Doing brisk business next to Triangle Park smack in the middle of Amerikamura since 1974, Kogaryu is one of Osaka’s most beloved takoyaki dealers – and in a city where the eateries dealing in these octopus dumplings number in the thousands, that’s saying something. While the shop recently lost its Bib Gourmand status after keeping the Michelin Guide recognition for three years, the queues in front of Kogaryu are as long as ever.
Possessing that perfect duality of a crispy, light brown exterior and a runny inside that explodes with flavour in your mouth, these takoyaki are about as punchy as you get without condiments. The dough is seasoned with a seven-ingredient dashi broth and spicy herbs, while yamaimo mountain yam is used to add chewiness.
Be sure to order a serving of the golden balls as they are first, before going for the shop’s top seller: takoyaki lathered with mayo and Kogaryu’s proprietary sauce (¥600 for a pack of 10). For a leftfield alternative, go for the combo of black pepper, lemon and mayo (¥650).