クラシタブリスケ
I have been curious about a restaurant in Osaka that has been popular on YouTube for being the most delicious and affordable, run by a 90-year-old lady who is rude but provides excellent service. I finally had the chance to visit Takoyaki Hiroko, located a bit off the beaten path from the Tenjinbashi-suji shopping street. When I arrived, there were a few people in line. The takoyaki was being cooked by the 90-year-old lady! Well, actually it was her daughter with the support of the 90-year-old lady. The takoyaki was as described - not perfectly round, more like a bit messy and uneven. I ordered 25 pieces for 550 yen, but when I went to pay, they said, "It's busy today, so 500 yen is fine." Apparently, when it's not busy, you get 5 extra takoyaki, and when it's busy, you get a 50 yen discount. As for the taste, the takoyaki was not gooey but had a nice firmness to it, with a flavorful dough. It was delicious and just the way I like it. I have tried takoyaki many times in my life, and if I have to call something takoyaki, then the takoyaki at Hiroko's is very delicious takoyaki. It may not be suitable for those who think takoyaki should be perfectly round like a ball. Overall, it was a unique and tasty experience at a traditional takoyaki shop. The reviews on Google mentioned that the shape was not perfectly round, and I can understand that. In the past, I used to cook takoyaki, taiyaki, squid, corn, etc., and the best takoyaki maker in the area once told me the secret to delicious takoyaki - "Use less flour!" Takoyaki with too much flour is easy to cook and shape into a ball, but it becomes sticky and hard when cold, not tasty. Takoyaki with the minimum amount of flour that can still be shaped and cooked well is the best. Hiroko's takoyaki is delicious with less flour. The 90-year-old lady seemed to be in a good mood that day, as she didn't show the sharp-tongued attitude mentioned in some reviews. However, you could sense that if something went wrong, she would not hesitate to speak her mind. This kind of no-nonsense, non-pretentious attitude is rare nowadays. It's a valuable restaurant where you can experience a different kind of customer service. Young people born in the Heisei era might be shocked by the 90-year-old lady's blunt remarks and attitude. It's a unique and precious place. I hope she lives a long and healthy life.