Among those considering a trip to Japan, there may be many planning to stay in Osaka. Osaka is not only full of attractive tourist spots but also abundant in delicious foods.
Osaka is also known as a “city of human warmth,” and it is relatively more friendly than other parts of Japan, where people are often considered shy. In some areas of Osaka, you can enjoy local food while experiencing this warmth.
In this article, we introduce streets where you can enjoy traditional Osaka foods and delicious local foods, as well as specific recommended eateries.
1.What are traditional foods of Osaka?
Osaka is an area home to many unique and delightful foods.. Even those who have never visited Japan might be familiar with the name “okonomiyaki.” Besides okonomiyaki, the soul food of Osaka includes other distinctive dishes such as takoyaki and kushikatsu. If you visit Osaka, make sure to check out these traditional Osaka specialties!
1-1.Okonomiyaki
Okonomiyaki is a dish made by mixing ingredients such as cabbage, eggs, seafood, and meat into a wheat flour batter and cooking it. For those who have never tried okonomiyaki, you can think of it as a pancake filled with cabbage. Okonomiyaki is traditionally served with sauce, mayonnaise, green seaweed, and bonito flakes on top after it’s cooked.
Okonomiyaki can be found throughout the Kansai region, with variations in ingredients and flavors depending on the area. The characteristic of Osaka’s okonomiyaki is its fluffy batter, making it easy to eat.
Takoyaki (Octopus Balls): Information and the Best Takoyaki Shops
1-2.Takoyaki
Takoyaki is a ball-shaped dish made from wheat flour. A pack of takoyaki typically contains 6 to 8 pieces, topped with sauce, bonito flakes, green seaweed, and mayonnaise. First-timers might be surprised to find actual octopus pieces inside the takoyaki. The tender texture of the octopus perfectly complements the flavor of the takoyaki, creating an addictive taste. If you’re not yet full, try the takoyaki with a Japanese-style dashi broth for a different experience.
Takoyaki stands can be found in various locations throughout Osaka, including street stalls and department stores. When you come across a takoyaki stand, be sure to watch the cooking process. Observers are often impressed by the chefs’ skillful and swift preparation of takoyaki.
1-3.Kushikatsu
Kushikatsu consists of meat and vegetables cut into bite-sized pieces, skewered, and deep-fried. Customers at kushikatsu restaurants typically sit at counter seats and can watch as the chef fries the katsu right in front of them. The freshly fried katsu should be generously dipped in the sauce placed on the table and eaten while it’s still hot.
An important etiquette rule to keep in mind while eating kushikatsu is to refrain from dipping the katsu into the sauce twice, something which is prohibited in many establishments. The sauce is shared among everyone at the table, so it’s important to keep it clean.
1-4.Kitsune Udon
The name “kitsune udon” comes from the large piece of deep-fried tofu (aburaage) placed on top of the udon. Legend says that deep-fried tofu is a favorite food of foxes (kitsune), which is why udon with deep-fried tofu on top came to be called kitsune udon.
The deep-fried tofu is marinated in a sweet and salty Japanese-style sauce, perfectly complementing the udon.Udon is also said to be a dish that can be eaten when your stomach is weak, making it recommended even after indulging in a variety of gourmet foods.
1-5.Fugu
Osaka is also known for its delicious fugu (pufferfish) cuisine. Fugu contains poison in certain parts, so a special cooking license is required to prepare it. Fugu dishes prepared by licensed chefs are safe, delicious, and memorable for their beauty.
Fugu cuisine includes sashimi, sushi, deep-fried fugu, and seafood nabe (hot pot), among others. Fugu dishes can also be served as part of a luxurious dinner course known as “kaiseki cuisine.” When you want to enjoy fugu cuisine, it’s recommended to make a reservation at a ryotei (Japanese restaurant) or a restaurant specializing in fugu dishes.
2.Where can you enjoy delicious Osaka food?
Here, we introduce places where you can enjoy delicious Osaka food.
・Dotonbori
Dotonbori is a bustling district symbolizing Osaka Minami and is accessible by foot from Nipponbashi or Namba Station. If you visit Dotonbori at night, you’re sure to be impressed by the number of large neon signs. Underneath these signs, numerous eateries line the street. Dotonbori perfectly embodies the phrase “kuidaore city,” symbolizing Osaka.In Dotonbori, must-try Osaka foods include takoyaki from “Takohachi” and “Wanaka,” okonomiyaki from “Mitsuno” and “Fukutaro,” and kitsune udon from “Imai,” among others. Dotonbori has both upscale and affordable options, so you’re sure to find an Osaka delicacy that you’ll love.
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・Shinsekai
Shinsekai is an energetic neighborhood known for “Tsutenkaku,” a tower that is a symbol of Osaka. To get to Shinsekai, use JR Dobutsuen-mae Station or Osaka Metro Ebisucho Station. In particular, the “Tsutenkaku Hon-dori Shopping Street” near Ebisucho Station exit 3 is an area with many stores offering Osaka soul food.
Shinsekai is considered the birthplace of kushikatsu, with famous spots like “Yaekatsu” and “Daruma.” Shinsekai also offers other Osaka foods like hormone-yaki, okonomiyaki, and takoyaki at reasonable prices.
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・Kuromon Market
Kuromon Market is an arcade street where you can enjoy fresh seafood. The most convenient access to Kuromon Market is via Osaka Metro Nipponbashi Station, about a 5-minute walk away.
The arcade at Kuromon Market features around 150 small shops. The diverse offerings at Kuromon Market include seafood bowls, grilled fish, oden, hormone-yaki, okonomiyaki, sweets, and more. If you want to enjoy various Osaka foods at Kuromon Market, street food like skewered meats and fish, takoyaki, and candied fruit is recommended.
Dotonbori, Shinsekai, and Kuromon Market are all accessible by foot from the nearest stations. These areas offering delicious Osaka food are all easily accessible, so check them out if you’re feeling hungry!
3.Recommended places to eat Osaka food!
Osaka’s soul food is all scrumptious, so you can choose your favorite foods according to your budget and where you’re staying. Here, we introduce three stores where you can enjoy unique soul food from Osaka.
3-1.Okonomiyaki Mizuno
Mizuno is an okonomiyaki restaurant with a history of 70 years. Located in the fiercely competitive gourmet area of Dotonbori, Mizuno has been beloved for many years. The closest station to Mizuno is the Osaka Metro Nipponbashi Station. Mizuno is situated just inside the arcade of Dotonbori.
Mizuno’s okonomiyaki’s continued popularity is due to the emphasis on the freshness of ingredients, which enhances the taste. The meat, seafood, and noodles used in their okonomiyaki are of high quality and sourced daily.
Popular menu items at Mizuno include “Yamaimoyaki,” which is loaded with generous amounts of seafood and meat, and “Modanyaki,” which includes yakisoba noodles sandwiched within the okonomiyaki. The staff completes the preparation of the okonomiyaki, ensuring a worry-free experience for first-time visitors to an okonomiyaki restaurant.
3-2.Takoyaki Wanaka
Takoyaki Wanaka stores can be found throughout Osaka, including locations near Namba Station, Dotonbori, Amerikamura, and Kuromon Market. Among the many outlets, the Sennichimae main store is notable for its flashy sign.
Wanaka’s takoyaki is known for its variety. There are many unique ways to enjoy Wanaka’s takoyaki, such as with traditional Japanese ponzu sauce or soaked in dashi broth. For those who want to enjoy eating while walking, “takoyaki senbei,” which sandwiches takoyaki between shrimp crackers, is also not to be missed.
Even when Wanaka’s stores are busy, the artisans quickly finish making the takoyaki, so you won’t have to wait long to enjoy the piping hot, addictive taste of the takoyaki.
3-3.Yaekatsu
Yaekatsu is a kushikatsu specialty store located in the Shinsekai area. Since Shinsekai is the birthplace of kushikatsu, there are many restaurants where you can enjoy authentic kushikatsu. Among many kushikatsu specialty stores, Yaekatsu is a long-established restaurant with a history of 50 years.
The kushikatsu menu offers a wide variety of options, including Wagyu beef, shrimp, cheese, pumpkin, and konnyaku. If you want to try Osaka-style kushikatsu, Namafu (raw gluten) is recommended. Namafu is made from wheat flour and offers a chewy texture.
As with many kushikatsu shops, it is forbidden to dip your kushikatsu into the sauce twice after having taken a bite from it. If you feel there’s not enough sauce, use the cabbage placed on the table as a spoon to scoop up the sauce and pour it over your kushikatsu.
Conclusion
Osaka is home to a rich variety of traditional foods, including okonomiyaki, takoyaki, kushikatsu, kitsune udon, and fugu dishes. Since each restaurant has their own unique approach and menu for these dishes, it’s best to visit multiple eateries and compare their offerings.
The Dotonbori area is packed with shops where you can enjoy the taste of real Osaka soul food. If you’re interested in kushikatsu, consider visiting Shinsekai, the birthplace of kushikatsu. When dining in Osaka, take the opportunity to also experience the warm hospitality of the locals.
*This article was created based on information available as of April 2024.
Osaka Travel Guide Written by Japanese for Beginners of Travel in Japan
