Takoyaki is a very casual fast food in Japan. It might not be easily found at Japanese restaurants in the US or other parts of world even though it is a very popular dish. Takoyaki tastes a little bit like round shaped Okonomiyaki, but it has a much different flavor from the Tako (octopus) cooked inside them. In most parts of Japan, people don’t treat Takoyaki as a meal. Many people typically think of Takoyaki as something you get from street vendors at festivals and events.
In western Japan, in the Kansai area where we are from on the other hand, Takoyaki is very popular not only as a snack but also as a meal. Many households in Kansai have Takoyaki pans at home so they can cook for dinner. Takoyaki is actually very filling since flour is used as a main ingredient just like pancakes and bread. With savory Takoyaki Sauce , similar to Okonomiyaki sauce (or even Tonkatsu sauce), it can be a very good main dish for dinner.