Kukuru Honten

When we arrived in Dotonbori, we were craving for some takoyaki so we lined up at this spot. Apparently, this place is popular and has been featured in tv and such.
Of course, there were a few people ahead of us but when he started making the takoyaki, I forgot that we’ve been waiting. It’s so cool to see how they make those yummy balls and their skills on how fast they flip it.
The inside seating area opened while we were in line so we decided so sit inside and enjoy our takoyaki there.
Delicious! I’ve had takoyaki in the US before its nothing like this. I guess nothing compares to where it originated.

They have three kinds of takoyaki. A regular one, another kind with giant octopus but it costs 3 times more, and they also have one in soup. We opted for the standard takoyaki cos it was a hot summer day so no soup for us, and we didn’t care about giant octopus.
We made a good choice, the regular one was delicious! The balls were hot with the perfect consistency in the inside. Light crunch on the outside, just the way it should be.
You can go, I approve this place.

This place has a giant octopus on top! Apparently this takoyaki shop has been on television and magazines and everywhere, so we decided to try it to see what the hype is. The line was pretty long, but it moved by quickly. It was like factory assembly– these guys know what they’re doing!
I ordered the standard takoyaki (they also have shrimp and bacon and cheese) and got 8 balls instead of the usual 6. They come in little boats which were cute! The takoyaki was hot and fresh, but it was really soft. Like so soft the takoyaki would just fall apart. Other than that, it was yummy! The octopus was fantastic– best octopus I’ve had in a takoyaki. A nice chewiness to it. Even though we were super full, we were glad we got to try it!

I had never eaten takoyaki before our visit to Japan, so we made sure that this was our first stop on our Osaka eating itinerary. I was super excited to try this local speciality and I was not disappointed! Totally not what I was expecting. The balls were hot and gooey in the middle and a little crispy on the outside. They really were an incredible texture and the flavor was amazing too.
From the looks of the place, you can eat inside, though we just lined up outside and got a to-​go box of takoyaki and ate standing in the street (the line was long but moved fast, and I liked that they were so busy because there was high turnover in the takoyaki — they weren’t sitting around getting dry). I believe regular takoyaki is the only dish you can order to go. The price is certainly right at (I think) 600 yen for a box of about 8 – 10 balls. This is definitely not enough for a meal but it was just right for the wife and I to share before heading down the street for some okonomiyaki.
It goes without saying that takoyaki is a must do on your Osaka culinary advenure, and I doubt you could do better than Kukuru. Easy to find — look for the big octopus!

No tourists would have walked by and missed Kukuru.
I have seen photo of their store front on television, on internet and in traveling brochures. And of course I need to give them a try!
There was no line waiting to get into the restaurant, but I ended up getting some Takoyaki to go so we could snack on while waiting in line at another restaurant for Okonomiyaki.
I got the freshly made Takoyaki and I was hungry. I did wish that the outer layer was more crispy but I love how it was nice and chewy inside.
Perfect snack to tie me over till my next meal…

I knew this place was good when I saw a line forming outside, even in the rain. When I finally got a chance to sit down and eat, it definitely did not disappoint. There are three types of yakis offered at Kukuru. I had all three and loved them all.
1. Takoyaki — the standard
2. Akashiyaki — boiled octopus balls in soup
3. Bikuri takoyaki — the jumbo sized standard with an octopus tentacle sticking out
Gotta catch’em all.