Nishiki Warai Honten

Nishiki Warai Honten is a beloved street-food stall at the heart of Nishiki Market's covered arcade in Nakagyo Ward, specializing in takoyaki (octopus balls) and kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) — two of the most iconic casual foods of the Kansai region. The takoyaki here are made to order in a cast-iron takoyaki pan: spherical golden bites of batter encasing a small piece of octopus, filled with chopped spring onion and pickled ginger, finished with bonito flakes that wave hypnotically in the heat, sweet-savory okonomiyaki sauce, and a generous squeeze of Japanese mayonnaise. The kushikatsu skewers — panko-breaded and deep-fried morsels of pork, prawn, lotus root, cheese, or seasonal vegetables — are a simple, satisfying alternative for those who prefer to eat while walking. At Nishiki Warai Honten, the format is entirely take-away: customers queue, order from a small menu, receive their food in a paper cup or tray, and continue down the market corridor. This is exactly the mode of eating that makes Nishiki Market — Kyoto's 400-metre covered food street — so lively and distinctive. The stall operates from 10AM until early evening, generally until stock runs out. Located in the central section of Nishiki Market, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, Japan.