a 'must-visit' destination!
I've just introduced you to two takoyaki hotspots in Osaka's Namba district,
that I personally visited.
✅Tako Shogun offers generously sized takoyaki,
and the taste and hygiene are both excellent,
so it's definitely worth a visit!
✅As for Takoyakiza, the taste is decent,
but the cleanliness leaves a little to be desired,
so it's not a place you absolutely *have* to seek out.
Refer to the hotspot information I've shared,
and make sure to try some takoyaki in Osaka!
▼ Discover more Osaka Takoyaki Hotspots ▼
Tako Shogun operates from late evening, 7:30 PM until 12:00 AM (midnight). Its regular holidays are Sundays and Mondays.
Tako Shogun sells only two menu items: Takoyaki (8 pieces for 700 yen) and Tako Pizza (8 pieces for 900 yen). The menu is available in 4 languages, including Korean.
At Takoyakiza, you can order takoyaki in increments of 3 pieces, from 6 to 15 pieces. You can choose from a total of 7 flavors, including sauce, soy sauce, garlic soy sauce, and ponzu.
At Tako Shogun, the passionate owner personally makes each order on a single griddle. In contrast, at Takoyakiza, the takoyaki is made by foreign part-time staff, which might give it a more mass-produced feel.
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