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When you think of Osaka, you think of takoyaki. But do you know where this iconic soul food originated? It all started at “Aizuya,” a historic takoyaki shop located in Tamade, Nishinari Ward, Osaka City. Founded in 1933, this long-standing establishment has been captivating people for over 90 years.
Aizuya’s takoyaki, which has been featured in the Michelin Guide for three consecutive years, is far more than just a casual snack. It’s a continually evolving delicacy that can be enjoyed as a snack, a side dish, or even as refined Japanese cuisine.
When visiting Osaka, you can’t miss the chance to taste the origin and evolution of takoyaki at this beloved local spot. Let’s visit the Aizuya Main Store!
Aizuya is a traditional takoyaki shop located in Tamade, Nishinari, Osaka, and has been in operation since its founding in 1933. As the birthplace of takoyaki, it has preserved its original flavor for decades. Aizuya has been selected by the Michelin Guide for three consecutive years and is popular not only with locals but also with tourists.
Aizuya is known as the original takoyaki shop in Osaka. Founded in 1933 by the first-generation owner, Tokichi Endo, Aizuya initially served “Radio Yaki,” a dish made with meat and konnyaku. In 1935, the current form of takoyaki was created, using octopus from Akashi and seasoned batter. Aizuya’s takoyaki has always been served without sauce, maintaining a simple yet juicy flavor. This method reflects the original philosophy of the founder, who wanted the takoyaki to be easy to eat, even when cold, and without getting your hands dirty, which remains true to the original takoyaki concept today.
If there’s one way to describe Aizuya’s takoyaki, it would be “Japanese-style takoyaki.” We ordered the popular original takoyaki.
The appearance is cute, resembling a small cream puff. The actual size is also bite-sized. It is made with dashi broth and soy sauce, so it’s typically eaten as is.
The outside is crispy like a thin skin, giving off a delightful aroma. The flavor is gentle, with a distinct Japanese taste that highlights the dashi. You can truly appreciate the quality of this takoyaki, perfected over the years. The octopus inside is tender and provides a nice texture.
Sauce is also available at the table, so you can add it if you prefer.
Adding sauce makes it even more delicious, giving the flavor an extra kick that makes it irresistible.
At Aizuya Main Store, you can enjoy your takoyaki in a comfortable, air-conditioned eat-in space.
Most of the seating is counter seats, but there are also table seats available.
Many celebrities have visited the store, and their autographs are displayed. As expected from the birthplace of takoyaki.
At Aizuya, you can enjoy a variety of takoyaki, including the original takoyaki, as well as versions with green onions, cheese, or eggs. There’s also “Radio Yaki,” the precursor to takoyaki.
| Menu | Price |
|---|---|
| Original Takoyaki (12 pieces) | 600 yen |
| Original Takoyaki (20 pieces) | 950 yen |
| Original Radio Yaki (12 pieces) | 750 yen |
| Green Onion Takoyaki (12 pieces) | 750 yen |
| Cheese Takoyaki (12 pieces) | 750 yen |
| Egg Takoyaki (single) | 750 yen |
| Egg Takoyaki (with dashi) | 850 yen |
| Radio Egg Takoyaki (single) | 850 yen |
| Radio Egg Takoyaki (with dashi) | 950 yen |
| Green Onion Egg Takoyaki (single) | 850 yen |
| Green Onion Egg Takoyaki (with dashi) | 950 yen |
| Green Onion Topping | 100 yen |
| Two Kinds Combo (6 each of Original Takoyaki & Original Radio Yaki) | 750 yen |
| Three Kinds Combo (6 each of Original Takoyaki, Original Radio Yaki & Green Onion Takoyaki) | 1,050 yen |
In addition to takoyaki, Aizuya also offers snacks that pair well with drinks, such as edamame, vinegared octopus, and grilled chicken.
| Menu | Price |
|---|---|
| Vinegared Octopus (small) | 550 yen |
| Vinegared Octopus (large) | 950 yen |
| Edamame | 200 yen |
| Grilled Chicken Cartilage | 350 yen |
| Salt - Grilled Chicken Gizzards | 350 yen |
| Soft - Boiled Octopus | 350 yen |
Drinks include beer, highballs, and soft drinks.
| Drink | Price |
|---|---|
| Draft Beer (medium) | 450 yen |
| Canned Beer | 350 yen |
| Non - Alcoholic Beer | 300 yen |
| Chuhai (Plain, Lemon, Lime, Calpis) | 400 yen |
| Highball | 400 yen |
| Green Tea | 200 yen |
| Barley Tea | 200 yen |
| Ginger Ale | 200 yen |
| Calpis | 200 yen |
| Cola | 200 yen |
It’s not just about eating takoyaki; having snacks and drinks available is a nice touch too.
Takoyaki, Osaka’s soul food, originated here at Aizuya, where the original form of takoyaki was born in 1935. Using octopus from Akashi, wrapped in a carefully seasoned batter, this juicy flavor is a true representation of Osaka’s culinary culture.
The fact that Aizuya serves takoyaki without sauce is a testament to their confidence in the flavor. The crispy exterior, the taste of dashi—once you try it, you’ll understand the quality.
And the founder’s dedication to making takoyaki easy to eat has been passed down through the generations, ensuring that even when cold, it remains delicious and can be enjoyed without getting your hands dirty. Paired with a drink, it’s the perfect Japanese dish.
The birthplace of takoyaki, Aizuya Main Store in Tamade, Nishinari.
While the original flavor has remained unchanged, the quality has always been top-notch, making takoyaki a snack, a side dish, and even refined Japanese cuisine.
Aizuya continues to offer the original tradition and taste of takoyaki. Be sure to try it at least once.
