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■ Shop name: Takocha ■ Location: Umeda Station, Osaka Station ■ Budget: Up to 1000 yen > Ordered menu: Salt Mayo Takoyaki During the Golden Week long vacation, I visited Osaka for the first time in 5 years. It is a place where I laid the foundation as a working adult and holds many memories of Kansai. Remembering those days, I had a great time meeting various people and reuniting with old friends. Among the several food establishments I visited, I would like to introduce "Takocha" in this post. During my previous job, I lived in Osaka for about 3 years, and it was my first time visiting this place, accompanied by a senior colleague who was originally from Osaka. Located in the stylish neighborhood of Chayamachi, it is quite central, attracting a diverse range of customers including students, local housewives, and salarymen returning from work. Even during this recent visit, I noticed that the regular elderly lady was shopping there, indicating that it is a beloved establishment. The owner, an elderly man, is extremely friendly, and I remember seeking advice from him about work, relationships, and various other topics back in the day. He has a high sense of humor, so I recommend interacting with him when you visit the place. Now, let's talk about what I ordered this time, as mentioned above. I have always been ordering this Salt Mayo Takoyaki since my previous visits. I am not an expert on takoyaki, and since I now live in Tokyo, I haven't had it in a while, but I must say that the taste is exceptional. The secret blend of the batter is kept confidential, but it has a rich umami flavor with the addition of konjac as an accent. The texture is soft and creamy inside, unlike the crispy outside and fluffy inside style of takoyaki chains you find in Tokyo. This softness makes it easy to eat and enhances the deliciousness of the batter, while the lack of burnt spots allows you to enjoy it without getting tired. As for the Salt Mayo, it involves spreading mayonnaise on a plate, placing the takoyaki on top, and then sprinkling a mixture of green onions, mayonnaise, and special spices over it. The special spice blend is what makes it delicious. Unfortunately, the exact ingredients of this spice mix are a secret, but I recommend you try it for yourself! Osaka's takoyaki is truly delicious. The prices are also quite affordable, as listed below. ・8 pieces for 400 yen ・6 pieces for 300 yen *I believe 12 pieces were around 550 yen. Please forgive me if I made a mistake. Having a meal of this size after work really satisfied my hunger, so I was truly grateful. That's all for now. It was great to see the owner again, and I was happy that he treated me as warmly as always. Osaka is really a wonderful city, and I have nothing but gratitude. If you ever find yourself in Umeda, be sure to visit Takocha! Thank you for the delicious meal. I will definitely come back. Pre-post: 3.09

