Hanadako: The Popular Takoyaki Restaurant Drawing Long Lines at Umeda Station (Osaka)
Osaka, Japan's second-largest city after Tokyo, is home to approximately 7% of the country's population. Once the nation’s central hub, Osaka naturally attracted people and goods. It's also known for its unique food culture, earning nicknames like "The Nation's Kitchen" and "The City of Gluttony."
Osaka’s culinary scene is famous for cheap, delicious street foods such as takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), and kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers). Additionally, the nearby areas of Nada, Itami, and Ikeda are renowned for their sake production, making Osaka a gastronomic paradise.
Among these delights, takoyaki stands out as a bite-sized treat perfect for eating on the go. Popular among both locals and tourists, takoyaki originated in Osaka, and the city is dotted with many takoyaki shops. One of the most famous is Hanadako, a takoyaki shop recognized by the Michelin Bib Gourmand. Despite it being daytime, you'll often see a line of people waiting to taste its famous fare.
Today, let's explore the charm of Hanadako, the takoyaki shop in Umeda where lines never seem to end.
Hanadako: The Famous Takoyaki Shop Always Packed with Customers
Hanadako is a well-known takoyaki shop located in Shin-Umeda Shokudo-gai, just a one-minute walk from JR Osaka Station, making it easily accessible and a constant draw for long lines.
The takoyaki here is made with premium octopus, using only its legs, and cooked on a custom copper griddle, resulting in a crispy exterior and soft, melty interior. It’s so addictive that many customers keep coming back for more.
The most popular items on the menu are the classic takoyaki and the visually striking Negi Mayo (green onion with mayonnaise). The Negi Mayo is topped with a mountain of green onions that will leave you awestruck by its impressive presentation.
What is Takoyaki?
Takoyaki is made by mixing batter with octopus and condiments like green onions and pickled ginger, then cooking it into small, round balls. This street snack evolved from choboyaki, which was sold in candy shops and at festivals during the late Meiji to Taisho periods.
Takoyaki’s popularity spread across Japan thanks to the founder of Osaka’s Aizuya, who sought to create a snack that could be enjoyed with a drink, even after it cooled. Its bite-sized, easy-to-eat nature helped takoyaki quickly gain fans nationwide.
If you are interested in Osaka's Gourmet, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Osaka's Gourmet as much as possible.
Shin-Umeda Shokudo-gai: The Best Place in Osaka for a "Kampai" (Cheers)
Source: Osaka Metro NiNE
Shin-Umeda Shokudo-gai, located beneath the Umeda train tracks, opened in 1950. It started with just 18 eateries but has grown to house around 100 restaurants today.
Right outside Osaka Metro Midosuji Line's Umeda Station, this bustling area offers a variety of food options ranging from Japanese to Western, Chinese, and even bakeries and cafés. Due to its convenient location, Shin-Umeda Shokudo-gai is popular among both office workers and tourists during lunch.
Many of the shops here have retained their old-fashioned exteriors, giving visitors a nostalgic taste of traditional Japan while they enjoy their meals.
If you are interested in Umeda, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Umeda as much as possible.
Why is Hanadako So Popular? A Breakdown of Its Irresistible Appeal
Crispy on the Outside, Soft and Smooth on the Inside
Source: Shinumeda Syokudogai
One of Hanadako’s biggest draws is the irresistible texture of its takoyaki: crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. This is achieved by cooking the takoyaki at a high temperature—between 250 to 300 degrees Celsius—on a thick, custom-made copper griddle. The result is a perfectly fluffy, delicious treat.
The taste was so impressive that when I took my first bite, I couldn’t help but smile at its deliciousness. Unlike other takoyaki shops, which may only focus on a crispy exterior, Hanadako offers a unique combination of textures that you won’t want to miss.
A Towering Mountain of Green Onions and Mayo for a Striking Presentation
Source: Tabelog
Hanadako’s signature dish, Negi Mayo, is not only delicious but also visually impressive. The large takoyaki balls are topped with an overwhelming amount of green onions and mayonnaise. In fact, the mountain of green onions completely covers the takoyaki, making it difficult to recognize them at first glance.
Be sure to take a picture of this striking dish—it’s hard to forget once you’ve seen it!
Watch the Skilled Chefs at Work as They Swiftly Make Takoyaki
Source: Shinumeda Syokudogai
Another reason Hanadako is so popular is the skill of its takoyaki chefs. As you wait in line, you can watch them expertly and quickly prepare the takoyaki. Their technique is mesmerizing, as they work non-stop to cook the takoyaki to perfection.
Thanks to their efficient process, the long lines at Hanadako move faster than you’d expect. When I visited, despite the length of the queue, I was able to get my takoyaki relatively quickly.
Hanadako’s Two Popular Must-Try Dishes! Introducing the Top Menu Items Worth Waiting in Line For
Takoyaki
Source: Shinumeda Syokudogai
Hanadako is known for two exquisite menu items that people are willing to line up for.
The first is their classic takoyaki, served with a generous topping of sauce and mayonnaise. This is the traditional version, where the outside is crispy, and the inside has a soft, gooey texture. The octopus used is top-quality, so fresh that it could be eaten raw. Only the legs are used, adding a delightful chewiness and umami flavor that brings out the best of the octopus.
You can choose from five different flavorings: sauce, ponzu, dashi soy sauce, salt, or salted sauce, allowing you to customize the taste to your liking. The classic sauce has a sweet richness that perfectly complements the simple yet delicious takoyaki. The batter is so flavorful, thanks to the rich dashi, that you can even enjoy it without any toppings.
Negi Mayo (Green Onion & Mayonnaise)
Source: Tabelog
The second must-try dish is the Negi Mayo, which is Hanadako’s most popular item. The key feature is the abundant amount of fresh green onions piled on top. The soft and fluffy batter combined with the tender octopus and crispy green onions offers a variety of textures that will make you want to eat more and more.
Although the takoyaki is quite large and topped with a mountain of green onions, the onions are so refreshing that you’ll find yourself finishing it in no time. The green onions are not overly pungent, making them enjoyable even for people who aren’t usually fans of onions. In fact, one of my friends who dislikes green onions exclaimed, “These onions are delicious!” and devoured the dish.
Takoyaki with Beer: An Unbeatable Pairing!
Source: Tabelog
At Hanadako, enjoying their takoyaki with a cold beer elevates the experience to a whole new level. The combination of hot, freshly made takoyaki with a crisp, chilled beer is a match made in heaven and is highly rated by both locals and tourists alike.
Hanadako offers a special drink set where you can get a discounted price when ordering takoyaki along with a beverage. It’s perfect for a quick snack during your sightseeing break or to indulge in a taste of Osaka’s vibrant food culture with a beer in hand.
Try the Convenient Takeout Option: "Takosen"
Source: Shinumeda Syokudogai
Another recommended item is the Takosen, a fun and portable option ideal for snacking while walking around Osaka. This inventive snack features takoyaki sandwiched between crispy, thin rice crackers, topped with plenty of mayonnaise.
The contrast between the crispy rice cracker and the soft, gooey takoyaki creates a delightful new texture experience. It’s served in a bag for easy takeout, making it a convenient option for anyone exploring the city.
If you’re looking for something a little different from the usual takoyaki, the Takosen is a must-try!
Hanadako’s Location & Information
- Address: 1F, 9-26 Kakuda-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
- Closed: Open year-round
- Phone Number: 06-6361-7518
- Business Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Official Website: https://shinume.com/history/
The Most Popular Takoyaki Shops in Osaka: 3 Must-Try Locations
Takoya Dotonbori Kukuru
Source: Tabelog
Takoya Dotonbori Kukuru is renowned for its secret recipe flour, which gives its takoyaki a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Their signature "Takoyaki" features a soft and creamy batter with large, succulent octopus pieces inside. The takoyaki is finished with a dash of white wine, adding a subtle aroma and depth to the flavor. Kukuru uses premium wild-caught octopus, ensuring that every bite bursts with umami as you savor the rich flavors.
Founded in 1985, Kukuru's takoyaki has won numerous accolades, including being crowned the inaugural champion of Osaka's "Konamon" food festival. Make sure to try their takoyaki and experience a taste of Osaka's best!
Store Information:
- Address: 1-10-5 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka
- Closed: None
- Phone: 06-6212-7381
- Hours: Mon-Fri: 12:00–23:00, Sat: 11:00–23:00, Sun & Holidays: 11:00–22:00
- Official Website: https://dotonbori-kukuru.com/
If you are interested in Dotonbori Kukuru, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
Abeno Takoyaki Yamachan
Source: Official Website
Abeno Takoyaki Yamachan is known for its flavorful batter made with a special broth.
Their takoyaki batter is infused with a blend of chicken broth and a soup made from more than 10 types of seasonal vegetables and fruits. This unique combination gives their takoyaki a rich flavor, making it so delicious that it can be enjoyed without any toppings, like the "Best" style — takoyaki in its simplest and most authentic form.
I once tried their "Best" takoyaki, and although it looked simple, the depth of flavor was astounding. It’s a must-try for anyone who enjoys the natural taste of takoyaki.
Store Information:
- Address: 1-2-34 Abeno-suji, Abeno-ku, Osaka
- Closed: New Year's Day
- Phone: 06-6622-5307
- Hours: Sun-Fri: 11:00–22:00, Fri-Sat: 11:00–23:00
- Official Website: https://takoyaki-yamachan.net/
Takoyaki Doraku Wanaka
Source: Official Website
Takoyaki Doraku Wanaka is famous for its dedication to ingredients and crafting takoyaki that is delicious even on its own.
They use finely milled flour and cook the batter on copper plates, creating a crispy outside and a creamy inside. Wanaka adds crunchy tempura bits to the batter, giving their takoyaki a distinctive texture. Their uncolored salt ginger is a signature topping that pairs perfectly with the batter’s flavor.
For the ultimate experience, try their simple salt-flavored takoyaki, which enhances the rich taste of the batter without overpowering it.
Store Information:
- Address: 11-19 Namba Sennichimae, Chuo-ku, Osaka
- Closed: None
- Phone: 06-6631-0127
- Hours: Mon-Fri: 10:30–21:00, Sat-Sun & Holidays: 9:30–21:00
- Official Website: http://takoyaki-wanaka.com/
If you are interested in Takoyaki, check the article below! I summarized Takoyaki Restaurants in Osaka I recommend and how I felt each Takoyaki Restaurant.
Enjoy Takoyaki at "TAKOPA" – Osaka’s Takoyaki Food Park
Source: Official Website
"TAKOPA" is a food park that brings together six of Osaka's most beloved takoyaki shops (Abeno Takoyaki Yamachan, Tamaya, Osaka Amerikamura Kogaryu, Osaka Tamade Aizuya, Juhachiban, and Takoya Dotonbori Kukuru).
Here, you can choose from a variety of classic and unique takoyaki styles to suit your mood. Plus, they offer alcoholic beverages to complement your meal.
Located near Universal Studios Japan, it's a convenient spot to visit after enjoying a day at the theme park.
Store Information:
- Address: 6th floor, Universal City Walk, 6-2-61 Shimaya, Konohana-ku, Osaka
- Closed: None
- Phone: 06-6464-3080
- Hours: 11:00–22:00
- Official Website: https://ucw.jp/restaurant/takopa/
If you are interested in TAKOPA, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
If you are interested in Osaka's Street Foods, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Osaka's Street Foods as much as possible.
Experience Osaka's Food Culture with the "Osaka Local Foodie Tour"
For an authentic culinary experience, join the "Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai." Led by local guides, you'll enjoy eight different Osaka soul foods, including takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu.
The tour starts at a famous shrine in Shinsekai, where you’ll explore iconic landmarks while stopping at hidden gems for food. The knowledgeable guides will share unique insights into Osaka’s culture and history.
When I participated, the 3-hour tour flew by, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to fully enjoy both sightseeing and delicious food.
Meeting Point:
- Area: Dotonbori, Osaka
- Start times: 11:30, 16:30, or 17:30 (3-hour duration)
- Price: $102 USD
If you are interested in Food Tours in Osaka, check the article below! I summarized Food Tours in Osaka I recommend and how I felt each Tour.