Creative Takoyaki in Kaohsiung with Chocolate, Marshmallows & Pickled Pineapple – Wildly Unique!

Text & Photos byShadow

Takoyaki is a well-known and familiar snack, and most people are accustomed to its usual way of being eaten. But on Wuren Street in Lingya, there’s a takoyaki shop that does things differently. Yukken Takoyaki, which only opened in February this year, is not located in a bustling commercial area. Plus, its storefront has no special decoration or prominent signage, so it’s very easy to miss if you’re not paying attention.

The owner looks young and loves experimenting with food. His takoyaki-making skills were initially learned from a friend, but he later developed his own unique flavors, breaking away from traditional takoyaki and creating an alternative specialty.

The flavors listed on the sign are the standard ones — a box of seven pieces for NT$60. But the shop also offers hidden menu flavors!

All the takoyaki are made fresh to order. You can see the owner generously adding generous chunks of octopus — he says the octopus used in the shop is sourced from Qianzhen Fishing Port. In addition to takoyaki, they also add bamboo shoots for extra texture.

Wangwang Pear – NT$60

This is a hidden flavor. It includes opium kimchi, pineapple, and half a boiled egg, all topped with mayonnaise and bonito flakes.

The opium kimchi is made by the owner’s relative and has an excellent flavor — refreshing and crisp.

The freshly made takoyaki have a slightly crispy exterior and are very chewy. Paired with mayonnaise, it’s a classic flavor. Add some kimchi, and the sweet-and-sour taste becomes quite unique.

The combination of kimchi and pineapple doesn’t feel off at all — the pineapple adds a refreshing note that keeps it from getting too heavy.

Yuk’s Red Sauce – NT$60

As the name suggests, it’s takoyaki topped with red sauce.

The red sauce is made by the owner using tomatoes — it has a natural, unpretentious flavor that gives the takoyaki a distinctive taste. The big chunks of takoyaki are also very satisfying to bite into.

945 Pine – NT$60

This is the takoyaki with meat floss flavor, also paired with delicious kimchi.

The meat floss flavor is also pretty unique, but since meat floss is a bit dry, it’s not as refreshing as the pineapple or red sauce options.

OREO Chocolate – NT$60

Takoyaki can be made into a sweet version, which is quite an innovation — it includes chocolate sauce, cornflakes, OREO, marshmallows, and more.

The chocolate sauce coats the takoyaki, giving it a sweet outside that complements the takoyaki flavor surprisingly well. It also makes for a great afternoon tea snack.

You can still taste the big chunks of octopus inside — it’s really special to have sweet-flavored takoyaki for the first time!

Students can show their student ID or wear their school uniform to get a box for just NT$50.

The storefront isn’t very noticeable, so look for the lightbox sign outside.

Takoyaki can be found everywhere, but it’s still rare to find a place that offers such a variety of creative flavors. The owner went from being a complete novice to now making delicious takoyaki with great skill. He’s put a lot of thought and effort into developing new takoyaki flavors, and customers who’ve tried them have given very positive feedback. These authentic, flavorful takoyaki are definitely worth recommending.

Yukken Takoyaki
Address: No. 163, Wuren Street, Lingya District, Kaohsiung City
Phone: 0968-131113
Business Hours: 15:00–23:00
Holidays: Irregular, please refer to the official website of the store.
Note: It is recommended to call ahead and make a reservation to avoid waiting in line.

Kaohsiung Food Adventure Blog　Kaohsiung Food Lovers Facebook Fan Page