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Astor Place (6)
8th St-Broadway (R, W)
3rd Ave-14th St (L)
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This was my first time trying takoyaki, and with all the relishing reviews I had to bring a friend for the experience.
We came at around 5p.m and it was completely empty, la musica de espanol-pop was playing loud and the sticker/notice covered walls gave a nice eclectic feel. Just about 5 minutes after we ordered hordes came. We opted to wait outside-however cold it was, the place could only fit around 4 costumers at a time, standing up.
We got Combo B (6pc. Takoyaki+Okonomi-with shrimp topping) and Combo C (6 pc.Takoyaki+1/2Yakisoba). Took about 10-15 minutes waiting time.
Like other posters have mentionioned, the seating is really the only downfall here, and the lone bench in 40 degree weather didn't seem like optimal eating ground. Granted, had the sun sprung up I would have gladly eaten there. So, we walked around- starbucks was full, Mcdonalds was full and after a while we realized -shit! our foods going to get cold!
So we went to the subway. Good ole' 6 line. Hey, if we were going to pay $2.25 for the train anyway, might as well eat there. We ended up giving instructions to a passerby to this place when he noticed the grub. The Okonamiyaki was probably one of the best I've eaten. Crisp on the outside and yummy soft on the inside. We got all the condiments to go with it, and didn't really experience the sauce shock some other reviewers mentioned. Same goes for the takoyaki.
The yakisoba was good, but some other places can match it. Really if your going to Otafuku your going there for the takoyaki and the okonomiyaki. It was a really filling meal and awesome for the price.
We had the takoyaki and yakisoba combo ($9). 6 octopus takoyakis and a 1/2 portion of yakisoba. The yakisoba was really good... hot out of the box. The takoyaki, which I did not taste since octopus makes me gag, was good according to the hubs.
We took leftovers home and apparently takoyaki just gets better after being in the toaster oven.
Next time I want to try the okonomiyaki!
Otafuku is definitely true to form to takoyaki stalls straight out of Japan... love it!
There's no seating, just a small bench outside.
This was my first experience eating okonomiyaki.
Ordered okonomiyaki (beef topping) combo with yakisoba for a total of $7. No seating at all except for a bench right outside.
Sat on the bench and indulged myself. Excellent food. It was a nice small meal. Very satisfying since it was cold out, so overall a nice moment for me satisfying my hunger outside.
Will definitely be back. I am now a fan of okonomiyaki! Maybe try the takoyaki next.
Right on!! This place is awesome, from the person working inside, to the minimal store front to the quality of food and prices.
We got the Takoyaki and the Okonomiyaki as a combo for $9. The Takoyaki was moist, yet crisp and very creamy. The Okonomiyaki was very made too... creamy, crispy and well flavored. I felt like I was back in Japan, going to small store fronts with no seating for a bite of what they do best.
Barley tea for a $1 was really good as well. For the quality and quantity of food authentic Japanese good you get, this simply can't be beat. If you go here, go to Decibel for some drinks (check my review); its right next door.
BEST and largest takoyaki by far! Beats anything you've had from the Japanese restaurants on St. Marks.
I can only say that this is the BEST place for Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki. I've never tried the Yakisoba but my friends tell me it's very good. Whenever I pass by with friends I always point it out and say "this is the hole in the wall with some of the most awesome food in the city." I think that is the case with some of the best places for food anyway.
Even though the place is so small, I think its location in the E Village is very convenient. I don't usually come here to satisfy enormous pangs of hunger but rather cravings for whatever this little place has to offer. Next time you're passing by the E Village, I wholeheartedly recommend stopping by the hole with the bench and large flags in front and getting yourself a fix of yummy Japanese street food.
Whose bright idea was it to get street food when it's 40 degrees out and you're dressed for 70 degree weather? Oh, right. Mine.
I've been trying to get my other half to come here for ages. He's a stubborn one, that one. He comes from the stock of "Japanese street food is beneath me, I can only do high-grade sushi and only if they make me pay through the nose for it." Well...not that bad, but close. So we get there and surprise surprise, there is no line whatsoever. This sudden cold front has spooked everyone away but us fools.
We both get combo B, which is the 6 octopus balls and the okonomiyaki. I already know the okonomiyaki is awesome here. He gets his topped with corn, I get mine topped with pork. The pork is obviously the better choice, but I'm trying hard to be less bossy to my other half these days, so I let him choose poorly. The octopus balls, which I had never had here, are only half good. I like the melt-in your-mouth fried ball itself, but the chewy octopus could go jump back into the ocean for all I care.
We ate outside the tiny storefront with our backs to the chilly wind and all I could do was keep one hand under the plastic Tupperware to keep it warm and shovel food into my mouth as quickly as I could to get some heat into my stomach. It was retardo, but I'm glad we finally did it.
minor update 11/8/09: the squid topping on the okonomiyaki is bland. Stick with the pork. The fish pastry with red bean paste is also not worth the bite.
This is definitely more of an experience than the enjoyment of food. It's just so much fun to see and feel a culture in this way. Standing in front of Otafuku, i felt as if i was in Osaka (where Takoyaki was first made).
Honestly, i'm not a huge fan of takoyaki and okonomiyaki. I always thought it was too sweet and had a weird soft texture to it. When I tried Otafuku's takoyaki, i thought it wasn't too bad. It wasn't overly sweet and the skin was a bit crispy, with a soft creamy inside filled with yummy pieces of octopus.
It was definitely an experience, even though we had to wait 30 minutes to get our takoyaki! The place was swarming with people.
And you have to give it to them, they've been open for 10 years according to the guy who was working there. I would say that's before the whole crazy foodie era (and the Japanese food craze). And they are still very busy and probably will be open for the next 30 years!!
Niceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.
I have never had these octopus balls before, but the flavors are right up my alley. I love Asian cuisine especially street food. I have made similar things at home with my little Danish pancake pan, but man, if you like seafood, these little balls were great! I love the sweet brown (hoisin?) sauce on top along with the fishy flakes. They have great flavor in the batter from the green onions as well. Plus I got the combo with cabbage pancake. That was stellar also. I will definitely be back since I haven't been able to find this style of street food anywhere else!
I am a lover of Japanese food. I usually have to have it at least once a week.
Now, with that said... I would like to think that that goes to show my credibility in rating Japanese food because I have been to various spots in the bay area, ca and also los angeles.
My cousin decided to take me here during my visit to NY and I am now a fan of Japanese street food. I definitely enjoyed the ambiance, which felt like a really fun place to have drinks and chit chat with friends. The food was fresh, service was speedy, and the people were really friendly.
I really dont have much complaints about this place. The only complaint is that its not in CA. So, -1 star for that! ok, im not that mean. but ill leave it at 4. !
Super cheap and fast Japanese style street food. They offer you a variety of combos for takoyaki or okonomiyaki and other stuff like yakisoba.
We had the B combo - takoyaki with squid okonomiyaki. It was really good and cost $9! They weren't stingy with the squid in either of those. I had a piece of squid with each bite.
I had to also get the taiyaki since I can never resist those red bean fishy cake things. The outside was crispy and the inside was sweet and tasty. Yummy! That costs $1, can't beat that for a quick snack.
This place has awesome takoyaki. The fried squid balls are crispy on the outside and soft in the inside with the right amount of moistness inside. It is really flavorful and it goes great with the sauces and bonito flakes. Watch out though because two of my friends burnt their mouths by biting into them too quickly. The wait can take awhile especially at night, but it is worth it. I hear the okonomiyaki is really good too. I think i'll try that and the yakisoba next time to if they are as yummy as the takoyaki.
First time I ever ordered takoyaki and I pretty much like it, especially the brown sauce *in love*
The appearance of the takoyaki is really irresistible. Once you poke it, you can see how soft it is. The texture of the inside was very creamy, not what I thought it would be like but it was good. Personally I thought there should be more octopus pieces because one small piece within that big round chunk isn't enough! But, I would definitely go back there for more. It's great for a snack when strolling around east village.
I can only justify giving this place 3 stars. If I had an option to give it 2.5, I would. It's like trying to find decent pizza in Japan. I'm sorry to sound like an okonomiyaki snob, but I am. It's decent okonomiyaki, but not awesome greatness like Fuugestu in Japan. It is decent street food, but I never thought it was good enough to come back. I only go there when my friends want to get something. As for the takoyaki, it's just not fair to compare it with the real thing I've had in Japan. So much better. But for people who haven't tried it, should at least give it a chance.
This food is outrageously good. Eat here and be satisfied. Fast, cheap, good. Although some seating would be nice, but whatever, yakisoba YUM.
Sometimes I get cravings for these. Yep, big octopus balls, yum! Actually, I like the sauce more. And watching them make it half the fun. I like that they're piping hot, but I can't eat them when I get them unless I want to burn a hole through my mouth. Andrew Zimmern went to Japan and had a Japanese tourguide who ate it right when they got it and proceeded to make these "oor" "oor" "oor" sounds because they were so hot. My fiance tried that because the lady said that was the proper way to eat them and um fail because for the rest of the night, his mouth was numb. So don't try everything you see on tv kids.
You know those much-raved about food venues that are often described as "a hole in the wall, but absolutely delicious"? Well, Otafuku may not serve you artisnal entrees, but they certainly whip up a tasty, nostalgic batch of takoyaki (baked octopus) and okonomiyaki (Japanese grilled pancake) commonly served at food stands at exciting Japanese festivals and celebrations.
What's interesting to note is that Otafuku is actually the name of the sauce that they use with their food.Though, I do have trouble differentiating between Otafuku special sauce and tonkatsu sauce, one whiff of the grilled foods, and it's like I'm back in Tokyo. Great snack to grab on the go!
Oh, I guess I should mention, for those of you who are easily confused, the menu's broken down quite simply. You really only have two options: takoyaki or okonomiyaki, and you decide on a combination of the two. Combo A, B, and C are laid out on the menu :p
This is supposed to be the best okonomiyaki and takoyaki in the city? Really?
Let me start with the takoyaki. Tako means octopus in Japanese. There was maybe ONE TINY PIECE of tako in each ball. They even made it fresh for me after I conversed with the boys in Japanese (hoping that they would give me some better service). Sure they made everything fresh for me even though there was some already made in the window, but seriously, that was just a yaki (let's take out the tako in that). I guess if you were to just critique the ball itself, it was decent, but SERIOUSLY.....a takoyaki is NOTHING without the octopus. However, if you must try it here, make sure you get it with the sauce, Japanese mayo, fish flakes, and seaweed flakes.
The okonomiyaki was good. Not too floury/powdery, which is a common downfall in many okonomiyaki found outside of Japan. However, it was slightly overcooked and definitely OVER SAUCED. Please, less is more. Make sure you tell them to go easy on the sauce.
The yakisoba was also incredibly over-sauced. I think I was chugging water for a couple hours after this meal. Will I be back? Well, I will definitely not be going out of my way to eat here.
This place is so authentic that the proprietors don't understand enough English to change the radio station when it streams penis enlargement infomercials for minutes on end.
But speaking of thickness...no, it doesn't quite work, does it? Trying again, yes, PLEASURE. That would be an appropriate segue. So, speaking of pleasure.
I've tried all three of the main items - takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and yakisoba - and they are all delicious. Having lived in Kyoto, I rank Kansai food among my all-time favorite eats and am always hard-pressed to find it state-side. I wouldn't necessarily say Otafuku is better than your average food stand in Osaka, but it could hold its own, and that is high praise.
For the tastiness and quantity of food, Otafuku offers great value. Two-item combos run from $7 to $9, and takoyaki straight up will set you back one lonely Abraham. You can get plain takoyaki (which I guess is sans tako, so just yaki?) for $3, but that depresses me and I will not stand for it. $1 will get you a cup of iced barley tea from a murky plastic pitcher that's actually rather refreshing on a hot day.
My only real complaint about Otafuku is the space. The place is popular enough that unless you order in advance you will end up waiting, and seating is limited to a three-person bench outside. This situation is even less ideal for eating. I've been chased off the doorstep of the adjacent restaurant (meanies) and eaten standing up with my palm serving as table.
Yes, I am that fat. Yes, it is that good.
I love this place. For a quick street lunch, this is probably as good as it gets. I've had the okonomiyaki and yakisoba. I've never been a fan of takoyaki but they have that too and I'm sure it's great. You can get ramune to drink as well!
There's no seating except for a lone bench outside. Can't beat it for the price though.
I love this place! I'm going to miss the takoyaki and okonomiyaki here when I go off to college.
The takoyakis here are big and the okonomiyaki is great. You can get a meal for $9. It's enough to fill you completely but you get do get thirsty, the drinks are about $2.
The only seating is a little bench in the front but I think it's their plan to get more customers cause some people saw us eating outside and they were lured to order some. Totally genius idea.
Okay, so I am new to the whole "Japanese food experience" outside of sushi, and was actually hesitant when going into this place. I was with a friend who was craving takoyaki, so to Otafuku we went.
It stands out right away. It actually looks like a little Japanese shop I might find in a book, and it is literally a little hole in the wall. Maybe 4-5 customers can stand in at one time. Their menu is small but very straight forward, and the staff working there were really friendly.
I ordered a Combo B (takoyaki and beef okonomiyaki). From what my friend tells me, the takoyaki servings are very generous compared to anything she's been served. The balls are much bigger and they're definitely different and full of flavor. I enjoyed them and enjoyed my okonomiyaki even more.
I would suggest the B combo for any cabbage lovers. If I was going to be in the city longer, I would definitely go by there again. Their prices are reasonable for the serving sizes, and their food is delicious.
this place is such a tiny hole in the wall, but it's SUCH a gem. their takoyaki is so authentic and so delicious. i think it's like, $5 for 6 big takoyaki with bonito flakes and mayo and everything on it. soooo good. it's absolutely delicious, and i'm definitely going to be sure to try everything they have!
i wish they had some seating, though :/ it'd be nice to sit and enjoy my takoyaki inside.
Man, I absolutely love this place. I have been here in summer and winter, spring and fall, and I have never had a bad experience. My favorite summer meal might be yakotaki and cold barley tea; it's just enough to satisfy but not enough to really fill me up. My favorite winter meal might be yakotaki and hot tea (I'm pretty obvious).
I'm somewhat ashamed to say I've never had the okonomiyaki here, but that's only because I'm too distracted by the yakotaki. Besides I know I'd have to wait longer for them to cook it to order, and while it always looks delicious, my hunger is impatient. I promise that I will go get Okonomiyaki this weekend and update this post, though I suspect it will only confirm how awesome this place is.
The only pestering part is trying to eat when the bench and step next to the bench are already filled. Ultimately, though, this only adds to the charm.
Have I mentioned I love this place?
cool little hole in the wall? Cool door? Good Takoyaki? Miso Soup to go, in a cup? Okonomiyaki? PORK BUNS?!?! yep... this place rocks! especially during the winter months when you've been walking around, you're hands are jammed deep in your pockets, the wind's blowing hard, and you need just a little something warm to help you make the rest of the walk to your APT.
Good place!
takoyaki and the egg omelet, ono something is so good, so flavorful, and warming, and sure lots agree its worth the busy 1 bench seating outside. I was curious and tried The yakiSoba, tastes sweet, with some sesame oil and soy sauce, not far from what you can achieve even better with instant ramen, so your definitely getting a better deal and portion with the priceless Takoyaki and egg omelet combo Fuh sure. the sauce combo and bonito flakes topping gives a savory, and cheese mayonnaise effect, yummy.
To me. what makes the NY restaurant scene so special is 1) authentic ethnic restaurants (particularly those serving dishes you would not know about if you tried an Americanized version of that cuisine (think Yakitori for Japanese, or Menudo for Mexican)) and 2) restaurants which, offering just one or two items, specialize and do them right.
Otafuku combines both elements, serving up the tastiest Takoyaki and Okonommiyaki I've experienced in the States.
If you are looking for a quick snack which is outside the ordinary grab-and-go sandwich, try Otofuku.
Went here for lunch today after a friend suggested it to me. For $9 I had Combo B, which is Takoyaki (6pcs) of hot wheat flour balls with a chopped piece of octopus inside, and a Yakisoba which is a Japanese pan-fried noodle with squid and shrimp and a choice of topping. I went with pork, which basically was a piece of bacon on top.
I enjoyed the meal, and it was def good value. I didn't like the fact that they put this brown sweet sauce over both dishes. Literally drowned them in this. I don't really like sweet, so maybe if it had just been on one of them that would've been enough, but it was so strong it kind of overpowers the dish. But now I know, and next time I'll ask them to hold it or give me a lil on the side.
Like everyone else wrote, the place is tiny, so plan on getting it to go.
Otafaku is my one-stop shop for my Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki cravings. I always get combo B when I come here. It takes about 10 minutes for them to make your Okonomiyaki(which are made fresh). Takoyaki usually are ready to go. It's a definite hole in the wall but it's so good, but not as good as you would get in Japan obviously, but it's probably the best you will find in the US on the east coast. Highly recommended!
The transaction was simple. I ordered the takoyaki. He asked if I would eat it there or take it with me. I told him that my girlfriend and I would eat and walk. He said okay, took out some takoyaki, added sauces and fish flakes. We exchanged: I received the takoyaki, he received the $5 bill.
And OMG. Best takoyaki I've ever had. In three weeks I leave for Japan, and I suspect that it is the only place you can find better takoyaki. Go here. Eat it. Then go and eat some more.
Otafuku is a great street-vendored styled, cheap, quick eat joint. Their specialty is takoyaki, which is baked octopus balls. Basically they add a batter, and add tenkasu (tempura scraps), octopus, okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and some katsuobushi (fish shavings).
In Japan Takoyaki balls are very common and enjoyed by all. It's very affordable and their cuisine will have you coming back for some more. They also have kakigori, a Japanese desert -- basically shaved ice usually with sweet red bean topping which is also very good.
If you're in the East Village/St. Marks area, this shop is a MUST.
If you want the best homemade tasting takoyaki, this is your place to go! It makes a quick lunch or snack, and its 100% authentic Japanese.
Cheap cheap cheap for delicious takoyaki. A couple of my friends were apprehensive about "octopus balls" but because of that, they missed out on a delicious meal. Get the octopus balls and don't chicken out!
The takoyaki is freshly made and served pipping hot. The taste is amazing and a serving of six is just not enough.
Although I didn't have it myself, my friend loved loved loved the okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake). I'm definitely ordering both the next time I go.
Wow, this place really is a hole in the wall. My good friend took me here while waiting insanely long for a table at Ippudo. We had the squid okonomiyaki and octopus balls. At $9, it's not really the cheapest appetizer, but then again, I don't think it's supposed to be an appetizer... Either way, I didn't pay, but it totally would have been worth it!
Excellent, authentic okonomiyaki and takoyaki that makes my mouth water just thinking about the leftovers I'm going to eat for dinner tonight. The people there are really authentic (REAL JAPANESE PEOPLE!) and kind and the tiny space looks appropriately grimy.
The only thing that sucks (and I'm sure that this has been mentioned already) is the lack of seating. I'd say save this place for a sunny day and then find a park where you can hang out and sit and munch. It'll stay hot, don't worry.
Skip the yakisoba--you can make that shit at home.
Also, this place is cash only.
Cheap takoyaki and yakisoba.
Tiny space with no seats. They splash mayonnaise and that sweet brown sauce with dried bonito flakes. YUMMY!!!
The takoyaki are pretty rich and tend to make my stomach hurt, but they are delicious.
Haven't had the pancake yet.
Would've given 5 stars if they had bigger pieces of octopus in the takoyaki
Cheap prices ($3-$5 for 6 large balls) and tasty street goodies make this tiny establishment a must if you're in the neighborhood.
The only downside is their lack of seating. Try juggling a container of hot balls in one hand while trying to put said hot balls into your mouth while trying to sustain 3rd degree burns in said mouth while trying not to snort the mini bonito flurry that has arisen from a sudden gust of wind.
Tako and cheese fillings are really good. Also, I think they should put beni shoga (red ginger) in the takoyaki to cut some of the richness.
DO NOT FORGET TO LET THEM COOL A LOT BEFORE PUTTING THEM IN YOUR MOUTH.
No disagreement here. such great street food. The takoyaki is so good and melts in your mouth topped with the bonito flakes, ginger, mayo, etc. plus you get a good piece of octupus!
What a revelation. Before I had the takoyaki here, I didn't know that the balls were supposed to be runny and gooey and warm inside! The line moves pretty fast right after they've cooked up a batch, but if there is only one cast iron takoyaki maker so if they are out, you may have to wait a while to get yours.
The pancakes are good too. They kind of remind me of papusas, but with a lot of veggies and without the cheese.
LOVE the food here! Really have my cravings for Takoyaki (octopus ball) and Yakisoba (Japanese fried noodle fixed! The food are made on the spot, fresh and hot. The most important thing is, the taste is AUTHENTIC!
The yakisoba noodle is not over-cooked, still retained it's bite and texture. Plenty of little shrimp and squid chunks in the fried noodle. Two Thumbs Up!
The takoyaki are just delicious! Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside (liquid batter) with a piece of blanched octopus. Caution, it is hot, be careful when you eat. The dipping sauce and mayonnaise are perfect match to takoyaki. To be honest, I wanted to lick the plate!
An update, the Combo C (6 takoyaki, and 1/2 portion of Japanese Fried Noodle) is 9 dollars. The price shown in the picture is still 8 dollars.
While I was eating on the bench outside the store, I heard an Asian girl recommended the food to her American friend. But her American friend replied, "It's Japanese food? It's not sushi!" Japanese food is not all about sushi, Japanese people don't just eat sushi all the time!!
Happy Hour!
Neighborhood: Lower East Side
now serving on sundays!
Neighborhood: East Village
Neighborhood: East Village
Category: Japanese
Neighborhood: East Village
Category: Japanese
Neighborhood: East Village
Category: Japanese
Neighborhood: East Village
Category: Japanese
Neighborhood: East Village
Category: Japanese
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