Cover image via DC Eater
Firm on the outside, warm and soft on the inside topped with japanese mayo and all our favorite toppings. That's how we like our Takoyaki!
So what is this Japanese ball-shaped-snack goodness?
Takoyaki is a ball-shaped Japanese snack made of a wheat flour-based batter and cooked in a special moulded pan. It is typically filled with minced or diced octopus, tempura scraps, pickled ginger, and green onion.
Yes, it's from Japan and thankfully, we have quite a lot of Takoyaki places in Manila. Netizens have reviewed them swiftly and have come to a unanimous consensus.
So which Takoyaki places are their favorites?
1. Hokkaido Takoyaki
One of the best Takoyakis in town is actually located in the basement of SM Makati where the supermarket is!
Image via Japanese Adobo
People rave about the authenticity of their Takoyaki as they use Octopus instead of shrimp (some places use this as an alternative). They also love the variety of Takoyakis they have like Kani & Mozzarella and Bacon & Cheese.
Basement, SM Makati Food Court
Image via All The Grey Spaces
2. Hana
Based on people's reviews Hana is by far the most authentic Takoyaki in Manila. In terms of ingredients and ambience as it is located in Little Tokyo, Makati, a popular dining spot of Japanese expats.
Image via Mia Morales
You can get them for P 120.00 for 6 pieces. They're the most "sulit" Takoyakis out there as they are value-for-money.
Little Tokyo, Makati City
3. Octoboy
Octoboy is a crowd favorite. They serve their Takoyakis in 6 big pieces that are soft and delicate but bursting with flavor. People have been coming here for years and we know why!
186 Tomas Morato Corner Scout De Guia, Sacred Heart, Tomas Morato, Quezon City
4. Tamayaki
Tamayaki is taking the Takoyaki game in a different level with a Filipino favorite: chicken gizzard! If you're not so adventurous, they have the classic Takoyaki flavors for you to choose from. Their take out boxes are cute too!
Second Floor, Main Building, SM City North EDSA, Quezon City
Image via Kaye Langit
5. Banzai
Banzai is a great Japanese buffet place. So if you're looking to stuff your face with not just Takoyaki, we recommend Banzai. Even if buffets are usually rated by their portions, Banzai's Takoyaki is not just forgivable, it's actually really good!
Building J, SM By The Bay, Seaside Boulevard, Mall of Asia Complex (MOA), Pasay City
6. Nihon Bashitei
Whenever someone mentions the word "Japanese," Nihon Bashitei would always be associated to that. They've won the crowd over their Spicy Toro Maki but word on the street is, their Takoyaki is also amaze-balls.
800 A. Arnaiz Avenue Makati, 1223 Metro Manila
7. Samurai
If not the first, it's definitely a legend in the 80's. People remember this place as an essential snack when hovering in the malls back in the day. It's nothing fancy, really but their seasoning is where it's at!
People thought it was gone forever until they reopened in Glorietta food court. Wohoo!
8. Tokyo Bubble Tea
What's the best accompaniment to a creamy cup of bubble milk tea? Takoyaki!
It's one of their best sellers!
Ground Floor, The Fort Residences, 30th Street Corner 2nd Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
9. Botejyu
6 different toppings in one plate (umami sauce and mayo, sauce and mayo, tomato sauce, spicy mentai mayo, thick spicy sauce, and salt garlic).
Image via Tales From The Tummy
This new Japanese resto is from Osaka, Japan and they have a menu that looks very promising!
G/F Northwing Entertainment Mall, (near IMAX) Mall of Asia, Pasay City, Philippines
10. Kraken Takoyaki
This Takoyaki stand is fairly new but it's causing a buzz in Taft avenue and is popular with the college students. They love it 'cause it was perfectly cooked and has a variety of flavor. They also call this place "a hidden gem" in front of DLSU.
Ground Floor, Archer's Nook Center, 2624 Taft Avenue, Malate, Manila
