takoyaki

people don't visit Osaka for the culture. even the castle is a reconstruction. but the best thing about living here is the food. it's great, it's everywhere, it's what people talk about.

whilst japan has many delicate foodstuffs, osakan cuisine tends to be a reflection of its down-to-earth residents. perhaps most famous and the reason many people visit, is okonomiyaki: a kind of a cabbage pancake with your favourite topping, finished with brown sauce and fine seaweed. ehhhh. it tastes better than it sounds. infact it's superb.

a more visible sight and perhaps just as famous is takoyaki - literally fried octopus balls. yes, octopus have balls too. these are great fun to make at home - see a recent meal above (most people have a cheap, specific griddle) - but you can pick them up beside the train station on the way home.

they consist of; a simple flour, egg and water batter; finely chopped pickled ginger; tempura 'bits' (like those magic waste bits of batter from the chippie); spring onions and of course, octopus. the reason they burn your mouth is because you can never wait 'til they cool down. they're irresistable. mmmmm.