It’s only a few weeks away from the opening of the 2025 World Expo in the Kansai region of Japan, and in the spirit of that, we’re seeing a bit of an uptick in Osaka-centric goings on. A variety of themed flights are coming into its airports and even the life-sized Gundam has stopped by to say hello. On the food side of things, fast food chain Wendy’s, which in Japan has a symbiotic relationship with another fast food chain First Kitchen, will be saluting Osaka in burger form with the Takoyaki Burger.
Takoyaki — sometimes translated as “octopus balls” — are grilled balls of batter with bits of octopus meat and other ingredients like green onions, rice puffs, or pickled ginger, all topped with a sauce not unlike BBQ sauce. Takoyaki is widely associated with Osaka cuisine, being sold in stalls all over the city and with nearly every household having a takoyaki maker of some sort. Also, most souvenir shops in Osaka sell Takoyaki key chains, plush toys, and even soft drinks, so it should come as no surprise to see it as the signature ingredient in an Osaka-themed burger.
Also in line with Osakan sensibilities, the Takoyaki Burger is a flashy yet no-nonsense affair. For 780 yen, you’ll get an all-beef patty and three octopus balls on a bun. The takoyaki have the same toppings they usually do outside of a burger — mayonnaise, dried bonito flakes, aonori seaweed, and the aforementioned takoyaki sauce.
▼ You’ll also be able to buy some Takoyaki Fires for 380 to .
