Food Musings: A Look At Takoyaki's History & Tamayaki Philippines'Delish Takoyaki

"When life gives you wheat flour, make Takoyaki." 

Japan gave our favorite lemon quote a new twist and revolutionized Asian food culture as we know it today.

During two tough times in history, namely the Tokyo Earthquake of 1932 and the aftermath of World War II, rice was scarce, and the Japanese turned to flour to satisfy their hunger. They made batter-based dishes topped with unique sauces to survive with flair.

Even as Japan returned from the ruins, locals didn't discard this flour-based food but tried hard to improve it. As life improved, the Japanese added more ingredients like eggs, meat, and seafood.

Four uniquely tasting batter-based dishes came out of Japan's colorful food history:  

• Okonomiyaki - a special kind of grilled egg pancake. 

• Choboyaki is a ball-shaped batter composed of red pickled ginger, green peas, and soy sauce, then cooked on a cast-iron griddle. 

• Radioyaki is slightly larger than choboyaki but is more interesting with sinewy meat.

• Takoyaki resembles choboyaki but is made with octopus as the primary ingredient.

In 1935, Endo Tomekichi, an Osaka street vendor, wanted to add another dish to his already popular offerings of okonomiyaki and choboyaki. Sparked by the knowledge of a certain kushiyaki (boiled octopus in an eggy batter), a well-loved treat in Akashi, located in Hyogo Prefecture, Endo became convinced to incorporate octopus into his new street food menu. 

The rest, as they say, is history. 

Here in the Philippines, I get my favorite Takoyaki from Tamayaki.

Tamayaki's Takoyaki is simply divine! It is crunchy and plump on the outside, with an eclectic mix of meat and cabbage inside. It is unlike the other takoyaki treats I've tried before, which unveiled a gooey residue once I sank my teeth into them. 

Tamayaki's version is really all meat, which makes for a fulfilling snack. What's extra special are the abundant toppings, which add a degree of woodsy nuttiness to an already fantastic snack.

Tamayaki Philippines

Add around Php 60-70 to your usual fare of Mall Cart Takoyaki. But if you indulge in your craving, you will always go right with Tamayaki.

 Hmmmm...Which one should I try first?

Tutapel @ Tamayaki Philippines

Many assume that since Tamayaki's lifeline is Takoyaki, the franchise must have started in Japan. On the contrary, the company has traced its roots back to China. In only a little over three years, Tamayaki's clout has extended to Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Singapore, Australia, and the Philippines.

Just like Takoyaki's precursors, Tamayaki's Takoyaki has morphed into 12 tasty versions:

• Tamayaki Seasoned Octopus        
• Tamayaki Kani & Shrimp            
• Tamayaki Squid Satay                  
• Tamayaki Kani & Mozarella     
• Tamayaki Grilled Steak             
• Tamayaki Chicken Teriyaki       
• Tamayaki Mussels & Cheese     
• Tamayaki Smoked Mackerel      
• Tamayaki Ham & Mozzarella    
• Tamayaki Fish Fillet                  
• Tamayaki Korean Pork BBQ     
• Tamayaki Double Cheese           

• 

Tamayaki Philippines' Menu

Itadakimasu...

Tamayaki Philippines

Sources:

JapanVisitor.com

Hotland.co.jp