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This massive Japanese takoyaki chain should open in Vancouver (UPDATED)

With nearly 500 locations in five countries, Japan's massive chain restaurant that sells all kinds of takoyaki has just opened their very first U.S. location. Should Vancouver be next? Could Vancouver be next?
Lindsay William-Ross
Lindsay William-Ross

With nearly 500 locations in five countries, Japan's massive chain restaurant that sells all kinds of takoyaki (sauce-covered fried balls filled with octopus) has just opened their very first U.S. location.

Should Vancouver be next? Could Vancouver be next?

Photo by @cara_chuan via GindacoMalaysia/FacebookPhoto by @cara_chuan via GindacoMalaysia/Facebook

The restaurant is called Gindaco, and they are known for the menu of takoyaki, from the traditional to the outrageous.

Among their offerings include signature takoyaki, like the Cheese Mentaiko, which comes topped with Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese and dried parsley with a sauce of spicy cod roe mixed with Japanese mayo and soy sauce. Their Teritama takoyaki is topped with egg salad, dried green seaweed, and bonito flakes, plus has teriyaki sauce and Japanese mayo on top.

On August 1, Gindaco debuted at the Tokyo Central in the Los Angeles suburb of Gardena, an area that until just a couple of years ago was the city with the highest percentage of Japanese Americans in California.

A post shared by Gindaco USA (@gindaco_usa) on

So with their foray into North America underway, we're naturally curious if this means Gindaco is looking to add Canada to their roster of restaurant locations.

Considering how many Asian-based restaurant chains opt to come to Canada, and in particular launch in Vancouver, it doesn't seem too far-fetched to wonder. We've got Uncle Tetsu's cheesecake, Chef Hung Taiwanese Beef Noodle, the Holy Crab, Tsujiri, Nana's Green Tea, Seorae Korean BBQ, Hokkaido Ramen Santouka, and a number more in Vancouver.

A post shared by Eddie Lin (@deependdining) on

Takoyaki is also one of the most highly-sought foods at popular events like the Richmond Night Market and the Powell Street Festival.

We've reached out to Gindaco to find out if they have any plans to expand into Canada...but we definitely think they should.

UPDATE Aug. 3 at 10:30 am: We heard back from Gindaco, and...it's pretty good news for takoyaki fans in Canada

"We love Canada and are eager to expand there in the future. We are currently working on our N America expansion plans including Canada and will be seeking qualified partners in the food and beverage space in Canada to grow with in the market."

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