Two Street Foods That Are Taking the World by Storm: Takoyaki vs. Okonomiyaki
What You’ll Learn In This Post:
- What are takoyaki and okonomiyaki
- How they originated in Osaka
- How they differ from region to region
- How to make them at home or where to find them
What is Takoyaki?
Takoyaki are little balls of heaven that are made from a savory batter filled with tender chunks of octopus and other goodies, such as green onions, ginger, and tempura scraps. They are cooked in a special pan that gives them their cute round shape, and then drizzled with a sweet and tangy sauce, mayonnaise, seaweed flakes, and bonito flakes. The contrast between the crispy exterior and the soft and gooey interior is amazing, and the flavor and texture of the octopus and toppings are divine.
What about Okonomiyaki?
Okonomiyaki is a type of savory pancake that you can customize to your heart’s content. The name comes from the word “okonomi”, which means “as you like it”, and “yaki”, which means “grilled”. The basic ingredients are flour, eggs, and shredded cabbage, but you can add whatever you fancy, such as pork, seafood, cheese, noodles, or mochi. The pancake is then cooked on a hot griddle and smothered with a similar sauce as takoyaki, along with mayonnaise, seaweed flakes, and bonito flakes.
How they both originated in Osaka
Both takoyaki and okonomiyaki come from Osaka, one of the largest cities in Japan and a food paradise. Osaka is known for its unique cuisine that reflects its history as a merchant city and its culture of enjoying life to the fullest. Takoyaki was invented in 1935 by a street vendor named Tomekichi Endo, who tweaked an earlier dish called choboyaki that was filled with beef instead of octopus. Okonomiyaki also evolved from an older dish called funoyaki that was made with flour and water only. Both dishes became popular among the masses as cheap and filling snacks that could be eaten on the go.
Regional differences
Today, takoyaki and okonomiyaki can be found all over Japan, as well as in many other countries around the world. They have also developed regional variations that reflect different preferences and ingredients. For example, in Hiroshima, okonomiyaki is layered with noodles and cooked with a metal spatula. In Tokyo, takoyaki is made with a thinner batter and less octopus. In Nagoya, both dishes are served with a miso-based sauce instead of the usual one. Other countries like Australia and South Korea have unique takes on takoyaki and okonomiyaki that will blow your mind!
How to make them at home or where to find them
Whether you prefer takoyaki or okonomiyaki, or both, you will not regret trying these mouthwatering street foods that are taking the world by storm. They are easy to make at home with simple ingredients and tools
Or you can enjoy them at one of the many Japanese restaurants in your area. Either way, you will be treated to a feast of flavors and textures that will make you want more.
Follow our journey to bring delicious Takoyaki to Canada @ HachiTakoyaki and leave a comment letting us know if you prefer takoyaki or okonomiyaki 👌
