Mar 02 2008
Best eaten fresh
Shirokiya, located in the Ala Moana Shopping Center, is my favorite store of all time — mainly for their wide selection of delightful Japanese fare. Recently, they opened a takoyaki booth. If you’re not familiar with takoyaki, basically they taste like okonomiyaki with a generous piece of octopus in the middle. I had my first, and only, taste of takoyaki while I was in Japan for the Sapporo Snow Festival in 2005. (The link will take you to my Flickr photoset of that particular visit — along with photos of the takoyaki.) The fresh, steaming hot takoyaki was unforgettably delicious and I’ve been hoping to find this delectable snack here in Hawaii ever since, so I was pleasantly surprised to find it being made fresh in Shirokiya.
Despite my morning all-day sickness, I bought a box of 10. The cheerful takoyaki girl convinced me to try the new flavor: cheese. Instead of a piece of ginger, a cube of cream cheese was in the middle, next to the tako. And, we all know that cream cheese makes anything sinfully delicious. As they boxed my takoyaki, they slathered it with sauce and Kewpie mayo, then sprinkled nori and katsuo flakes on it. It looked just like the takoyaki I had in Japan. My mouth was watering. They handed me the box and I could barely handle it, it was so hot. I picked up some manju and mochi and called it a day.
Forty-five minutes later, when I arrived at home, I opened the box and discovered that the beautiful takoyaki had lost its former vigor. Looking soggy and sad, all squished together and appearing quite unappetizing. Despite its appearance, I ate two balls and saved the rest for Hubby. I suppose takoyaki is one of those things that is best eaten fresh. Next time I go to Shirokiya, I’ll make it a point to consume it on premises to avoid the disappointing results of takoyaki that simply doesn’t travel well.
A 30-something Christian girl, blissfully wedded to her perfect match (the yang to her yin) of 14 years. A new mom to her miracle baby, born on October 4, 2008. Living life in Hawaii, less than 5 miles from her hometown, a slave to her mortgage payment, but seeking balance in her pursuit of family, faith, recreation, and rest.
It seems like there is a small window for optimum takoyaki tastiness. I have often eaten it too quickly, and burned my tongue. But it’s too hard to resist. And yes, if you wait too long, it doesn’t look so great. But, I think it’s still just as tasty!
that looks yummy…hey sis we should go there for lunch one saturday…
So we both had flavor reunions this weekend. To cheer ourselves up, hubby and I ventured out to the new joint on the corner - a genuine L&L Hawaiian BBQ. For the first time in 15 years or so, I relished Kalua pork, sticky rice, and that unforgettable macaroni salad that you guys take for granted! Plate lunch never tasted so good. Of course, no octopus in the middle, but then again I’m just a girl from the mainland!
alohaisai
the best takoyaki that i had was surprisingly at the Narita Airport while i was waiting for the connecting flight to Okinawa, but the shirokiya one comes in a close second but like you said it has to be eaten soon cause then it loses a little something if you wait to long
Ray
After watching No Reservations in Osaka I had to try the stuff when I saw it on the menu at Curry House at Pearl Kai. Not bad if a little bland. I liked the curry a lot better though.
i just went to shirokiya last night to check out the island fair… i hadn’t realized the takoyaki booth was a permanent one! while takoyaki is best eaten right away, if you want to revive them, try warming them on low in the microwave and then finish them off under a broiler or in the toaster oven —the slight crispiness you get from doing so is worth it. you could also apply fresh sauce/toppings at the end if you have it on hand.
‘instead of ginger’, cream cheese??? THAT, i’ve gotta try… i am so not a shoga person. unfortunately, when you go close to closing, most of those specialty sections are already closed…