Speaking of Osaka, Takoyaki is famous. It is a ball-shaped snack with diced octopus inside the soft and fluffy batter, and it is served with sweet and savory sauce and mayonnaise. This time, I introduce the Takoyaki in Umeda, which is the busiest district in Osaka. If someone from another prefecture asks me for a recommendation for Takoyaki, I always suggest this shop.
＃はなだこ ＃たこ焼き ＃Takoyaki ＃新梅田食堂街 ＃梅田 ＃Umeda
very popular by Japanese tourist
Umeda area has been significantly developed over the past few years. The old department stores have been renovated, and shopping malls are under construction. It is the area where most trains enter Osaka, and many people visit. The shop I am introducing this time is “Hanadako,” which has been around in such a modern city since ancient times. In fact, it is located very close to JR Osaka Station and Umeda Station on the Midosuji Line, but it operates quietly.
You can choose from two types of menu items: “Takoyaki” and “Negi-mayo.” I think “Negi-mayo” is “Takoyaki” with added green onions. And you can choose from six different seasonings: sauce, ponzu, dashi soy sauce, salt, and shio-dare. I ordered a 6-piece “Negi-mayo” with sauce seasoning. The counter at the shop is small, but you can also eat there. I got it to go, and they gave me the Takoyaki and green onions separately.
Overwhelming amount of green onions. I think the amount of green onions is the same whether it’s a 6-piece or 10-piece. The amount of green onions in the photo is about half.
This Takoyaki taste is the classic
The taste is the classic Takoyaki flavor. It’s the quintessential taste of Osaka’s Takoyaki. The outside is well-heated, and the inside has a slightly rare texture. The softness of the inside is what makes it delicious. The octopus is also large and has a great texture. It’s best to eat Takoyaki as soon as possible while it’s still hot. Savoring hot Takoyaki is the best. Be careful not to burn your mouth. Takoyaki has different characteristics depending on the shop. Some shops have soft Takoyaki both inside and outside, while others have Takoyaki that is hard on the outside, like fried food, and liquid-like on the inside. This Takoyaki is truly the epitome of Osaka’s classic Takoyaki. The outside is not too soft or too hard, and it maintains a round shape. The inside is not as liquid-like as some other shops, but it’s soft and gooey.
When I went there, I waited in line for about 20 minutes. There were many people, including businessmen who came from other prefectures and Japanese tourists. I think there were few foreigners.
1-minute walk from the station, but hard to find.
“HANADAKO” is Located in a new cityscape. But this deep dining district is situated in a place that is difficult to find despite being just a minute’s walk from Osaka and Umeda stations. To put it simply, it’s located right in the middle of Osaka Station, Umeda Station, and Hankyu Department Store.
On the left is the first floor of Hankyu Department Store. Shin Umeda Food Street, where HANADAKO is located, is on the far right. If you go straight between Hankyu Department Store and Shin-Umeda Food Street, you will find Osaka Station (JR line) and Umeda Station (Midosuji line).
This is the entrance. If you go straight to the back, you’ll find the shop. There won’t be a line in front of the shop, so you might want to order right away. However, please take a look at the right side of the shop first. If there is a line on the right side, that is the line for Hanadako. Follow that line and stand at the back of it. When you are in line, a staff member will confirm whether you want to eat in or take out and hand you a menu. I waited for about 20 minutes until I placed my order. I waited another 5-10 minutes to receive my takoyaki after ordering.
Adress;大阪府大阪市北区角田町9-26 大阪新梅田食堂街1階
From the glass-walled counter, the artisans cook takoyaki speedily and with great skill, flipping them around with a pick. The sight is mesmerizing.
In addition to Takoyaki, there are many other shops lined up in the Shin-Umeda Food Street. This shop has been around for a long time, and even though the cityscape has changed, this shop has remained unchanged and is still in business. The okonomiyaki restaurant is also famous for its delicious food.
Takoyaki Story
Osaka people have a saying that goes, “Every household in Osaka has a takoyaki maker.” This is true, and of course, I have one at home too. Therefore, the reality is that people living in Osaka don’t eat takoyaki at shops very often.
Takoyaki is like a food that falls somewhere between a meal and a snack. It’s not quite enough for a meal, but it’s a little too much for a snack. I often eat it as a side dish for dinner.
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