Akashiyaki

Akashiyaki, also known locally as tamagoyaki, is an everyday snack from Akashi City in Hyogo. This profile follows the Akashi Tourist Association recipe published by Japan's agriculture ministry, with octopus in an egg-rich wheat-flour and wheat-starch batter.

Octopus gives each round a mild marine sweetness and firm bite, while egg and dashi make the batter savoury and delicate. A kelp-dashi dip adds clean umami without the thick, sweet sauce associated with takoyaki.

The rounds are pale golden, soft and notably fluffy, with a tender custardy centre around a cube of octopus. They are served separately from the clear broth and dipped just before eating, so the surface becomes moist without losing its shape.