I remember the first time I ate takoyaki. It was my cousin who introduced me to “samurai balls,” a nickname that unfortunately stuck for this Japanese dumpling. Watching the lady behind the counter expertly flick the takoyaki on the takoyakiki (takoyaki pan, you perv) was mesmerizing, and my first bite unto the smooshy round dumpling was unforgettable. It was very hot and the inside a bit slimy. What the hell is this thing?
Over the years though, I developed a liking for takoyaki. Made with octopus (tako), batter, pickled ginger and shrimp, and topped with fried bonito flakes, aonori (green dried seaweed), mayonnaise and takoyaki sauce, this octopus ball is certainly different from the fish balls, squid balls and chicken balls we’re used to.
Is it just me or does that sign says “Jafanese cake?”
Unfortunately, in Manila you’re pretty much left with no choice if you’re craving for Takoyaki. It’s either buying takoyaki from Samurai Foods or not eat takoyaki at all. There must have been a growing takoyaki following in the Philippines because a couple of takoyaki kioks have sprouted in Manila. One of these was Japsy’s Takoyaki.
Mmmm, samurai balls
A huge takoyaki craving and curiosity to try this new stall prompted me, Ryan and Yue to each order a 3-piece tray of takoyaki. We weren’t really expecting much, but we were pleasantly surprised. Well, me and Yue anyway. Ryan found their sauce too sour, while Yue (who’s Japanese and has been living in the Philippines for several years) exclaims that it was indeed good. She further elaborates that though the sauce wasn’t perfect, the takoyaki itself tasted great. As for me, I’m happy to get my takoyaki fix; Japsy’s Takoyaki was definitely much better than the other takoyaki stall.
Japsy’s Takoyaki Express can be found outside the Plaza Fair entrance of the Makati Cinema Square. It’s right across Yamazaki, the Japanese supermarket in Little Tokyo. The 3-piece takoyaki costs Php 22, while the 5-pieces costs Php 35 and the 12-pieces costs Php 70.
Tags: fried octopus balls · Japanese · octopus · octopus balls · samurai balls · tako · takoyaki8 Comments
8 responses so far ↓
jafanese cake!!! haha panalo!
yum! I have never seen one yet here, I wonder how much to franchise lol. I like Jap foods to, takoyaki and okonomiyaki are some that I want to try! Thanks for sharing!
Wahahahaha! I was wondering what my link was doing here and then I scrolled down to see your photos! Naku naman, I didn’t know na you had this blog for food na! (Yeah I know engot ako!) Congrats Nina! I’ll surely be here often!
Jester: O di ba? In fairness, masarap ang samurai balls nila, kaya wag masyadong laitin XD Ma-subukan nga next time itong Jafanese cake nila hahaha
G_mirage: oops! I forgot to tell you about the new food blog! ^_^; But you made it here naman eh hehehe
for 22 bucks, its cheap ah
the first time i ate takoyaki was when i went to HK last year. yummy
hi, just wanna ask if u also have takoyaki that the feeling inside is vegetables? i saw one at the mall & its so good. I am planning to franchise one soon. How can i start my new business pls send me steps on what to do & where to go. thanks!
Hi Evelyn! I have had a takoyaki similar to what you described, and indeed it was good. Regarding your question on franchising, i think it would be best if you spoke with the owner of the takoyaki stall that you like. I’m sure the staff would mind giving you their contact details. Also, you might want to leaf through the latest issues of Entrepreneur Magazine and the publication Buy & Sell. Entrepreneur magazine often prints trends, guidelines and tips on franchising as well as some contact details of businesses who offer brand franchising. Buy & sell lists contact details of businesses open for franchise. I hope this helps.