Green takoyaki puts new spin on classic Japanese street food

Takoyaki octopus balls are a well-known Japanese soul meals that has its origins in Nishinari Ward, Osaka Prefecture, the place it’s stated to have first appeared in 1935. Now, virtually 100 years later, you could find many several types of takoyaki across the nation, however the newest one we found, at a humble store in Ibaraki Prefecture known as Oji Tako, stunned even us after we stumbled throughout it.

What makes the takoyaki right here so particular is the truth that they’re emerald inexperienced.

It’s stunning how a lot of a distinction color makes to meals, as a result of these seemed completely surreal, like one thing out of a manga or anime. Regardless that the method of constructing the takoyaki was precisely the identical because it at all times is, with the chef masterfully flipping the balls in a specifically made iron pan, it seemed very totally different to something we’re used to seeing.

Having tried our justifiable share of bizarre meals earlier than, we all know that generally one thing that appears uncommon will be less-than-impressive in terms of taste, so we didn’t set excessive expectations for the style after we purchased a pack of eight for 660 yen.

▼ The takoyaki right here goes by the title Aotako (“Inexperienced Tako”)

Nevertheless, these takoyaki have been a pleasing shock, with the aroma of inexperienced onions, sauce, and mayonnaise whetting the urge for food. Upon first chew, the skin was crispy and aromatic, whereas the within was sizzling, melty, and completely scrumptious

These balls defied their enjoyable and strange look, with a style that confirmed beautiful craftsmanship and a focus to element. The standout was the dough, which had a delicate sweetness that complemented the beautiful dashi inventory, making it in contrast to another takoyaki we’d ever tasted.

They have been so good we ordered one other set, this time a plain model with none sauce or mayonnaise, which allowed us to actually respect the fantastic thing about the dough.

▼ In the event you’re making an attempt the inexperienced balls for the primary time, we suggest making an attempt this model.

The flavour was even higher than what we’d skilled at a well-known takoyaki restaurant in Osaka, which made us surprise if the emerald inexperienced factor was the key to its deliciousness.

Curious to search out out what made them so good, we spoke to the proprietor, who instructed us that what provides these balls their inexperienced color is definitely…spinach.

The vegetable’s pure pigments create a vivid end with out the necessity for any colorants, however there was lots of trial and error required to get the fitting shade of inexperienced.

Actually, the spinach-infused dough is so distinctive it’s been patented by the proprietor, so the Aotako really is a one-of-a-kind takoyaki.

Not solely is the colour incredible, so too is the standard of the takoyaki, so in the event you’re ever up in Tsukuba, you’ll want to cease by Oji Tako.

Retailer Data

Oji Tako / オジたこ

Handle: Ibaraki-ken, Tsukuba-shi, Matsushiro 5-7-1

茨城県つくば市松代5-7-1

Open: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Closed Mondays

Web site (Instagram)

Pictures © SoraNews24

Learn extra tales from SoraNews24.

— Takoyaki…inarizushi? New fusion meals boggles the thoughts in Japan

— Takoyaki makers surprisingly good at grilling meat for yakiniku too

— World’s first Takoyaki Guitar created in Japan, encompasses a gasoline grill and octopus balls

• Exterior Hyperlink
• 
  https://soranews24.com/2024/01/09/green-takoyaki-puts-a-new-spin-on-classic-japanese-street-food/

© SoraNews24