Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on September 2013

Chain takoyaki shop Tsukiji Gindaco, famed across the nation for its version of the local Osaka treat, has recently expanded its selection to offer a different kind of octopus-balled treat at its Tokyo station shop, Gindaco Kitchen (1F Tokyo Station, Keiyo Street, 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku. Nearest stn: Tokyo; www.gindaco.com). Takoyaki sweets may sound like a bad idea, but trust us: there are no chopped up bits of eight-armed cephalopod inside these succulent spheres. Not just a sweet version of the Japanese festival staple, these are a recreation of the original—in dessert form. Looks like an octopus ball, tastes like heaven. These unlikely after dinner treats come in a range of flavors worthy of their own buffet table: caramel pudding, black sesame cream, blueberry yoghurt, strawberry shortcake, mango cream, matcha cream, chocolate and cookie or coffee cream.

¥180 each, sets of four (¥700) or eight (¥1,400).