I came across this food stand by chance at big street fair Japan fes while traveling from Osaka to New York. I decided to try American takoyaki to make a memory of my trip. To my surprise, it was exactly like the takoyaki in my hometown, Osaka! Later, I found out that this studious takoyaki chef is the only non-Japanese chef to be certified by the Konamon Association in Japan. If you want to eat real Japan-Osaka food, I recommend you come here!
I picked pics from Japan Osaka Konamon Association IG posts.... wow cool.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kyle Sanders
My first Takoyaki was one year ago from these pros. I think about it often. Wish they had a storefront!
Olive Ho
Must try!!! Most authentic Osaka style takoyaki you can find in new york
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Spicy Takoyaki
phin
We just came back from Japan and as so excited to try karlsballs at Japan fest. I was excited seeing the takoyaki grills/press being used. However, it just wasn’t right.I think mine had been sitting out for a bit. Takoyaki should be piping hot (like burn your mouth hot) and mine was lukewarm at best. Didn’t have the crispy outside either. Make sure yours is made fresh infront of you or don’t bother.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Anton S.
Had the pleasure to try out the takoyaki at the japanese festival in Chelsea. It is def good, but also a bit overhyped IMOGood taste, but nothing over the top
Michael Boter
Want Takoyaki? Karl's Balls got you covered. Have it hot and freshly made. Always present in most events I go to in NYC.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ksenia K
The best takoyaki in NYC!?☄️☄️☄️
Don Park
Karl has brought Japanese street food that takes a ton of time, care, and skill to do right straight to New York. All the places I've tried Takoyaki from in the city are either microwaved from frozen packets or just aren't that level of quality. Karl sells something that tastes just like what you'd find in the streets of Osaka and brings it to life an ocean away. Noone else can beat it. When I get that itch for good takoyaki there's only one game in town and that's KARLSBALLS.10/10 would ball again.Edit: Takoyaki should be runny and gooey inside. That contrast in texture is another element you get to enjoy. That's how I had it when I was in Osaka. It's something that isn't very common here in the US so give it a shot! I promise you, you will not be disappointed.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Steven DeLaurentis
Had it at the Forest Hills street fair and it was delicious. Had the original flavor and hopefully I’ll run into them again so I can try the different flavors. Best part was my wife said “eww octopus “ so I was able to enjoy all six pieces. Owner/ chef was very friendly, he really adds to the great experience
Gina Lipere
Karlsballs is the BEST takoyaki I've ever had. I've tried a lot of takoyaki in multiple Japanese restaurants, grocery stores, etc. and my friends and I always say "It's good, but not as good as Karsballs." You can't beat it. I've only been to the Karlsballs locations at conventions, such as NY Comic Con and AnimeNYC, and it's worth the wait every time. It is THE convention meal for me. Super flavorful. Octopus melts in your mouth. You can tell its made with fresh ingredients. Highly recommend.
This is some of the most authentic and best-executed Osaka-style takoyaki in NYC (& possibly in all of the US), and it's not even close. The contrast of the crisp exterior, the creamy interior, and the pleasant chew of the octopus are all a work of art. In terms of menu offerings, it's hard to go wrong with the OG... but if you're feeling adventurous & it's on the menu for the day, the Mentaiko takoyaki - which I tried on a recent visit, at Karl's behest - is nothing short of a work of art.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mili
Ate at JapanFes. Some were uncooked(batter can tell), and the flavor was odd, not authentic. I didn't want to waste food, but I had to throw them away(we bought 3 bowls, that's $45). Don't tell me it's impossible/I don't know about Takoyaki. I had eaten Takoyaki several times in Japan. And it was overpriced, normally it's $8~10 in the restaurant, I don't know why it's $15. Unbelievable, total waste of money.
Lianzi Liu
Nice ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Alexis Vouros
Terrible.
Jason Starkman
Awesome authentic takoyaki. Had a payment issue and karl himself resolved it very quickly and was very apologetic. great place.
I came across this food stand by chance at big street fair Japan fes while traveling from Osaka to New York. I decided to try American takoyaki to make a memory of my trip. To my surprise, it was exactly like the takoyaki in my hometown, Osaka! Later, I found out that this studious takoyaki chef is the only non-Japanese chef to be certified by the Konamon Association in Japan. If you want to eat real Japan-Osaka food, I recommend you come here!
I picked pics from Japan Osaka Konamon Association IG posts.... wow cool.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
My first Takoyaki was one year ago from these pros. I think about it often. Wish they had a storefront!
Must try!!! Most authentic Osaka style takoyaki you can find in new york
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Spicy Takoyaki
We just came back from Japan and as so excited to try karlsballs at Japan fest. I was excited seeing the takoyaki grills/press being used. However, it just wasn’t right.I think mine had been sitting out for a bit. Takoyaki should be piping hot (like burn your mouth hot) and mine was lukewarm at best. Didn’t have the crispy outside either. Make sure yours is made fresh infront of you or don’t bother.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Had the pleasure to try out the takoyaki at the japanese festival in Chelsea. It is def good, but also a bit overhyped IMOGood taste, but nothing over the top
Want Takoyaki? Karl's Balls got you covered. Have it hot and freshly made. Always present in most events I go to in NYC.
Food: 5
Service: 5
The best takoyaki in NYC!?☄️☄️☄️
Karl has brought Japanese street food that takes a ton of time, care, and skill to do right straight to New York. All the places I've tried Takoyaki from in the city are either microwaved from frozen packets or just aren't that level of quality. Karl sells something that tastes just like what you'd find in the streets of Osaka and brings it to life an ocean away. Noone else can beat it. When I get that itch for good takoyaki there's only one game in town and that's KARLSBALLS.10/10 would ball again.Edit: Takoyaki should be runny and gooey inside. That contrast in texture is another element you get to enjoy. That's how I had it when I was in Osaka. It's something that isn't very common here in the US so give it a shot! I promise you, you will not be disappointed.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Had it at the Forest Hills street fair and it was delicious. Had the original flavor and hopefully I’ll run into them again so I can try the different flavors. Best part was my wife said “eww octopus “ so I was able to enjoy all six pieces. Owner/ chef was very friendly, he really adds to the great experience
Karlsballs is the BEST takoyaki I've ever had. I've tried a lot of takoyaki in multiple Japanese restaurants, grocery stores, etc. and my friends and I always say "It's good, but not as good as Karsballs." You can't beat it. I've only been to the Karlsballs locations at conventions, such as NY Comic Con and AnimeNYC, and it's worth the wait every time. It is THE convention meal for me. Super flavorful. Octopus melts in your mouth. You can tell its made with fresh ingredients. Highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Spicy Takoyaki
Restaurantji Recommends
This is some of the most authentic and best-executed Osaka-style takoyaki in NYC (& possibly in all of the US), and it's not even close. The contrast of the crisp exterior, the creamy interior, and the pleasant chew of the octopus are all a work of art. In terms of menu offerings, it's hard to go wrong with the OG... but if you're feeling adventurous & it's on the menu for the day, the Mentaiko takoyaki - which I tried on a recent visit, at Karl's behest - is nothing short of a work of art.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ate at JapanFes. Some were uncooked(batter can tell), and the flavor was odd, not authentic. I didn't want to waste food, but I had to throw them away(we bought 3 bowls, that's $45). Don't tell me it's impossible/I don't know about Takoyaki. I had eaten Takoyaki several times in Japan. And it was overpriced, normally it's $8~10 in the restaurant, I don't know why it's $15. Unbelievable, total waste of money.
Nice ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Terrible.
Awesome authentic takoyaki. Had a payment issue and karl himself resolved it very quickly and was very apologetic. great place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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