Foods in Osaka

Osaka's culinary scene is known for its diverse range of dishes, deeply rooted in the city's rich history and cultural background, earning it the nickname "the city of food." Osaka has a strong tradition of flour-based and fried foods, with numerous specialty restaurants offering these delicious dishes.

The following "Takoyaki," "Okonomiyaki," and "Kushikatsu" are must-try foods when visiting Osaka. For instance, at "Odoridako" in Dotonbori, you can enjoy unique takoyaki made with whole baby octopus. Meanwhile, "Okonomiyaki Yukari" is popular for its okonomiyaki made with carefully selected ingredients and sauces. Additionally, "Yaekatsu" in Shinsekai, a kushikatsu establishment with over 70 years of history, offers crispy fried skewers that are a true delight.。

Three Must-Try Foods in Osaka

1. Takoyaki

● The Charm of Takoyaki

Takoyaki is a beloved soul food in Osaka, known for its unique texture. The outside is crispy, while the inside is creamy and gooey. Its convenience, being easily available at street stalls and shops, adds to its appeal.

Takoyaki originated in Osaka in the 1930s and has since become a staple of the city's food culture. Both tourists and locals enjoy it as a snack or light meal. Alongside okonomiyaki and yakisoba, takoyaki stands as a quintessential Osaka dish.

● History of Takoyaki

Takoyaki was invented in the 1930s by Endo Tomekichi, the founder of Aizuya. The original version was called "Radio-yaki," consisting of a wheat flour batter filled with beef. Later, Endo replaced the beef with octopus, creating the takoyaki we know today. This change quickly made takoyaki popular throughout Osaka.

● Where to Eat Takoyaki

Shop Name: Odoridako
Attraction:
"Odoridako" is unique in Osaka for serving takoyaki with a whole baby octopus inside. It combines the texture of the octopus head with the crispy legs, offering a unique taste experience. Odoridako has multiple locations, including Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi PARCO, and Seven Park Amami, each with exclusive menu items.
Access: 344 meters from Nipponbashi Station
Address: 1-7-24 Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan
Google Maps：https://maps.app.goo.gl/CKCHxC9AyRQwudYs8

2. Okonomiyaki

● The Charm of Okonomiyaki

Okonomiyaki is one of Osaka's signature foods, known for its versatility. The primary ingredients are flour, water, cabbage, and eggs, but the real charm lies in the variety of ingredients you can add. As the name suggests, which translates to "grill what you like," you can create your own original okonomiyaki by adding your favorite ingredients.

The texture is also a significant appeal. Cooked on a teppan (iron griddle), the outside becomes crispy while the inside remains fluffy. Topped with special sauce, mayonnaise, aonori (seaweed flakes), and katsuobushi (bonito flakes), each bite offers a unique blend of flavors. These toppings enhance the depth and richness of the taste, making it distinctively delicious. Osaka boasts numerous okonomiyaki specialty restaurants, each competing with their unique recipes and cooking styles.

● History of Okonomiyaki

The history of okonomiyaki is deeply intertwined with Osaka's food culture. It is believed to date back to the Edo period, where dishes known as "monjayaki" or "issen yoshoku," which were made by dissolving flour in water and grilling it, were popular among commoners. These dishes later evolved into the prototype of modern okonomiyaki.

Particularly from the Taisho to early Showa periods, during the post-war food shortage, okonomiyaki gained popularity among the general populace. During this time, the dish began to resemble its current form, incorporating various ingredients such as cabbage, pork, and seafood.

● Where to Eat Okonomiyaki

Restaurant Name: Okonomiyaki Yukari
Attraction:
Okonomiyaki Yukari is a must-visit for anyone in Osaka. Located in Umeda, it has been loved for over half a century for its commitment to high-quality ingredients, sauces, and a diverse menu.

The staple menu items at Okonomiyaki Yukari are the Mix Yaki and Pork Tama. These dishes feature a base batter, various fillings, and meticulously crafted sauce. Another standout dish is the Yukari Yaki, featuring a giant prawn, making it both visually impressive and exceptionally delicious.
Address: 2-11-12 Sennichimae, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0074, Japan
Access: 3-minute walk from Namba Station on the Midosuji Line
Google Map : https://maps.app.goo.gl/9mT74eE8uNxH4jFh7

3. Kushikatsu

● The Charm of Kushikatsu

Kushikatsu is one of Osaka's representative foods, known for its variety and convenience. The appeal lies in its diverse range of ingredients, such as pork, chicken, shrimp, squid, and vegetables, all skewered and deep-fried to perfection. Each skewer delivers a crispy exterior and a juicy interior.

The flavor is enhanced when dipped in a special sauce. Kushikatsu restaurants typically offer a secret sauce that complements the skewers perfectly. This sauce, usually a blend of Worcestershire sauce with a sweet and savory flavor, pairs excellently with the fried items. One unique rule in Kushikatsu dining is the "no double-dipping" policy, which adds to the unique experience of enjoying this dish.

● History of Kushikatsu

Kushikatsu's history is closely tied to Osaka's working-class culture. It originated in the late Taisho to early Showa period in areas like Shinsekai and Janjan Yokocho, where many laborers gathered. As Osaka industrialized, these workers sought affordable and filling meals after work, leading to the creation of Kushikatsu.

One particularly famous origin story is from the restaurant Yaekatsu in Shinsekai, founded in 1937. The owner started serving skewered and fried pork to satisfy the workers' need for a hearty meal. This style quickly gained popularity, and many other establishments began to adopt and adapt this cooking method.

● Where to Eat Kushikatsu

Restaurant Name: Yaekatsu
Attraction:
Located in the bustling Shinsekai area, "Yaekatsu Honten" has been a beloved Kushikatsu establishment for over 70 years. Both locals and tourists flock to this restaurant for its dedication to quality and taste.

Yaekatsu uses a unique batter with two types of yams, frying the skewers in iron pots instead of deep fryers to achieve a perfectly crispy exterior and light, airy texture. Watching the skilled chefs fry the skewers in iron pots adds to the overall experience.
Address: 3-4-13 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0002, Japan
Access: 256 meters from Shin-Imamiya Ekimae Station
Google Maps：https://maps.app.goo.gl/WbtvDjUZkA29a5S3A

Three Select Foods Dishes in Osaka (Must-Try Specialties / Local Cuisine)