A takoyaki pan (たこ焼き器, takoyakiki ^?) or—much more rarely— (たこ焼き鍋, takoyaki-nabe ^?) is typically made of cast   iron with half- spherical   molds. The heavy iron evenly heats the takoyaki. Commercial gas-fueled takoyaki cookers are used at Japanese festivals or by street vendors. For home use, electric versions resembling a hotplate; stovetop versions are also available.

Takoyaki pans are similar in shape, materials, and usage to Æbleskiver pans, though those are typically used with other fillings instead of octopus. In the United States, Æbleskiver pans have recently surfaced in late-night television 'call-to-order' ads as "pancake puff" pans.

[ edit] Availability

Although takoyaki can easily be made at home if the equipment is available, it is usually considered to be fast food and mostly sold on the streets. Frozen takoyaki are also sold, and there are restaurants in which customers can cook their own takoyaki at their tables. Takoyaki is especially popular in the Kansai region, but has risen in popularity in other parts of Japan. Takoyaki is generally eaten as a snack food, but it is sometimes eaten as a side dish with a bowl of cooked rice in Osaka.

[ edit] Popular Culture

Something of a running gag in anime is a scene in which the main characters eat takoyaki. Some examples include Azumanga daioh , MÄR, Medabots, and Bakugan Battle Brawlers.

[ edit] See also

• Japanese cuisine
• Akashiyaki - a local food in Akashi, Hyogo. Takoyaki is said to have been based on akashiyaki.
• Okonomiyaki, Ikayaki - other famous snack foods in Osaka
• List of Japanese cooking utensils