Osaka Food Guide: Must-Try Dishes & Culinary Treasures
Osaka is truly a food-lovers paradise. From popular street snacks to traditional Japanese dishes and fresh seafood delicacies – it’s no wonder Osaka has been nicknamed “The Nation’s Kitchen.”
If you’re looking for the best eats in Osaka, read on! In this Osaka Food Guide, I’ll introduce you to the most delicious food in Osaka.
Okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake)
If you’re venturing into the culinary labyrinth of Osaka, Okonomiyaki, a savory pancake, is the perfect place to start.
Made from a mouth-watering mixture of flour, eggs, and shredded cabbage, it allows you to unleash your creativity with various toppings, including meat, seafood, cheese, and vegetables.
This pancake, aptly named Okonomiyaki, which translates to “grilled as you like it,” lives up to its name. Every bite is a testament to your food preferences, making it a uniquely personal delicacy.
An Osaka favorite since the post-World War II era, this dish’s roots can be traced back to the Edo period (1603-1868).
To experience the best Okonomiyaki in the city, head over to the famous eateries in Dotonbori. Ajinoya Honten, Chibo Okonomiyaki Restaurant, and Houzenji Sanpei.
Takoyaki (Octopus ball)
Next in line is Takoyaki, a delicious sphere of crispiness filled with octopus.
Made from a dough of flour and eggs, this bite-sized ball contains diced octopus pieces.
The sweet and savory sauce, drizzled mayonnaise, and fluttering bonito flakes topping will send your taste buds into overdrive.
Invented in the 1930s, Takoyaki has earned its place as a beloved snack in Osaka’s culinary scene.
When you find yourself in Dotonbori, visit street vendors like Takoyaki Juhachiban and Takoyaki Wanaka. The Takoyaki Museum in Universal Citywalk Osaka also provides a unique opportunity to explore and taste multiple variants of this octopus delight.
Mitarashi Dango (Grilled rice dumplings)
For those with a penchant for sweetness, Mitarashi Dango is a must-try dish in Osaka.
Mitarashi Dango is grilled rice dumplings skewered on a stick and lavished with a sweet soy sauce glaze. They provide a perfect contrast between the smokey exterior and the soft, chewy interior.
A much-loved dessert for many generations, Mitarashi Dango has been an essential part of Osaka’s culinary history and traditional festivals. 喜八洲総本舗 本店 and Amato MAEDA are excellent shops to enjoy this delicious sweet treat.
Kushikatsu (Deep-fried skewers)
Kushikatsu, or deep-fried skewers, are another popular street food in Osaka. These are bite-sized pieces of meat, seafood, and vegetables that are skewered, breaded, and deep-fried to crispy perfection.
Some recommended places to try Kushikatsu in Osaka include Kushikatsu Daruma, Yaekatsu, and Kushikatsu Agetenka. Kushikatsu is often served with a sweet and tangy sauce. It is a great snack for a cold beer.
Tako Tamago (Octopus egg)
If your taste buds are craving an adventure, Tako Tamago is a dish you can’t miss.
This is a popular snack food in Osaka that is made from a quail egg that is stuffed inside a small octopus head.
The firm yet succulent texture of the octopus contrasts beautifully with the soft, creamy richness of the quail egg, resulting in a taste experience that’s utterly unique.
You can find Tako Tamago in several bustling food spots in Osaka. The vibrant lanes of Dotonbori and the famed Kuromon Ichiba Market are a few places where you can spot this unusual delicacy amidst other enticing street foods.
Horumon-yaki (beef or pork offal)
For the audacious gourmet, there’s the Horumon-yaki. Born in Osaka’s vibrant food scene, it has become popular throughout Japan.
The dish celebrates the less familiar cuts of meat, the offal – including the liver, stomach, and intestines of pork and beef.
This unusual barbecue treat is cooked over an open flame, its flavors amplified by a meticulous blend of soy sauce, garlic, and spices.
If your palate is yearning for a challenge, the savory, rich taste of the Horumon-yaki will not disappoint.
For a taste of this Osaka tradition, visit Horumon Ichiba in the lively Shinsekai district or Yakiniku M Hozenjiyokocho. These spots are renowned for their expert preparation of this distinctive dish.
Fugu (Pufferfish)
For those daring to dance with danger, there’s Fugu.
This pufferfish, considered a high-end delicacy in Japan, is a rite of passage for the most audacious food enthusiasts.
Despite its infamous reputation for being potentially deadly due to its poison, it draws people in with its unique texture and subtle flavor.
The risk is managed through rigorous regulations and careful preparation by licensed chefs.
In fact, the craft of preparing Fugu is as fascinating as the dish itself. In the hands of these skilled individuals, the danger is mitigated, and the focus is on the distinct culinary experience.
Osaka is home to some of the finest Fugu establishments. Some of the best-rated ones are Fugukujira and Genpin Houzenji-Sohonten.
Kitsune Udon
Next, my next shoutout of the best food to eat in Osaka is Kitsune Udon.
Think of thick, soft wheat noodles bobbing in a hot dashi broth, topped with golden fried tofu slices. It’s a comfort dish that resonates with the soul.
The dish’s name pays tribute to the fox (kitsune in Japanese), thought to be fond of fried tofu.
Kitsune Udon is the perfect choice if you’re craving a comforting meal on a cool day or need something filling after a day of exploring.
In Osaka, you’ll find many Udon restaurants serving this humble dish, with Tsurutontan Soemoncho leading the pack. Other notable places include Chitose Udon and Inarinadai Dohachi, known for their mastery over this delicious noodle bowl.
Yakiniku (Grilled meat)
The last candidate in my best-eat list in Osaka is Yakiniku!
Yakiniku, which translates to “grilled meat,” is an interactive, engaging culinary experience where diners gather around a grill, sharing stories as they cook delicious meats, fresh seafood, and vegetables to their liking.
The sizzling sounds of the grill, the enticing aroma of meat cooking to perfection, and the conversation surrounding the table – all contribute to a memorable experience.
In Osaka, the city’s dedication to this beloved tradition is evident in its many Yakiniku restaurants. Yakiniku Rikimaru Sennichimae, for example, offers a variety of high-quality meats with all-you-can-eat options.
Yakiniku M Hozenjiyokocho, with its cozy and intimate setting, is another standout, serving grilled dishes bound to captivate your taste buds.
FAQs about Osaka food
What food is Osaka known for?
Osaka is known for its delicious and diverse food scene, with many unique and iconic dishes that can only be found in the city. Some of the most famous foods in Osaka include takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu, and horumon-yaki.
Osaka is also known for its love of street food. You can find vendors selling everything from grilled squid to matcha-flavored desserts at popular spots like Dotonbori and Kuromon Ichiba Market.
How much is street food in Osaka?
Street food in Osaka can vary in price depending on the type of food and the location. Generally, street food in Osaka is affordable and can range from a few hundred yen to a couple of thousand yen per item.
Some popular street foods like takoyaki and okonomiyaki can be found for as little as 100-200 yen per serving. Meanwhile, other more premium items like grilled wagyu beef skewers can be more expensive.
It’s important to note that street food vendors in Osaka typically only accept cash. So having some yen on hand while exploring the food stalls is a good idea!
Final words
Osaka is a foodie’s paradise with an incredible variety of dishes to try. From unique and adventurous options like Fugu and Horumon-yaki to comforting classics like Kitsune Udon and Yakiniku, there’s something for every palate in this vibrant city. So be sure to explore, try new things, and enjoy all Osaka food!
