Takoyaki (たこ焼き or 蛸焼, lit. fried or grilled octopus) is a popular ball-shaped Japanese dumpling. It is like a savory pancake in a ball-shape which is cooked in a special pan.
Takoyaki is a specialty of Osaka and Kyoto. It is usually eaten as a snack.
Many people in Osaka and Kyoto have a special cooker that makes takoyaki. This is because they eat takoyaki often.