Bring on the kimonos, fireworks, and love stories. In anime, you’ve probably seen the hero and heroine buy takoyaki. The couple is most likely at a festival, about to arrive at the first steps of a budding romance.

Takoyaki consists of a series of batter-and-baby-octopi balls, fried and placed on a stick and seasoned with okonomiyaki sauce and mayonnaise. These delectable treats are cheap and a great alternative for a midday snack.

Hailing from Southern Japan in places like Osaka and Kyoto, okonomiyaki is much like a seafood pancake. This savory delight typically combines cabbage, shrimp, green onion, meat, and many other seafood items--all tossed atop a round batter dressed with a special sauce and mayonnaise.

It’s said that the true connoisseur can grill the best okonomiyaki himself. In some restaurants, this statement is put to the test. You’re given the raw ingredients and a spatula to mix, cook, and serve. Just be careful not to leave the batter too long.