- Umai-ya: Osaka's 70-Year-Old Takoyaki Treasure in Tenma
- Explore Umai-ya, a 70-year-old takoyaki shop in Osaka's Tenma. Crispy outside, fluffy inside octopus balls loved by locals and featured in Michelin Guide.
Beloved Takoyaki in the Drinking District of Tenma
Osaka’s Tenma neighborhood. As you walk through the narrow backstreets north of JR Tenma Station—an area affectionately known as “Ura-Tenma”—a gentle aroma of sauce drifts from the alleys. Here, there is a long-loved takoyaki stand cherished by both locals and travelers.
The shop is called Hiroko, often referred to as the place with the “lucky golden takoyaki.” The tender flavor that seems to gently loosen your heart, along with the warmth of the owner, continues to quietly draw people in.
Takoyaki Hiroko
Takoyaki Hiroko is a nostalgic street-side takoyaki stand in Tenma, Osaka. The batter is made with extra egg and cooked carefully to create a creamy, custard-like texture. This gentle flavor has made it a local favorite for many years.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 5 - 6-3 Tenjinbashi, Kita - ku, Osaka |
| Access | About 2 minutes on foot from JR "Tenma" Station |
| Business Hours | 11:00 am - 5:00 pm |
| Closed | Irregular holidays |
Enjoying Freshly Cooked Takoyaki Around the Griddle
A small space along a narrow alley—this is where people gather around the griddle. Through the shop curtain, you can see the batter slowly puffing up on the hotplate, rich with egg, as the owner skillfully flips each piece. Each turn sends a gentle cloud of steam into the air.
Customers receive their order directly at the stand, often eating right there. Though small, the shopfront itself serves as a stand-up counter—enough space for about 3 to 4 people at a time.
Whether travelers, nearby workers, or locals passing through, everyone stands and waits quietly. Even if a line forms, the mood is never rushed. People take turns naturally, stepping aside gently for the next person. The owner’s warm “Take your time, eat slowly” seems to set the calm pace of the place.
The time spent savoring fresh takoyaki here may be short—but the warmth felt in those moments is one of the reasons people return to Hiroko.
Only One Menu Item — Simple and Straightforward
Hiroko serves only one dish: takoyaki. Orders start from 10 pieces. The flavor is simple—sauce only—with no toppings or elaborate variations. The gentle sweetness of the batter and the mild acidity of the sauce create a straightforward, honest taste.
The price for one plate is ¥300, but the owner returns ¥50 at payment. She experienced hardship during wartime and afterward, and continued this practice out of her wish that “young people with little money can still eat until they’re full.” That feeling remains alive in the shop today.
Whether the day is filled with tourists or regulars, this simplicity never changes.
| Quantity | Price (per plate) |
|---|---|
| 10 pieces | ¥300 |
| 15 pieces | ¥400 |
| 20 pieces | ¥500 |
| 25 pieces | ¥600 |
A Soft, Melting Texture—Golden and Tender
Hiroko’s takoyaki features batter made with extra egg, giving it a subtly golden hue.
From the first bite, it surprises you. Though lightly browned on the outside, it is not the typical “crispy outside, gooey inside” style. Instead, both the exterior and interior are soft—almost melting. When lifted gently with chopsticks, it may fall apart under its own tenderness.
The batter has a faint sweetness. The sauce layered over it has a rich sweetness and just a hint of acidity—never overpowering, always supporting the flavor of the batter itself.
The octopus inside is small and does not take the lead. The star is the balance between batter and sauce. The harmony continues as you eat, bite after bite.
Before you know it, ten pieces disappear easily. The soft, melting texture truly feels like “drinkable takoyaki.” Eating it brings a warm happiness that lingers.
A Gentle Moment You’ll Want to Return To
The time spent finishing a plate of takoyaki may be only a few minutes. Yet the warmth in that brief moment remains. The relaxed atmosphere of people waiting in line, the owner’s soft voice—everything matches the gentleness of the flavor.
The owner is warm and friendly, offering tea, giving sweets or ice cream to children. The shop is run with her daughter and grandchild—their teamwork smooth and natural.
The soft golden color of the batter feels like it loosens the heart itself—truly “takoyaki that brings happiness.”
When you come to Tenma, you may find yourself returning here again—just for a small, quiet moment of comfort.
