Osaka, Japan. Invented by Tomekichi Endo in Namba, Osaka, in 1935. Takoyaki is one of the defining foods of Osaka street culture, and the city's pride in its food identity (kuidaore — eat until you drop) is symbolised by takoyaki.
Takoyaki — octopus balls — are a sphere of dashi-rich batter, baked in a cast-iron mould, packed with diced octopus, tenkasu (tempura scraps), red pickled ginger, and spring onion. The exterior is crisp; the interior is molten, almost liquid — the texture is unlike anything else in world cooking. They are made on the streets of Osaka in front of you and eaten burning hot.
- Aebleskiver (Danish sphere pancakes cooked in a cast-iron mould — the same turning-during-cooking technique, different filling); Poffertjes (Dutch mini pancakes in a mould — same principle); Indonesian martabak (filled pancake balls).
Cold Kirin or Asahi lager from a can — this is Osaka street food. The setting is a plastic stool, a paper tray, and a very cold beer. No wine pairing is relevant.