"Can a Takoyaki Business Succeed in a 'Country That Doesn't Eat Octopus'?"

0 Introduction

Originating from Osaka, takoyaki captivates people with its three-stage texture of "crispy, gooey, chewy" and the aroma of sauce, aonori, and bonito flakes. In today's world, where street food is spreading borderlessly, takoyaki pop-ups and franchises are increasing in various places. However, can a business thrive in cultures where "octopus is not eaten or there is resistance to eating octopus"? This article explores the conditional potential for success by examining ① the background of octopus-eating culture, ② religious and ethical barriers, ③ local adaptation strategies, ④ precedent cases, ⑤ primary information from social media, and ⑥ revenue models and risks (approximately 10,300 characters).

1 What are "Countries that Don't Eat Octopus"?

• Religious Reasons

  • Judaism ― "Aquatic animals without fins and scales are impure" (Leviticus 11). Therefore, octopus is completely unsuitable.chabad.org

  • Islamic Law ― The Hanafi school dislikes seafood without scales, considering it "haram," while the Shafi'i and others permit "sea products." In practice, it varies by country and individual.halalincorp.co.uk

• Preference and Distribution Issues

  • In Nordic and landlocked countries, octopus resources have historically been scarce, resulting in an "underdeveloped food culture." A post stating "you rarely see it in Finland" is symbolic.reddit.com

  • The United States and India rely more on imports than local catch. According to Statista, the EU holds a 37% share of global imports, while the US remains at about 4%.statista.com

• Ethical Discussions

  • Due to their high intelligence, welfare issues and opposition to farming plans are increasing in Western media. In 2024, articles from Time and NPR affiliates continue to debate that "commercial farming is inhumane."opb.org

2 Localization Strategies

1. Proposals for Ingredients Other Than Octopus

   • Cheese, shrimp, chicken keema, mushrooms, and other ingredients can follow the "×yaki" route to cater to "veg" and "halal" preferences. Overseas, "ebiyaki" and "cheezyaki" are already being sold.nippon.com

2. Halal/Vegetarian Certification

   • In Malaysia,Gindaco Malaysia obtained halal certification, and "#halaltakoyaki" spread on Instagram.instagram.com

3. Creating a Dining Experience

   • Live cooking at high temperatures is video-friendly. The #takoyaki tag on TikTok has surpassed 4.7 billion views, with sounds and steam spreading as "ASMR."tiktok.com

4. Price Range Adjustment

   • At FunHut in Malaysia, they secure profits with a low price of RM6.5 (about 210 yen) for 6 pieces and "turnover × stalls."funhut.net

3 Precedent Cases

4 Voices from SNS

• Favorable

  • "It's firmer inside than the Osaka style, making it easier to eat."I prefer the American style" reddit.com

• Requests for Improvement

  • "The Denver store had a strong fish smell, which was a dealbreaker"reddit.com

• First Experience Surprise

  • A Reddit post titled "Thought it was a pumpkin ball with sweet and spicy sauce, but it was octopus!?" went viral, garnering 400 comments.reddit.com

5 Revenue Models and Challenges

6 Success Condition Checklist (Excerpt)

1. Religion & Ethics ―If octopus is prohibited, "octopus-less" menu is essential

2. Initial Education ―Bite-sized samples at the storefront + live cooking broadcast

3. Supply Chain ―Frozen octopus from EU/Morocco → Promote sustainability with MSC certification

4. Pricing Strategy ―Match or undercut local fast food average ($4–$5)

5. SNS & Community ―Explain "why is it gooey inside?" first on TikTok hashtags, Reddit AMA

6. Store Format ―Experience-based at sports venues/night markets/university festivals

7 Conclusion

Even in countries where octopus is not consumed, the market can be opened with a two-pronged approach of "not using octopus or changing the image of octopus." In regions with clear religious prohibitions (such as Orthodox communities in Israel and vegetarian areas in northern India), entry with alternative menus like "cheese yaki" or "veggie yaki" is effective, while the octopus version can be a sub-brand strategy. Conversely, in the US, EU, and ASEAN, where octopus is edible but untried, video appeal and stall experiences become powerful tools.How to pass on the high cost of octopus to profits and how to approach ethical discussions will be key in the future. Whether  takoyaki can evolve from a Japanese street food to a "global variety ball"  will determine its success.