I first found out about Tako 4U — the cute Japanese kei (mini) truck that’s been popping up around Kakaʻako — from a foodie friend, who sent me a photo of the truck when it was parked near SALT At Our Kakaʻako.
It’s been serving up takoyaki for about one month, according to operating general manager/executive chef Ken Maeda, but what he wants customers to remember about the business goes far beyond takoyaki.
“We provide free meals — even at our restaurants — to children under age 12, as part of our mission to support kids here in Hawaiʻi,” he says. “Kids eat free — nobody in Hawaiʻi does that; nobody in the state does that.”
The complimentary kids’ meal includes four pieces of original takoyaki. Regular orders include seven pieces ($11) in flavors like original, negi ponzu, negi shio, cheese and mentai mayo.
“Original and negi ponzu are the most popular flavors,” Maeda says. “People that already know what takoyaki is tend to get negi shio or negi ponzu; that’s a flavor you don’t really get often. It’s a citrus soy sauce on top, and it’s topped with green onions and homemade mayonnaise.”
The business’s takoyaki is unique because of its ingredients, according to Maeda.
“It’s the love we put in the batter,” he says. “Osaka takoyaki is a little on the soggy side; there’s this famous place called Gindaco that has super crispy takoyaki. Ours is right in between (in consistency) — between really crispy and the original Kansai-style, where it’s a little soft.”
Since the truck is still in its soft opening phase, customers are encouraged to be patient. The truck is only taking in-person orders, and it takes about 15 minutes for takoyaki to cook from start to finish, according to Maeda.
“Our founder’s dream was to do something for the kids,” he says. “That’s what we’re trying really hard to do through food. We might start something really positive; that’s what we’re hoping for.”
Stay updated with Tako 4U’s schedule by following the business on Instagram.
CONTACT
Tako 4U
Various locations
Instagram: @tako4uhawaii
Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.
