Had some takoyaki (たこやき) for lunch today. It's a ball shaped dumpling with octopus and veggies inside. They brushed some savory sauce over the top, added kewpie mayo and wakame, and served it up fresh and hot. This stuff is delicious and if you've never tried it, you really should!
There's a handful of chains that sell takoyaki in Japan. This one was just outside of Nakano Broadway, and you could watch them make it right in front of you! They use this special griddle that has a perfect half sphere in it. They start by coming the veggies, put the piece of octopus meat in it, and then add this super watery dough to the mix. Once one half of the dough is cooked, they flip the ball over using a small stick. It's really neat to watch them work, because these guys are usually cooking a dozen or more takoyaki at any given time.
If you have the chance, you owe it to yourself to try it.
