Jet Programme Series: Itadakimasu! Takoyaki 101 - Tasheira Khan
2022/7/27
Jet Programme Series: Itadakimasu! Takoyaki 101 - Tasheira Khan
Being in Japan finally meant starting my journey of trying and experiencing new foods. I would have never thought that would mean me being able to make them myself. Top of my list- Takoyaki!
Takoyaki are small, deep-fried dough balls that are filled with green onions and octopus. They are topped with Takoyaki sauce, seaweed flakes, chives and you guessed it, Kewpie mayo (the number one condiment used for many different foods here in Japan). Before coming to Japan, Takoyaki was the first ‘must-try’ food I wanted to have, and it most definitely did not disappoint!
I was eagerly invited to my coworker’s home where she showed me the ins and outs of making the popular street food, which was a lot harder to make than it was to eat. Nevertheless, after a pretty rough first batch, it was the perfect bite of umami and made me truly understand why it’s a comfort food for so many people here. For the added bonus, my Sensei also showed me how to make different types of dessert Takoyaki (as if it could’ve gotten any better) by stuffing the dough with chocolate, cheese, and red bean paste.
Having the chance to experience the process and food meant a lot, but above that, being able to experience Japanese hospitality meant way more. I was able to appreciate the bonding that takes place while preparing a meal and the excitement that goes along with eating it. Having my first bite of Takoyaki come from my Sensei’s house was definitely way better than buying it on the street.
JET Series: Itadakimasu! Takoyaki 101 (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives
Takoyaki are small, deep-fried dough balls that are filled with green onions and octopus. They are topped with Takoyaki sauce, seaweed flakes, chives and you guessed it, Kewpie mayo (the number one condiment used for many different foods here in Japan). Before coming to Japan, Takoyaki was the first ‘must-try’ food I wanted to have, and it most definitely did not disappoint!
I was eagerly invited to my coworker’s home where she showed me the ins and outs of making the popular street food, which was a lot harder to make than it was to eat. Nevertheless, after a pretty rough first batch, it was the perfect bite of umami and made me truly understand why it’s a comfort food for so many people here. For the added bonus, my Sensei also showed me how to make different types of dessert Takoyaki (as if it could’ve gotten any better) by stuffing the dough with chocolate, cheese, and red bean paste.
Having the chance to experience the process and food meant a lot, but above that, being able to experience Japanese hospitality meant way more. I was able to appreciate the bonding that takes place while preparing a meal and the excitement that goes along with eating it. Having my first bite of Takoyaki come from my Sensei’s house was definitely way better than buying it on the street.
JET Series: Itadakimasu! Takoyaki 101 (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives