Super-popular delicious takoyaki in Tokyo & crispy taiyaki too!

Text and photos byXiao Sheng’s Wandering Journey

Back in Taiwan’s night markets, I always loved having a serving of Japanese-style takoyaki. Naturally, when I came to Japan—the birthplace of takoyaki—I had to give it a try. But the difference in taste between “Japanese-style” takoyaki and actual “Japan-made” takoyaki is huge. After trying some in Osaka, I didn’t really enjoy it. However, the takoyaki from this place in Tokyo completely changed my impression of Japanese takoyaki, which is why I made special trips here during both of my visits to Tokyo.

This delicious takoyaki spot is called Gin-Dako. When I looked up information, I found they have multiple branches, but on all my recent visits, I came to their Harajuku location. The Harajuku shop is right near Exit 3 of Meiji-jingumae Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line—it’s very easy to find. Right next door is the famous Garrett Popcorn, which always has long lines. So even though Gin-Dako is just as visible, it’s also very easy to locate. Although the line isn’t as long as the popcorn shop’s, it’s still fairly busy because this takoyaki place is genuinely quite popular.

There are seats on the second floor where customers can enjoy their food, but the seating is really small and cramped. Still, in Tokyo—where space comes at a premium—it’s already great to have a place to sit.

Besides takoyaki, Gin-Dako also offers another delightful snack that keeps me coming back—taiyaki. It’s a treat I fell in love with after just one bite, which is why I made sure to have it during both of my Tokyo trips.

While waiting for your order on the first floor, you can also take a moment to watch the chefs making takoyaki. The first floor has an open kitchen, and the tools used to make takoyaki in Japan are completely different from those in Taiwan. It’s hard to imagine that almost the same method could result in such a different taste.

Next to the takoyaki station, you can also clearly see the chefs making taiyaki. The taiyaki here looks quite different from the usual ones you see—it’s definitely got a unique texture too.

At Gin-Dako, I naturally went for a combo set plus an extra taiyaki to try. The combo set includes a cola, takoyaki, and a half-boiled egg.

The half-boiled egg has a cool, refreshing texture. It comes with sauce that you mix in and eat together with the egg. Watching the golden yolk ooze out is oddly tempting, but personally, I’m not a big fan of very runny eggs—they give me the creeps a little.

Finally, the takoyaki arrived—and wow, it was delicious. Each serving comes with eight pieces. The takoyaki is sprinkled with dried bonito flakes, green onions, and some white mystery topping (it’s been so long I’ve forgotten what it is, XD), but these toppings really add to the visual appeal.

The texture is still the classic soft Japanese-style takoyaki—but even though the batter is soft, the flavor is well-seasoned and quite rich and tasty. The octopus pieces are thick and chewy, giving a satisfying, high-quality feel. After eating this takoyaki, I realized texture isn’t the issue—there are delicious soft takoyaki options in Japan too. This completely changed my view of Japanese takoyaki.

Taiyaki (210 yen): Lastly, let me introduce this other delicious taiyaki. Normally, taiyaki is shaped just like a fish, but this one is rectangular—with the fish shape in the middle and the rest forming the edges. The sugar crystals on top are clearly visible, and you can tell it’s going to be pretty sweet, XD.

One bite in, and I was blown away. The edges of the taiyaki are super crispy—like a thousand-layer flaky pastry. The red bean filling in the center is dense and smooth. Unlike the extremely crispy exterior, the inside is soft, fluffy, and sweet—but not overly so. With such rich flavors packed into one taiyaki, no wonder I love it so much.

Both the takoyaki and taiyaki at Gin-Dako were incredibly impressive. Even though my upcoming trip to Tokyo is just around the corner and I’m looking forward to visiting again, unfortunately, this time the schedule is too tight and I might not make it. But while writing this article, I discovered that Gin-Dako has actually expanded to Taiwan—so now I can enjoy delicious takoyaki and taiyaki without traveling all the way to Japan.

Gin-Dako THE GINDACO
Address: Japan 150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jingumae 1-chome, 14-24
Phone: 03-5775-1788
Hours: 11:00～22:00
Website:http://www.gindaco.com/top.html

Xiao Sheng’s Wandering Journey
Every journey, every trip is a quest. Though I’m not entirely sure what I’m searching for, what I gain in the end always exceeds my expectations. And so, my wandering journey will continue endlessly.