OK, complete disclosure: I love Octopus Balls. Now, you may want to know why, so let’s take a trip to find out together:
Octopus Balls in Tokyo!
It all began on my first trip to Tokyo, when I had a day to myself to explore.
I wandered through Tokyo’s Asakusa district, filled with small shops – and lots of places to get street food – and came across this incredible food stand: serving up Octopus in many unique ways: you could get it on a stick and of course, they had my first exposure to “Octopus Balls!”
I ate the Octopus on a stick, which was tender and smoky – and of course I had to try a platter of fried Octopus Balls: here’s what they are – chopped up Octopus, vegetables, spices and other Japanese stuff, mixed into a batter that is then deep-fried, then topped with a creamy asian sauce…Wow! I could eat these balls forever!
Of course, not ALL food in Tokyo is for everyone – because I found these for sale as well:
Yes, these are “Almond Fish!” It’s a popular snack in Tokyo, just one of the many unique items I sampled there. You can see more here:
So, I was hooked on Octopus Balls – but what do I do when I’m not in Tokyo?
No worries! Back in LA, I found another place to enjoy Octopus Balls:
Takoyaki! Octopus Balls!
Yes, I found a shop in LA’s Koreatown district that served Octopus Balls as an appetizer…these deep fried Octopus balls came in a delicious mayo with green onions – they were moist, full of great chunks of Octopus, and very filling for an appetizer!
They also served Ramen burgers there as well:
See more of this culinary adventure here:
Finally, a new Ramen shop opened up in Chicago – and guess what they serve?
Miso-Ya Ramen shop in the Streeterville neighborhood has great ramen, delicious fried chicken and yes, Octopus Balls that are served topped with Katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes)!
So there you go: three different cities, three great Octopus Ball dishes…
These guys are stuffed with a lot more than just Octopus, and here is an easy recipe to make them yourself!
http://www.japanesecooking101.com/takoyaki-recipe/
I plan to make these at home, because there are so many reasons for loving Octopus Balls – no apologies, just a happy smile when I finish eating!
Here are some of my favorite street foods:
Let me know if you’ve had the chance to try these delicious taste treats!
