Hanadako Takoyaki in Osaka Umeda: Worth the Wait at Shin-Umeda Shokudogai
This post introduces Hanadako, a takoyaki restaurant in Osaka’s Umeda district. I visited this place during my previous Osaka trip and the experience was memorable enough that I returned on this journey. While my first visit was some time ago, the delicious taste stayed with me and drew me back.
Location
Hanadako is located in the heart of Umeda at Shin-Umeda Shokudogai, a historic food street that opened in 1950. From Hankyu Department Store, head towards Osaka Station without crossing the pedestrian crossing, turn right, and walk north for a short distance. You’ll find Hanadako right at the entrance of the indoor shopping arcade. The constant queue makes it easy to spot.
Shin-Umeda Shokudogai itself is worth exploring. This retro dining alley under the elevated JR tracks houses over 70 restaurants in a compact area, offering everything from traditional izakayas to modern eateries.
Opening Hours
Hanadako operates from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. I arrived from Kyoto late in the evening. Having eaten dinner early, I thought takoyaki would make a nice late-night snack, so I headed to Hanadako. I reached the shop about 30 minutes before closing time.
Waiting Time
Despite the light rain that evening, many customers were waiting in line. This place attracts both tourists and local Japanese people, with long queues being the norm. However, the line moves quickly because takoyaki is prepared at a fast pace.
Menu
While waiting in line, staff will hand you a menu. You can review it and decide what to order. Food prices in Japan have been rising recently, and Hanadako has also increased its prices slightly since my last visit, though the change isn’t dramatic.
At the counter in front of the shop, you can choose between eating at the counter or taking out. Since I arrived close to closing time, counter seating was unavailable, and only takeout was possible.
The counter seats are limited, so choosing to dine in may require a longer wait.
Negi Mayo (Green Onion Mayonnaise) Takoyaki
The signature dish at Hanadako is takoyaki topped with green onions and mayonnaise. I ordered a set of 10 pieces.
For the Negi Mayo takoyaki, they package the green onions separately in a bag. The amount of green onions is quite generous. Pour them over the warm takoyaki before eating.
Opening the takeout box reveals hot takoyaki with melted mayonnaise sauce on top. I poured the large amount of green onions over them.
The takoyaki had an incredibly moist interior, and the octopus pieces inside were substantial. The dish was delicious as expected. The fresh green onions added a crisp texture that enhanced the overall experience. Despite the long interval since my last visit, this famous spot delivered excellent takoyaki once again.
Enjoying them with a canned highball from a convenience store was perfect.
I’ve just introduced Hanadako, a well-known takoyaki restaurant in Osaka’s Umeda district. This second visit to a place I remembered fondly was thoroughly satisfying. I’ll likely return every time I visit Osaka.
