Takoyaki: Japanese Octopus Balls
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Ask anyone what their favorite Japanese dumplings are, and they’ll probably reply with “sushi” or “gyoza”. Lately, however, another kind of Japanese dumpling has been gaining popularity across the Metro. Takoyaki, which literally translates to fried octopus, is usually one among many munchies in select Japanese restaurants, but only recently has there been food stalls with takoyaki as the sole star of their menu. I doubt that the takoyaki served in Manila is made out of real octopus (I’m guessing they use squid instead) but nonetheless, I enjoy the firm texture, the chewy squid/octopus meat, and the tasty sauce coating the dumplings. Here three takoyaki establishments I’ve tried so far.
Takoyashi
Takoyashi is a mall stall located at the third level of Vmall and other Robinsons’ Mall branches. An order of takoyashi contains 4 pieces and costs 35 pesos.
The good: Takoyashi’s takoyaki balls are the largest among the three other establishments I’ve tried.
The bad: The takoyaki itself was starchy and bland. And this is a personal preference, but I think mayonnaise tastes weird with takoyaki.
The verdict: Among the three takoyaki establishments, Takoyashi is the one I liked the least. The dumplings itself didn’t taste like much, and the sauce wasn’t even good enough to disguise that fact.
Kuya Chito’s Takuyako
I like how this takoyaki stall was Filipinized, in terms of its branding. Kuya Chito’s Takuyako can be found at Robinsons’ Malls; the booth photographed above is the branch at Robinson’s Metro East, second level. An order of takoyaki costs 24 pesos for 4 pieces.
The good: Kuya Chito placed a unique twist to takoyaki. You have the option to top your dumplings with shredded pork, chicken, or fish at no extra cost. You can also choose between a spicy sauce or a sweet sauce.
The bad: There are two things about Takuyako that I didn’t like. First was that the takoyaki balls were really mooshy – take one bite and the whole thing falls apart. The second is that most of it is made out of strings of cabbage. There was hardly any squid meat in the balls.
The verdict: Kuya Chito’s Takuyako tastes okay with the fish flakes, but I don’t like the gooey texture and the vegetables.
Samurai Foods
Samurai Foods was actually where I learned about the awesomeness that is takoyaki. They used to have a stall at the old Makati South Supermarket, as well as the cafeteria of my university. Today, you can find them at the fast food section outside SM Megamall supermarkets. Samurai Foods’ takoyaki costs 29 pesos for 4 pieces.
The good: Samurai Foods’ takoyaki is simply perfect. The balls are firm and tasty, and there are enough squid chunks for you to chew on. But I think the real secret to Samurai Foods’ takoyaki is their tangy red sauce, which no other takoyaki establishment has been able to replicate.
The bad: The takoyaki balls are too small for my liking. I’m usually bitin with just one order. Also, I hate eating outside the SM Supermarket – it’s crowded, noisy, and uncomfortable.
The verdict: Definitely the best takoyaki I’ve had to date. I wish they were located in the less crowded areas of Megamall, but they’re so good that I’d tolerate the lack of seats and the noise from the nearby Magic Sing booth for a few minutes of takoyaki goodness.
Do you have a favorite Takoyaki Stall? Where are they located? Please share.
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I only go to Samurai Foods whenever I want a Takoyaki. Theirs may be small but it is the most delicious, quality over quantity ^^
Samurai Foods’ Takoyaki is also my fave. I tried Kuya Chito’s, pwede na rin for a quick fix kasi eto lang yung Takoyaki place near my area. Also try the takoyaki sold at the food court of 168 mall, it’s big, with plenty of vegetables and the sauce tastes good.
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there is a japanese fastfood in robinson’s mall manila called kiddo manga. Their takoyaki tastes yummy however, eating about more than 5 takoyaki definitely tastes aweful.
try hana in little tokyo, makati
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hi! i agree that samurai has the best taste so far… well they are the first to introduce it in the market. dapat lang mas yummy sila! now if you’re in divisoria area, particularly sa 168 mall. may stall dun sa 3rd floor kung paakyat ka ng escalator turn left. they have the best takoyaki so far! similar to the taste of samurai but much bigger balls! which reminds me how i miss it so much (hihihi) now im craving!
the problem with takoyaki here is the mayo! its sooo bad. little tokyo hana takoyaki is really the aunthentic one here in manila.
Hey, I like the Takoyaki balls in Samurai too! But the best one I’ve had to date is the ones that can be bought from a stall in the newly opened Robinsons Supermarket in BF Paranaque. The stall is just near the cashiers. =)
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Try Satomi Takoyaki. They have stall at eastwood city icon tower and SM Sucat at the food court.
Lauren, if you’ve tasted the real takoyaki from Samurai Foods about 2 decades ago, you’re right, but a decade or few years back, they’ve already changed their recipe to cope with increasing prices of ingredients and that move has compromised the texture and taste, they feel and taste awful. I suggest you try takoyaki from real japanese restaurants in greenhills or makati, to get a real taste of the real takoyaki balls. BTW, the original takoyaki from samurai foods were also mooshy (mushy) in texture. Good luck in your food ventures, and keep a healthy lifestyle.
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ive tried takoyaki @ octoboy banawe st. its crispy outside and creamy inside. the way takoyaki should be. you can even ask for japanese vinegar sauce.
try octoboy banawe st. corner retiro. they serve authentic takoyaki too. crispy outside and creamy inside.
try takoyaki @ octoboy 670 banawe st. cor retiro st. q.c. they serve authentic japanese street food.
try the takoyaki at CHOPSTICKS and SPOON. It is located at 168 MALL, DIVISORIA. Although i still prefer the SAMURAI TAKOYAKIs, i think this one is comparable as well. The red sauce seemed to be the same as the one in SAMURAI. Be careful though, mahaba lagi pila dun.
Takoyaki is also my fave.try takoyaki in OCTOBOY, banawe st.cor retiro. masarap yung takoyaki nila and okonomiya.
sa OCTOBOY yung pinakamasarap na takoyaki na natikman ko.
670 banawe st.corner retiro.
Can someone give me some info on samurai franchising.
Kain ka sa Musashi Takoyaki, Victory Central Mall, Munomento. Doon authentic at walang mintis at strictly fresh ang octopus. ;-d!!
Hi. try nyo po ang takoyaki…. masarap talaga… ang Samurai foods ay nandito na sa Zamboanga City, Groundflor, Mindpro Citimall and 3rd Flor Southway Square
i would definitely recommend the one from chopsticks and spoons at 168 mall in divisoria.. super yummy yung takoyaki nila! and way bigger than samurai balls.. check it out!
this octopus restaurant in Japan looks nice from the outside!
http://www.japansugoi.com/wordpress/tako-restaurant-in-akasaka-tokyo/
syempre masarap na takoyaki is the samurai foods. the best talaga kasi ayun na kilakakihan ko since bata pa ako. yun lang maraming nabago from logo to quantity(lumiit at kumonti yun laman)
Are you guys serious??! Noone here knows what Takoyaki’s red sauce is? It’s actually very simple… so simple in fact, that you can get them in your local supermarkets and groceries. How do I know? The label on their container says so, and I confirmed it from the store where I used to enjoy it as a kid, that being at the foodstalls outside Rustan’s Supermarket in Harrison Plaza.
Everybody guess what the that red sauce really is…
Try Kei Takoyaki in Robinsons Dasmarinas, It has authentic japanese sauce and the takoyaki melts in your mouth. It has octopus too.
Sa Cartimar sa Japanese store, may nagluluto ng takoyaki, SARAP sya. medyo pricey lang konte sa mga stalls sa taas pero sulit.