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When it comes to Osaka, you can’t miss takoyaki.
And when it comes to Osaka’s takoyaki, “Hanadako” is a must-try.
Located just a short walk from Umeda Station in the Shin-Umeda Shokudogai, Hanadako is an immensely popular spot with long lines forming every day. From tourists to regular customers, many flock here for its renowned takoyaki, beloved by locals.
Crispy on the outside, soft and creamy on the inside, with tender octopus pieces—this is the blissful takoyaki you can only experience here.
But seeing that long line might make you hesitate.
“I want to eat delicious takoyaki, but I don’t want to wait in line for hours…”
Good news!
In this article, we’ll not only introduce you to Hanadako’s appeal but also share insider tips on how to enjoy this delicious takoyaki with minimal waiting time.
Make your Osaka trip memorable with top-notch takoyaki, served smartly.
Let’s dive in and master the art of enjoying Hanadako’s takoyaki for the best experience!
Hanadako is a takoyaki specialty shop located in Shin-Umeda Shokudogai. With its high-quality takoyaki approved by locals and its convenient location right by Umeda Station, it’s no wonder there’s a line every day.
Hanadako’s takoyaki is famous for its crispy outside and soft, chewy inside. The shop’s signature is its use of fresh octopus, which is tender and gives the takoyaki a great texture. The octopus really stands out as the star of the dish.
The mild broth that spreads in your mouth adds an extra layer of comfort. With each bite, you can savor the broth’s flavor, and it’s clear that you’ll want to keep eating more.
For the seasoning, you can choose from “sauce,” “ponzu,” “dashi soy sauce,” “salt,” or “salt sauce.” This time, we went with the classic sauce.
| Item Name | Price |
|---|---|
| Takoyaki (6 pieces) | 540 yen |
| Takoyaki (8 pieces) | 720 yen |
| Takoyaki (10 pieces) | 900 yen |
| Green Onion Mayo Takoyaki (6 pieces) | 640 yen |
| Green Onion Mayo Takoyaki (8 pieces) | 820 yen |
| Green Onion Mayo Takoyaki (10 pieces) | 1,000 yen |
From Hanadako’s eat-in counter, you can watch the takoyaki being prepared right in front of you.
The high-temperature grill allows the staff to cook the takoyaki quickly. Their skills are impressive, and watching the takoyaki being made is quite a show in itself.
Although Hanadako opens at 10:00 am, by 10:15 am, there’s already a line this long.
This was on a weekday, which shows just how popular the place is.
However, because the eat-in area only has standing counters, the turnover is quite good. Even if you join the line, many people reported a wait time of around 20 to 40 minutes.
Once you’re seated at the counter, the takoyaki is served immediately. Since orders are taken in advance, service is quick, and you can finish a 6-piece serving in about five minutes, meaning seats open up relatively fast.
That said, the line remains long every day, so if you want to avoid waiting, consider the following:
When I went, the store opened at 10:00 am, but I arrived around 9:40 am. Even then, there were already a few people waiting.
Still, I managed to snag a spot among the 7 eat-in seats, so I didn’t have to wait in line. If you want to minimize waiting, try to plan your visit around these tips.
Hanadako’s takoyaki is, in a word, “the ultimate classic.” This is Osaka’s signature takoyaki.
If you’re in Osaka and want to try takoyaki, but you’re not sure where to start, Hanadako is perfect. It’s the quintessential Osaka-style takoyaki from a top-rated, crowd-pleasing shop.
The fluffy, chewy takoyaki, piping hot, is pure happiness. Hanadako’s takoyaki is truly delicious, and after trying it, it’s easy to see why there’s always a line.
Another great point is that Hanadako is located in Umeda Station (next to JR Osaka Station), often the starting point for trips around Osaka. Starting your Osaka adventure with takoyaki at Hanadako is a perfect introduction to the city’s food scene.
This is what Osaka takoyaki is all about. Make sure to try Hanadako’s takoyaki and use it as the benchmark for comparing other takoyaki shops. It’s fun to see how they measure up to Hanadako’s high standards!
