【Foodholic Nako @ Kyoto, Japan】
"Kari Kari Hakase Kyoto Nishiki Store" is located inside Nishiki Market. There’s a small dining area, just a standing bar, which gets quite cramped. In winter, with heavy clothing, it can be difficult to get in and out.
Original Takoyaki (6 pieces) ¥450
Kari Kari Hakase specializes in super large takoyaki. The pieces are really quite big, but mostly they consist of batter, with only small bits of octopus, which you really have to search for to find.
It’s worth mentioning that their batter has a very unique texture; it’s so soft that it’s almost like mochi. The first bite feels a bit gross, making you wonder if it’s undercooked, but the more you eat, the more interesting it becomes.
However, I've never really liked the texture of Japanese takoyaki that much. Compared to it, I probably prefer Taiwanese-style takoyaki, so I don’t expect to come back often.