「MOKUBA」 is just a 3-minute walk from the west exit of JR Kyoto Line’s Shimamoto Station! Its location is so close to the station that you might consider it the nearest dining establishment from Shimamoto Station.
“MOKUBA” offers not only takoyaki but also a variety of other appealing dishes. Their menu includes options such as okonomiyaki (starting from 500Yen), Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki (starting from 700Yen), various rice dishes like Japanese-style fried rice (550Yen) and soba rice (600Yen), as well as grilled meat set meals and hormone grill set meals. The varity of menu adds to the charm of the restaurant.
You can also enjoy alcoholic beverages such as beer and highball!
Store’s Information
MOKUBA
JR Kyoto Line’s Shimamoto Station
〒618-0022 大阪府三島郡島本町桜井 1 丁目 12-12
Google マップ URL
Tuesday
11:00～22:00
075-777-9229
6 for…300Yen
8 for…400Yen
10 for…500Yen
12 for…600Yen
15 for…750Yen
You can choose seasoning from regular sauce, ponzu, salt and soy sauce.
MOKUBA’s Takoyaki
Owner’s character and MOKUBA’s origin
The charm of “MOKUBA” lies not only in the taste of the takoyaki and the variety of the menu but also, above all, in the character of the owner!
The owner is knowledgeable, very friendly, and excellent at engaging in conversation. I received various interesting insights and pieces of trivia from them.
For example, the origin of the name “MOKUBA” is said to be because the owner was born in the year of the horse and horses symbolize “happiness” and “success.” Horses have been considered auspicious animals for a long time, so the name carries a wish for the prosperity of the shop.
Indeed! It’s an origin that reflects the extensive knowledge of the owner!
The reason for starting a takoyaki shop
I asked the owner about the reason they started a takoyaki shop.
The owner originally worked at a teppanyaki restaurant but decided to start his own business due to COVID-19 pandemic.
He expressed with determination “Turning a crisis into an opportunity!”
What is the owner’s passion for takoyaki?
And I inquired about the owner’s feelings towards takoyaki.
To which the owner responded, “For example, sushi used to be a casual street food, but now it’s perceived as a high-end delicacy. I don’t want takoyaki to become like that.”
If you’re curious about the owner, please do visit the shop in person!
The secret to the deliciousness of the takoyaki lies in the “size of the octopus” and the “secret broth”! (See the second photo)
The takoyaki at “MOKUBA” is of the creamy and fluffy type, melting in your mouth when you take a bite.
Furthermore, I was amazed by the size of the octopus inside. The satisfying chewiness of the large octopus, felt after the dough melts, is sure to provide a sense of fulfillment!
And it seems that the secret to the deliciousness of takoyaki is hidden in the “secret broth.”
I also took a photo of the “secret broth”! What kind of “secret” is hidden there…? It makes you curious not only about the taste of the broth but also about the owner’s dedication to its usage. Intriguing, isn’t it?
Not just takoyaki! There’s also superb teppanyaki and Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. The owner worked at a teppanyaki restaurant in the past, so they have confidence in the taste of teppanyaki as well.
It turns out that the owner also holds the title of Osaka Teppanyaki Champion.
Also when it comes to Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, the owner confidently stated, “Our version is even more delicious than the authentic Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki!”
When visiting “MOKUBA,” I recommend exploring beyond the takoyaki menu and enjoying the other offerings as well!
Summary
We’ve summarized information about “MOKUBA” near JR Kyoto Line’s Shimamoto Station.
With its conveniently located spot near the station, wide varity of menu, melt-in-the-mouth takoyaki, and the charismatic owner, “MOKUBA” is a shop packed with numerous attractions.
If you’re interested, be sure to pay a visit!
〈Other Interview Article〉
↓Japanese Ver.
