Gindaco Takoyaki, the number one takoyaki chain in Japan, recently opened its first American site in the food court inside Tokyo Central in Gardena. The chain, extremely popular in Japan, specializes in this golf ball-sized street food made with a wheat flour mixture with fresh octopus.
Takoyaki originated and became popular in Osaka and then spread to the greater south-central region of Japan. It is one of the most popular Japanese street foods along with okonomiyaki and kushikatsu. In Osaka, street food stands can easily be found throughout the city.
Gindaco is conveniently located just beyond the entrance to Tokyo Central. Since Tokyo Central is quite large, it is convenient not to have to wade through the crowd to get there. The menu is rather simple, there are four different varieties of takoyaki or you can select yakisoba.
While I waited for my order, I saw this order of yakisoba!!
The four variations of takoyaki include traditional, cheese and mentaiko, teriyaki with egg salad and spicy scallion with sriracha. Takoyaki is sold in quantities of 6 or 8. Unfortunately, if you want to try each of the four, you have to order a minimum of 24 pieces of takoyaki (4 x 6)! Not being able to consume that much, I selected the traditional and the cheese and mentaiko.
Takoyaki is made to order and is served piping hot. In order not to burn the insides of your mouth, you need to wait a few minutes before enjoying them. Sosu sauce, a Japanese version of Worcestershire sauce, is drizzled on top of the traditional takoyaki and topped with dried bonito flakes. It was crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside.
Traditional takoyaki topped with dried bonito flakes
Cheese and mentaiko takoyaki
Cross section of the traditional takoyaki
Cheese and mentaiko (cod roe) definitely boosted the seafood taste and because the takoyaki was so hot, the cheese melted quickly. While I’ve always enjoyed traditional takoyaki, this quickly became my favorite.
Beer is the natural beverage to pair with takoyaki, but they aren’t licensed to serve wine and beer. They do have hot tea, iced matcha and hiji-cha. Reports have it that the matcha is spot on.
Tokyo Central has a sizeable parking lot and you don’t need to worry about finding a space. If you want to try all of the takoyaki offerings, my advice is to bring three other friends. Takoyaki is best if you eat it while it is still hot.
Gindaco Takoyaki (inside Tokyo Central), 1740 Artesia, Gardena, Ca; 310.768.8256
gindaco.com