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takoyaki, octopus balls
A ball-shaped Japanese snack made from a wheat flour batter filled with diced octopus, cooked in a specially molded pan. Typically topped with sauce, mayonnaise, dried bonito flakes, and dried seaweed powder.
Composed of たこ (octopus) + 焼き (grilled/cooked). A ball-shaped snack made from wheat flour batter with diced octopus inside, cooked in a specially molded pan.
Cultural note
Originating from 大阪, takoyaki is one of Japan's most iconic street foods. Osaka residents take great pride in their takoyaki, and many 大阪 households own a たこ焼き器 (takoyaki maker).