Takoyaki6ix — Restaurant in Toronto

Holy Molly. That chicken bao was transcendental. I had it 4 hours ago, but my mouth is still watering by thinking about it.

Takoyaki has always had a very special place in my heart since I was a kid. I still remember that there was a food stand near my elementary school, and I always went there to get precisely 6ix (heh) takoyaki balls in the afternoon as a treat. Seeing the dancing bonito flakes, the smell of the crispy/soft batter of the balls cooked to perfection, mixing with kewpie mayo and the takoyaki dressing and the burning sensation when I ate them defined a significant portion of my childhood. As a result, I have a very high standard for takoyak; most of the takoyaki I've tried in North America (e.g. ramen restaurants, and Korean fusion restaurants) are disappointments to me, which I would rarely order.

I came to Takoyaki6ix once last year, and I gave it a four-star rating. Overall, I think the takoyaki made here is exquisite and definitely a lot better than many other places. I think it lost one star for me because the price was a bit more on the expensive end (15 dollars for 10 if I remember correctly). I got this insatiable craving for takoyaki ball today so I returned.

Upon returning, I saw their new menu items (Curry katsu rice bowl & wafu Chicken bao). I felt pretty adventurous so I gave the wafu chicken bao a try. Let me tell ya, that was probably the best decision I made this whole week for my life 😭.

Freshly made bao bun, Golden fried chicken katsu, with Japanese egg salad (ah it's so good. I freaking love Japanese egg salad), fresh cabbage and the tangy katsu dressing - this thing tastes like absolute heaven. I had some exchanges with the owner, Kaori and the staff, Mari, and they were super lovely too.

The price to portion for the chicken bao is great too! Although it may be considered a “snack” to most, the katsu is pretty big by itself. With that heavenly taste at the cost of 8 dollars? Take my money.

In addition, I really appreciate how organized and clean the restaurant is when it comes to properly storing the ingredients, including the raw chicken, and the seafood (octopus, shrimp balls etc.) It's always a massive green flag for me.

All and all, just come and try the chicken...

I was very excited to place a large order here given their positive reviews. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the same experience. The Katsu was dry, thick, with little sauce, and looked very different than imaged. The Takoyaki was mainly flour, extremely soggy, and not very flavourful. The Shrimp balls tasted better but were very salty. The meat in the bun was also quite thick and rough. And lastly, the curry was mushy and bland. They added three pieces of veggies and a pinch of pickles…

The delivery was also an awful experience. They told me it was delivered and I found they faked the delivery. I went out multiple times as they called and said they had arrived. I later realized they weren’t being honest and the app noted they were over a Kilometer away, while noting me that they would be leaving. I told them they weren’t at my location which later resolved. Mind you, I tipped beforehand. They were young so I just let it go.

Perhaps better to dine-in. Can’t say as I haven’t. But based on my experience, I would not order from them again, sad to say. I was super excited as I love Takoyaki. The let down was very...

This tiny takoyaki shop opened up two weeks ago in Kensington market. This shop literally has no seating so takeout orders only.

They have a limited menu that includes traditional takoyaki, shrimp takoyaki (which is something I have not had elsewhere), and 2 types of bao (Asian BBQ brisket ($8) and wafu chicken katsu ($7)). I ordered 5 takoyaki ($8), and asked for a mix of shrimp and traditional takoyaki.

Their authentic tasting takoyaki transported me back to Osaka in terms of the flavour and texture experience. Wonderful morsels of umami-filled goodness in every bite. I enjoyed the light crispness on the outside of the takoyaki balls and noticeable chunks of octopus. I like that the interiors were creamy and soft without tasting like undercooked batter. I love the perfect balance of flavours in the spicy sauce mixed with the takoyaki sauce, and the generous sprinkle of bonito flakes.

Staff serving us was super friendly. Definitely recommend...