Honke Ootako Dotonbori Honten 本家大たこ 道頓堀本店

Being back at Dotonbori, we wanted to see some more of the sights and hopefully do some shopping.  Yet, in reality, I just wanted to eat more food!  That brought me to one of the oldest Takoyaki shops in Honke Ootako.  Sure, they aren't the newest or sexiest of places at this very moment, but there usually isn't a lineup.  Yes, it is probably true that some of the other spots make a better Takoyaki, but I wanted to pay homage to one of the classics.

When we arrived, there was indeed no lineup and since it was pretty darn hot outside, it was a welcomed sight.  Of course I got some freshly made Takoyaki to go along with a cold Asahi.  Compared to the ones I've had in the past, these were filled with much more octopus.  They were light and fluffy with just the right amount of tangy and sweet sauce on the outside.  Having not tried the others in the area, I didn't have a lot to compare, but will do so when I'm in Osaka next.

 

We also got the one other thing on the menu which was the Okonomiyaki.  Yes, that is another item that Osaka is known for where they combine all of the ingredients, including the cabbage, into the mix.  This version turned out to be quite good with a certain airiness while still maintaining substance.  To go with the fluffiness, there was the crunch of the cabbage.  On top we found the sweet and tangy sauce as well as kewpie mayo and a boatload of bonito flakes.

 

While you already got the description of the Okonomiyaki already, I included this video of its preparation.  As you can see, everything is mixed into the batter, which is consistent with the Osaka version of the dish.  They make it to order, so everything is fresh and served hot.  We thought that both the Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki were quite good and despite place not being busy nor the newest and greatest, I think it is worth a visit while in Dontonbori. 

The Good:

- Usually no lineup

- Solid Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki IMO

- It has a seating area

The Bad:

- Possibly better elsewhere?