With the 2025 World Expo fast approaching in Japan’s Kansai region, Osaka is embracing the excitement with various themed events, including special flights and a visit from the life-sized Gundam. As part of the celebration, Wendy’s, in partnership with fast food chain First Kitchen in Japan, will offer a unique Osaka-inspired burger—the Takoyaki Burger.
Takoyaki, or “octopus balls,” is a beloved dish in Osaka, consisting of grilled batter balls filled with octopus and other ingredients like green onions, rice puffs, and pickled ginger. These tasty bites are topped with a flavorful sauce, similar to BBQ sauce, and are a staple in Osaka’s street food culture. It’s no surprise that Takoyaki is being featured as the signature ingredient in a burger to celebrate Osaka’s vibrant culinary scene.
The Takoyaki Burger will be available for 780 yen (about $5.22). It includes an all-beef patty topped with three pieces of takoyaki, accompanied by traditional toppings such as mayonnaise, dried bonito flakes, aonori seaweed, and takoyaki sauce.
The burger combines the bold flavors of Osaka’s famous dish in a convenient, handheld format.
This limited-time burger will be available at both Wendy’s First Kitchen and First Kitchen locations. The two chains offer different styles of burgers, so Wendy’s First Kitchen serves square patties, while First Kitchen sticks to round ones.
In addition to the Takoyaki Burger, Wendy’s First Kitchen will also offer a special drink in honor of the World Expo—a tapioca-infused mix juice. This popular regional drink, made by blending fresh fruit with milk, is now given a twist with bubble-tea-style tapioca pearls.
The Takoyaki Burger will officially launch on March 27, 2025. However, the burger won’t be available at Wendy’s First Kitchen locations in Namba and Tempozan (Osaka), Shinkyogoku (Kyoto), or Aqua City Odaiba (Tokyo), as noted in the fine print of the announcement.
Despite these limited locations, the Takoyaki Burger is a fitting tribute to Osaka and the upcoming World Expo, and fans of the city’s culinary traditions are eager to try this innovative twist on a local favorite.
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