When you think of Osaka, chances are that takoyaki—the iconic octopus-filled street snack—immediately comes to mind. And right now, this dynamic city is in the global spotlight thanks to the Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, currently underway. With this world-class event drawing more and more international visitors, there's no better time to dive into one of Osaka’s most beloved food traditions: takoyaki.
In this guide, we’ll introduce five must-visit takoyaki spots that are perfect to drop by during your Expo adventure. Each one offers a unique twist on the dish, giving you a flavorful way to connect with the deeper cultural soul of Osaka.
What Makes Takoyaki Culture in Osaka So Special?
Takoyaki is more than just a snack in Osaka—it’s soul food. Since the Showa era, locals have enjoyed these golden, crispy-on-the-outside, gooey-on-the-inside balls of batter and octopus from street stalls, festival booths, and specialty shops. The classic combination includes a savory dashi-infused batter, a chewy chunk of octopus, and a crispy shell, often topped with sauce, mayo, and bonito flakes.
But takoyaki has evolved. These days, you’ll find everything from traditional versions to creative reinterpretations and even home-cooking kits. For Expo visitors from around the world, takoyaki is an essential—and delightfully approachable—gateway into Japan’s unique “konamon” (flour-based food) culture.
1. Takoyaki Doraku Wanaka (Main Store)
(Source.1:https://tabelog.com/osaka/A2701/A270202/27002320/dtlphotolst/smp2/)
Located in the bustling Sennichimae district near Namba Grand Kagetsu theater, Wanaka has been serving up classic takoyaki since 1986. Their ideal texture—crispy outside, melty inside—is achieved using premium ingredients like fine flour and carefully seasoned dashi. Cooked on highly conductive copper plates, the takoyaki are expertly flipped with a single pick in a mesmerizing display of craftsmanship.
Flavor-wise, you’ve got options: from the house-made signature sauce to salt, soy-based dashi sauce, spicy options, and even ponzu. With 20 seats downstairs, 60 upstairs, and takeaway available, this spot is perfect for a snack break after a day at the Expo.
(Source.2:https://tabelog.com/osaka/A2701/A270202/27002320/dtlphotolst/smp2/)
(Source.3:https://tabelog.com/osaka/A2701/A270202/27002320/dtlphotolst/smp2/)
2. Aizuya (Main Store)
(Source.1:https://www.aiduya.com/)
Often credited as the birthplace of takoyaki, Aizuya traces its roots back to 1933, when it first served “radio-yaki”—a grilled snack with beef tendon and konjac. Over time, it evolved into what we now know as takoyaki. Unique among takoyaki shops, Aizuya doesn’t use sauce. Instead, they let the richly dashi-flavored batter shine on its own.
For those who want to tweak the taste, condiments like chili powder or vinegar soy sauce are available. The shop features a climate-controlled eat-in space where you can try assorted platters or a beer set. You can also buy take-home takoyaki mix and frozen takoyaki, so the taste of Osaka can travel with you.
(Source.2:https://www.aiduya.com/)
(Source.3:https://tabelog.com/osaka/A2701/A270406/27001123/dtlphotolst/smp2/)
3. Takoya Dotonbori Kukuru (Main Store)
(Source.1:https://tabelog.com/osaka/A2701/A270202/27001546/dtlphotolst/smp2/)
Smack in the middle of Dotonbori—Osaka’s entertainment hotspot—you’ll spot Kukuru by its giant octopus sign. With a 36-year history, this beloved shop offers not just takoyaki but a full lineup of creative octopus dishes like octopus rice bowls and octopus hotpot.
Their standout item? The “Surprise Takoyaki,” featuring a huge tentacle bursting from the ball. The interior blends traditional and modern Japanese design, and its convenient location—just three minutes from Namba Station and a short walk from Shinsaibashi or Nipponbashi—makes it easy to swing by between shopping and sightseeing.
(Source.2:https://tabelog.com/osaka/A2701/A270202/27001546/dtlphotolst/smp2/)
(Source.3:https://tabelog.com/osaka/A2701/A270202/27001546/dtlphotolst/smp2/)
4. Kogaryu (Main Store)
(Source.1:https://kougaryu.jp/menu/)
A staple of the trendy Amerika-mura district since 1974, Kogaryu is said to be the originator of the "criss-cross mayo" takoyaki style. Their secret lies in the batter—crafted with seven kinds of dashi (including kelp and dried sardines), yam, and hidden spices for maximum umami and perfect puffing.
They sear premium octopus quickly over high heat, preserving its juicy texture inside the savory shell. The sauce, sweetened with apples and onions, is house-made and perfectly balanced. In addition to classic mayo, they offer a variety of toppings like soy sauce and green onion with ponzu. Local charm and active social media presence keep this place buzzing with fans.
(Source.2:https://kougaryu.jp/menu/)
5. Abeno Takoyaki Yamachan (Main Store)
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Last but not least is Yamachan, a beloved local favorite in Abeno. This shop is famous for its crispy-outside, gooey-inside takoyaki made from a meticulously crafted batter blending Japanese-style dashi (kelp and bonito) with a chicken-based soup boiled for four hours alongside ten types of fruits and vegetables.
Cooked on extra-thick iron plates, each ball achieves the perfect harmony of rich aroma and silky interior. Their products are also available online, including takoyaki flour and gift sets—perfect souvenirs or ways to relive your Osaka memories at home.
(Source.2:https://takoyaki-yamachan.net/point/)
(Source.3:https://takoyaki-yamachan.net/shoplist/%e6%9c%ac%e5%ba%97/)
Final Thoughts
Each of these five takoyaki shops showcases the diversity and depth of Osaka’s culinary culture. After witnessing visions of the future at Expo 2025, take time to explore the delicious traditions of the present—and past—through these irresistible bites. With every mouthful, you’ll taste the warmth of the city and the skill of the craftsmen who keep Osaka’s food culture alive.
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