Hank K.
Yelp
Holy Molly. That chicken bao was transcendental. I had it 4 hours ago, but my mouth is still watering by thinking about it.
Takoyaki has always had a very special place in my heart since I was a kid. I still remember that there was a food stand near my elementary school, and I always went there to get precisely 6ix (heh) takoyaki balls in the afternoon as a treat. Seeing the dancing bonito flakes, the smell of the crispy/soft batter of the balls cooked to perfection, mixing with kewpie mayo and the takoyaki dressing and the burning sensation when I ate them defined a significant portion of my childhood. As a result, I have a ~very high standard~ for takoyak; most of the takoyaki I've tried in North America (e.g. ramen restaurants, and Korean fusion restaurants) are disappointments to me, which I would rarely order.
I came to Takoyaki6ix once last year, and I gave it a four-star rating. Overall, I think the takoyaki made here is exquisite and definitely a lot better than many other places. I think it lost one star for me because the price was a bit more on the expensive end (15 dollars for 10 if I remember correctly). I got this insatiable craving for takoyaki ball today so I returned.
Upon returning, I saw their new menu items (Curry katsu rice bowl & wafu Chicken bao). I felt pretty adventurous so I gave the wafu chicken bao a try. Let me tell ya, that was probably the best decision I made this whole week for my life .
Freshly made bao bun, Golden fried chicken katsu, with Japanese egg salad (ah it's so good. I freaking love Japanese egg salad), fresh cabbage and the tangy katsu dressing - this thing tastes like absolute heaven. I had some exchanges with the owner, Kaori and the staff, Mari, and they were super lovely too.
The price to portion for the chicken bao is great too! Although it may be considered a "snack" to most, the katsu is pretty big by itself. With that heavenly taste at the cost of 8 dollars? Take my money.
In addition, I really appreciate how organized and clean the restaurant is when it comes to properly storing the ingredients, including the raw chicken, and the seafood (octopus, shrimp balls etc.) It's always a massive green flag for me.
All and all, just come and try the chicken bao already.