Takoyaki - TJ Katsu & Udon, Te Aro

For those unfortunate enough to have never experienced even average Takoyaki, let me explain.  Takoyaki is crispy on the outside, and then hot and gooey on the inside.  As I understand it they're bits of octopus & maybe other things surrounded by balls of batter that are fried in a special half sphere mould.  When they're turned out they can be as big as a ping pong ball, but are often a little bit smaller.  Every time i've had them they've been topped with a Japanese Mayonnaise, and Bonito shavings.

They are simply delicious, though often its more a textural thing rather than out & out flavour.  I haven't had many dishes that have such a contrast in texture.  The outer shell is crisp, when they're really fresh its almost crunchy, but biting through gives way to the soft, velvety batter — almost like a really well made, really thick white sauce.  

Lying somewhere in between the two in mouth feel are the chopped up bits of octopus, which like most cooked cephalopods is both squishy and firm at the same time.  That almost sounds like a bad thing, but when squid & octopus are cooked well just at the moment you might feel like its too tough it gives way to your teeth & is smooth and only slightly fishy.

I'm a big fan of Takoyaki, and i've been making a point of trying it in as many different Japanese restaurants as I can.  When I think of reasons to take a trip to Japan, Takoyaki is pretty high on my list.  So, when I read a proclamation on twitter that the Takoyaki at TJ Katsu & Udon was the best in Wellington it was immediately placed on my to do list.

Having just returned from a splendid meal at said establishment, I am happy to report that yes indeed the Takoyaki is fantastic.  In fact, everything we had was fantastic, I loved the Sashimi, the Soft-shell crab, the Squid legs, the Gyoza & the Miso.  I didn't even get around to having either the Katsu or the Udon, or any of the delicious looking Sushi on display, regardless if you're into Japanese food, i'd recommend this place.  But, the Takoyaki at TJ Katsu & Udon is not the best I have had in Wellington - more on that another time.