Restaurants

The Fast and Delicious: Takoyaki at University of the Philippines

By admin on 22 February, 2009


Box of Five to Go

When Franco tapped me to once more be their guest, I have to share that I was overwhelmed by two emotions: surprise, because I didn’t expect to be asked to once more write for them, and worry because of the topic I was given. It wasn’t one I felt capable of writing about since I’m one of those people who tend to shy away from those sorts of food. However, the initial urge to ask if it was possible to write another time about another topic was immediately replaced by another: the urge to step outside my comfort zone and challenge myself.

After a long, slightly frustrating process of trying to find a fast food place or item I’d want to write about, I found myself trying to decide which food place in UPD I most felt like writing about. There are plenty of interesting and yummy things to eat in and around our campus and, that day, I had lunch at Beach House and then trooped to Long Island to try and see which of the two I felt most inclined towards. Enroute to Long Island, however, I was (pleasantly!) surprised to find that, a mere two stalls away from my intended destination, there was a stall that sold takoyaki!

Takoyaki are, basically, small baked (sometimes fried) diced octopus balls, mixed in with a number of other ingredients that serve to give the spheres their characteristic texture, consistency and taste. The takoyaki in UPD was, however, made of squid, which I had no qualms about since I’m a big fan of squid, and while it didn’t exactly match the takoyaki I’ve had in the past, I have to say that it was pretty darn good. The spheres were an enticing golden brown in colour and were perfectly chewy, the flavours dancing on your tongue, making you want more.

In short, I loved them! The best part about them is that, at only Php35 for 5 spheres, they’re cheap, making this, to me, the perfect fast food: quick to prepare, easy to eat, delicious, relatively healthier than most other fast food items, and affordable! It was one of those days part of me actually rued the fact that I had absolutely no classes in that side of the campus. (You can tell that I am definitely going to hike back there for more, haha!)

With that, I declare my Mission: Fast Food a success. 🙂

You can find Takoyaki two stalls to the left of Long Island, at the row of stalls to the left of UP Diliman’s Main Library, along the Engineering side of the campus.

Franco Note: Much thanks to Joey of Manila Foodistas.

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  • FEBRUARY 22, 2009 5:11 AM

    D said...

    Successful indeed!

    I've only had takoyaki once, and it was amazing, though I can't say they same for the price :( How great is it that you just happened to notice it :D

    Anyways, great photo as well! It brings back such delicious memories and makes me want to eat it again!

  • FEBRUARY 22, 2009 5:18 AM

    joey said...

    Thankyou for having me again! :)

  • FEBRUARY 22, 2009 7:20 AM

    Joey said...

    Sounds delicious, but I'm not a big fan of squid :)

  • FEBRUARY 22, 2009 7:26 AM

    Chiara said...

    seryoso?? meron? bakit di ko nakikita :| ohwell, thanks. hahahaha :D samahan mo ko nxt time joey :))

  • FEBRUARY 23, 2009 6:19 AM

    Anthony said...

    Mouth-watering photo! Now all you need are bonito flakes. It's a good thing I don't study in UP or I would be eating that stuff all the time.

    Are there any other places in Manila that have good takoyaki?

  • FEBRUARY 27, 2009 9:13 AM

    Lori said...

    Mercy me! My Bin LOVES takoyaki, but cripes, if I can't even get him out of Makati, how on earth am I going to persuade him to haul ass to UP??!