Dotombori Akaoni — Local services in Osaka

I'm bummed out that I didn't like this place more. With such a cute prescence (the music! the stall! the cute mascot!) and the many raving reviews I've seen about Dotombori Akaoni, I really wanted to like them. But unfortunately, it was not the case.

I will admit that there's a chance that all the good reviews I heard made my expectations too high or maybe, I just don't know what real takoyaki tastes like. Thus, I'll just describe my experience: The takoyaki I had were soggy and tasted like they were not fully cooked. There was no crisp-ness as described by other reviewers and soon after receiving them and snapping a quick picture, they collapsed from their signature ball-like shape into something resembling more like a frisbee. That was in the span of 1 minute. The creaminess I expected was there but the entire thing was creamy and seemed to be derived from the fact that it was undercooked. Again, perhaps I just don't know what takoyaki is supposed to be like but this doesn't seem even close to what I expected.

It's really a shame that I didn't like their takoyaki more. I did find one thing I liked though - the tune playing outside of their shop! It's the theme of our trip and if not for takoyaki, I recommend going...

Osaka. Takoyaki. Dotombori. Akaoni. These are the words in a super catchy tune as you near this little takoyaki stand. Akaoni is the red devil, and I don't know why they named it that, but the cheesy jingle sticks in your head like the devil.

Dotonbori Akaoni serves takoyaki here that is a little more delicate in flavour, with the dashi playing a central role in its flavour profile. The octopus is a little better - unlike other takoyaki vendors, it is fresh and not pre-boiled. You can order their regular varieties, slightly crispened on the outside, molten lava on the inside, topped with choice of a 甘口 sweet sauce or ピリ辛 spicy sauce. What I like from here is their ちゃぷちゃぷ (Chapu chapu) - takoyaki sitting in dashi broth, a little bit soggy in texture but more depth of flavour as it sits in there, accompanied by a little bit of yuzu zest that brightens up the flavour. Good street food, and a must for the discerning takoyaki...

I am so happy that I eat the best Takoyaki ever in Japan! You can feel Michelin quality and hospitality,when you enter the restaurant. I get a warm welcoming and nice chat about Osaka from the shop assistants. Prices are so reasonable !Of course, Takoyaki should be eaten here!! I loved the original Takoyaki, Chapu Chapu, Toro Toro Cheese and Ikayaki. If you have a chance to visit Osaka, here is a must place where you can enjoy Takoyaki.Not only Takoyaki, but also you can try Ikayaki which is Squid roll. It has 3 types: Normal, Cheese and Spring Onion toppings. You can only find here all around Nanba. And of course Cremia Soft Cream!! Mmmm!!! It has %25 milk fat and it is very rich taste satisfying people here. I love Cocoa...