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 700 yen, depending on size. They’re seasoned to taste like mayonnaise and takoyaki sauce.
Bear in mind that this burger will be sold at Wendy’s First Kitchen locations as well as First Kitchen restaurants, and each one sells fundamentally different kinds of burgers. So basically, if you’re a fan of square patties, head to Wendy’s First Kitchen, but if you think square is for squares, get over to First Kitchen.
Also, in honor of the 2025 Expo in Osaka, Wendy’s First Kitchen will be selling drinks based on mix juice. Mix juice is a regional drink that’s literally mixed fruit blended with milk but usually not as thick as a smoothie. These versions, however, add a tapioca twist with bubble-tea-style mix juice.
▼ Left: Mix Juice Tapioca Milk (680 yen) Right: Mix Juice Tapioca Sparkling (620 yen)
The press release says the Takoyaki Burger is not scheduled to be sold at Wendy’s First Kitchen locations in Namba and Tempozan in Osaka, Shinkyogoku in Kyoto, and Aqua City Odaiba in Tokyo.
▼ Let’s just see where all the locations in Osaka are.
Anyway, the Takoyaki Burger seems to be widely available in the over 70 other locations across Japan, so check it out if you’re near one.
Source, images: PR Times
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- External Link
- https://soranews24.com/2025/03/25/wendys-first-kitchen-to-sell-octopus-ball-burgers-to-celebrate-osaka/
4 Comments
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リッチ
Looks horrible and so disappointed with this burger chain. Went there and it’s nothing like American Wendy’s. They shouldn’t even call it that. The drinks aren’t refillable and the chili that Wendy’s is famous for isn’t even a full cup. The buyers are so small and when I asked why the burger was so small compared to the USA and the photo he sisd the photo was marketing to show you what’s inside the burger he said it never is what you get. Well other places the photo is what you get. This photo looks interesting but not coming from Wendy’s. Pa. They don’t even have a frosty. They looked at me like I was from outer space when I asked if they had it.
Namahage
Certainly a lot of balls.
falseflagsteve
That looks like a dreadful combination I’m afraid. Would I try it? No way Pedro.
factchecker
Yuck