TAKOYAKI with HAPPINESS / Japanese Street Food in the Philippines / Inspiring Story

Summary

Jenie Hernandez, a single mom and the owner of Bella’s Takoyaki in Baler, Aurora, shares her journey of starting a Japanese street food business for her children’s future. Her Takoyaki, known for its authentic taste, features unique flavors like OctoVeggies and Cheese Bomb, drawing loyal customers. Despite facing hardships and setbacks, Jenie’s determination to provide for her kids fuels her entrepreneurial spirit. She emphasizes the importance of resilience for single parents and highlights her growth from a novice cook to a successful business owner, offering a range of Japanese dishes alongside Takoyaki.

Takeaways

• 😀 Takoyaki is a popular Japanese street food known for its flavorful and crispy octopus-filled balls.
• 😀 Bella’s Takoyaki offers 9 different flavors, including OctoVeggies, Cheese Bomb, and Spicy Chicken Teriyaki.
• 😀 The OctoVeggies flavor is a bestseller due to its authenticity and generous ingredients.
• 😀 Customers love the taste, quality, and size of the takoyaki, which keeps them coming back for more.
• 😀 Jenie Hernandez, the owner, started Bella's Takoyaki to support her kids and pursue her dreams as a single mom.
• 😀 The challenges of being a single mom motivate Jenie to keep going despite setbacks and financial struggles.
• 😀 Bella’s Takoyaki serves other Japanese dishes, such as Okonomiyaki, Yakisoba, and various rice meals.
• 😀 Jenie started cooking at home with trial and error before transitioning to a full-fledged business with more equipment and support.
• 😀 Despite her humble beginnings, Bella’s Takoyaki now has a spacious kitchen, stock room, and a dedicated team.
• 😀 Jenie encourages single moms to remain patient and dedicated to their children, even without a partner, as they are the driving force for success.

Q & A

What is Takoyaki, and why is it considered a unique Japanese street food?

Takoyaki is a popular Japanese street food made of flour batter, octopus bits, cabbage, and onion leeks. The mixture is shaped into small balls and topped with various sauces and Japanese toppings, creating a burst of flavors in every bite.

What are some of the best-selling flavors at Bella's Takoyaki?

Bella's Takoyaki's best-selling flavors include OctoVeggies, Cheese Bomb, and Spicy Chicken Teriyaki. These flavors have become favorites due to their savory and flavorful profiles.

How does Bella's Takoyaki ensure the quality and taste of their food?

Bella's Takoyaki ensures the quality of their food by using the best ingredients available. Their attention to detail in preparation and consistency in flavor has earned them a loyal customer base.

What types of customers frequent Bella's Takoyaki?

Bella's Takoyaki attracts a diverse group of customers, including students, office workers, families, friends, and couples. Many of them are drawn by the desire to taste authentic Japanese takoyaki.

What additional Japanese dishes are offered at Bella's Takoyaki aside from takoyaki?

In addition to takoyaki, Bella's Takoyaki offers various other Japanese dishes, including Okonomiyaki (savory pancake), Yakisoba (stir-fried noodles), Japanese siomai, and rice meals like Tebasaki, Ebi Tempura, Tori Katsudon, and Pork Tonkatsu.

Why did Jenie Hernandez decide to start her takoyaki business?

Jenie Hernandez started her business out of love for her children and her dreams of providing a better future for them. As a single mother, she was motivated by the desire to give her kids a better life despite the challenges she faced.

What challenges does Jenie Hernandez face as a single mom running a business?

As a single mom, Jenie faces numerous challenges, including managing household responsibilities, dealing with financial pressures, and raising her children alone. However, her children inspire her to keep going and pursue her dreams.

How did Jenie develop her cooking skills to start the takoyaki business?

Jenie developed her cooking skills through trial and error while experimenting at home. She relied on her ability to taste food and understand how ingredients work together, even though she had no prior formal knowledge of cooking.

What is Jenie Hernandez's advice for other single mothers?

Jenie advises other single mothers to be patient, not let go of their children, and continue to strive for a better future for their kids. Despite the difficulties, she emphasizes the importance of not wasting time dwelling on the past.

What improvements have been made at Bella's Takoyaki since it first started?

Since its inception, Bella's Takoyaki has seen significant improvements, including acquiring better equipment, expanding the workspace, and building a dedicated team to help with cooking. These changes have allowed for a more efficient operation and higher-quality food production.