Sometimes when you’re rushing your itinerary on your trips, you simply have no time to settle down for dining in fancy restaurants. However, that is not a reason to compromise on good food in Osaka, a food haven. Here is a list of delicious food in Osaka for the busy traveler who needs his grab-and-go. Read on to learn about the top street foods in Osaka, Japan!
1. Takoyaki, the Soul Food of Osaka
Takoyaki is made of a wheat flour based batter filled with cut up octopus, pickled ginger and green onion. Authentic Osaka takoyaki’s key point is in the dough, which is flavoured with dashi soup. Typically, takoyaki is topped with dried bonito flakes, a douse of mayonnaise and takoyaki sauce, but locals in Osaka prefer their takoyaki lightly salted, which is said to help bring out the taste of the ingredients. Originated from Osaka, there are more than 650 takoyaki stores in the prefecture, each with a subtle difference in taste, never getting boring for foodies!
2. Okonomiyaki, the Japanese Pizza
Okonomiyaki, literally meaning fried to your liking, is basically fried pancakes. Also originating in Osaka, Okonomiyaki has a similar base batter to takoyaki, but you cook it on a griddle like a pancake, adding meat, fish and shredded cabbage. Top it with mouth-watering mayonnaise and sauce, Osaka’s thick and fluffy okonomiyaki is sure to leave you wanting for more. Of course, just like its name, there is a variety of ingredients you can choose from, be it from the type of meat and vegetables, to the type of sauce, and even the type of batter. Search around Osaka for the okonomiyaki that best fits your taste. If you can’t really cook an okonomiyaki yourself, just ask any of the staff around to help you. Watching the staff of the restaurant cook on the griddle in front of you is entertaining as well, if you find an open counter seat in front of the griddle, go for it!
3. Negiyaki, the healthier okonomiyaki
Negiyaki is a healthier alternative to Okonomiyaki. Instead of the usual cabbage, pork or seafood, Negiyaki is a thin batter with loads of spring onion on top. It is eaten with soy sauce instead of Okonomiyaki sauce, and thus has a lighter and healthier flavour. Many residing in the Kansai region enjoy food made of flour, hence making Negiyaki and Okonomiyaki local favourites.
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4. Kushikatsu, heaven on a stick
Another dish that is a large part of Osaka’s local identity, kushikatsu is deep-fried meat or vegetables skewers. Also known as kushiage, every stick is coated with batter and deep-fried to an irresistible golden brown. Add to that some light soy sauce and an ice cool beer, it is simply heaven on earth, especially popular after a day of hard work.
5. Horumonyaki - every part of the pig or cow
Horumonyaki is food that is a little bit unique. Perhaps some people might have some aversion to it, but for those who do not mind, the taste is rewarding. Horumonyaki is a Japanese cuisine made from beef or pork offal. Usually grilled, it will certainly be an interesting experience for those who want to try something new.
6. Otoro Sushi, melting goodness
If you ever find yourself at the Osaka Central Fish Market, you must definitely try Otoro sushi, which is a fatty tuna belly sushi. Perhaps a little pricey, but all thoughts of its price will crumble as the fatty tuna melts away in your mouth.
7. Minced Cutlet at Isami, a farm and eatery in one place
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Isami farm is a farm in Osaka that sells both its produce and a set of delicacies from these fresh products. These include the beloved croquette and minced cutlet. Selling at 100 JPY (1 USD) per cutlet (with additional tax), the official site literally apologies for its minced cutlets being too tasty.
Isami Farm in Osaka
Address: 4 -17-2 Hayashiji, Ikuno Ward, Osaka-city, Osaka Prefecture
Opening Hours: 9.30am to 6:30pm, closed on Sundays and Public Holidays
Contact: +81 6-6719-5538
Map Location
8. Doteyaki, beef lovers alert!
Doteyaki, or stewed beef sinew, is stewed using miso, sweet sake and sugar. You can find this dish commonly in Yakiniku or Izakaya. Given the strong flavours, you can imagine why it may be popular as a companion to beers or other alcoholic drinks. You can even get this dish at supermarkets or meat shops.
9. Ikayaki, a taste worth queuing for
Although seemingly a simple dish of Squid Okonomiyaki, this is a delicacy that locals are willing to embrace the queue for. The queue is usually fast, so you don’t usually have to be in line for longer than expected. Aside from its low cost, another thing to look forward to is the “Deluxe” version, in which an egg is added into the flour mix for a more fragrant taste.
10. Yakitori, THE Izakaya food to have
Japanese pubs, or Izakaya, offer a wide variety of light snacks that go with drinks. Yakitori, or grilled chicken, is one of the all-time favourites on such lists. Izakaya restaurants usually offer a wide range of skewered chicken or pork. Yakitori can come in forms of chicken meat on skewers or chicken balls.
11. Meat Bun and Shumai (Siew Mai)
Food from 551Horai is a must for Osaka souvenirs. Butama (or meat bun) from 551Horai is famous, and the original store is at Nanba, Osaka. Conveniently, it is at the JR Shin-Osaka Station. Each bun is handmade and you can get one hot out of the steamers. Another recommendation on the menu will be Shumai, or pork dumplings. The good news is, 551 Horai is open everyday.
551蓬莱 JR新大阪店
Address: JR Shin-Osaka Station 3F
Opening Hours: 9am to 9.30pm.
Access: Within JR Shin-Osaka Station
12. Waffles, take a break, grab a waffle
Plenty of flavours to choose from, MAISON de gigi [editor update: MAISON de gigi is permanently closed] is the place to go for Waffles in Osaka. Apple & Cinnamon, Mixed Berries, Chocolate, Banana and Strawberry, choose whichever flavour you like, eat enough for a main meal, or takeaway and eat it as you continue to tour around the streets of Osaka.
13. Parfaits, beautiful desserts
Parfaits in Japan are generally large and extremely pretty in their brightly coloured fruity goodness. In Urban Research Cafe within Horie Tachibana (Orange Street) is a cafe that offers such pretty parfaits and aromatic drip coffees. The wooden furnishings give a nice ambience for a place to chill out and relax, perfect for a short break in our quest to thoroughly explore Osaka.
14. Mitarashi Dango - sweet skewered dough balls
Mitarashi dango is a type of dango skewered onto sticks and covered with a sweet soy sauce glaze. In stores where customer flow is high, the high turnover of the dangos ensures the fragrance of the dango as they are constantly freshly grilled.
15. Taiko-Manju, drumroll please~!
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Taiko-maju is a Japanese baked sweet commonly found at Japanese festivals. Made of batter and filled with azuki bean paste, this food is extremely popular in Japan. As the delicacy develops, many variations are born including vanilla custard, fruit preserves, curry or even meat fillings. ‘Taiko’ means drum in Japanese, which may explain the shape of this dessert.
16. Baby Octopus, Tako with a hidden surprise
Baby tako is one of the most iconic Japanese foods. It is a small, bite-sized and crunchy food on a stick. These small tako also enclose a quail egg in their heads, adding to the savoury experience.
17. Torikara Stick, popular chicken snack
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Toritaka is crumbed and fried chicken breast. You get to choose and customise your salt and sauce (curry sauce, rock salt, lemon juice, sweet chill sauce etc.) and ta-da! If you want to practise eating while you walk around the city, this is a good snack to start with!
18. Kappo, Osaka's culinary glory
Like how Kyoto has kaiseki, Osaka takes pride in cutting and cooking, which makes up the word kappo. An open kitchen with counter bar seats, kappo focuses on the relationship between the chefs and the customer built on interaction, and on the cutting and cooking rather than the fusion of art and cooking of Kyoto’s kaiseki. Enjoy Osaka’s casual dining experience as the chefs carefully and diligently presents to you the season’s highlights.
19. Patit Tai, a Western-style Taiyaki
Taiyaki is a fish-shaped cake often stuffed with red bean paste. Pati Tai is a cute 5cm (2 inches) petite version of this Japanese snack in Western style. As you bite into the cake, you can taste the cream within. Flavours include custard, red bean, caramel, chocolate and more.
20. Oden, the ultimate stomach-warmer
Oden is a Japanese dish consisting of many ingredients such as boiled eggs, daikon, and processed fishcake stews in a light, soy-flavoured dashi broth. It is one of the most common and popular comfort food for winter in Japan. On a cold day, biting on a daikon soaked in the hot broth is simply indescribable bliss (Yes, try it!). In Osaka, you may even find meat in the assortment of ingredients. This is a dish that locals are incredibly fond of.
Don't know how to fit it in? Book a food tour!
21. Osaka Food Tour (from USD 88.0)
Experience an unforgettable culinary adventure through the heart of Osaka, guided by a charismatic Japanese-Australian tour guide. This immersive three-hour experience invites you to explore Osaka like a local, venturing into hidden gastronomic treasures. Your taste buds will be in for a treat as you savor Japanese dishes and enjoy drinks at five remarkable stops, including stalls, markets, restaurants, and gastropubs.
Delight in culinary delights such as takoyaki (minced octopus fry), gyoza (dumplings), kitsune udon (noodle soup), and tantalizing desserts, all while gaining insight into the area’s rich history and its integral connection to its cuisine. This food tour promises an insider’s perspective and a memorable exploration of Osaka’s culinary secrets.
Osaka Food Tour (13 delicious dishes at 5 hidden eateries)
Duration: 3hours
22. The Ultimate Osaka Night Tour (from USD 111.0)
Experience the ultimate night out in Osaka with this thrilling night tour. Over the course of three unforgettable hours, immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife of this bustling Japanese city. The adventure begins with a mouthwatering dinner at a local izakaya (pub), where you’ll savor Osaka’s finest dishes paired with a drink. Then, venture into the lanes of Namba, away from the tourist crowds, to discover unique hidden bars.
Continue your party odyssey in the buzzing hubs of Shinsaibashi and Amemura. To make the experience even more enticing, you are provided with a “Pub Passport” booklet, offering discounted entrance to bars and nightclubs, as well as complimentary drinks. Explore the heart of southern Osaka and let the city’s energy envelop you as you dine, drink, and dance the night away in true Osaka style.
The Ultimate Osaka Night Tour
Duration: 3hours
23. Engaging and immersive Osaka foodhood tour (from USD 91.0)
Immerse yourself in the hidden culinary treasures of Osaka in the charming neighborhoods of Tenma and Kyobashi. Experience the authentic local culture and flavors of this vibrant city through this three-hour tour. Accompanied by a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, you’ll wander through colorful streets, bustling ‘shotengai’ (shopping lanes), and traditional alleyways.
Indulge in a full dinner at standing bars, gastropubs, and restaurants, savoring dishes such as sashimi and deep-fried skewers. To enhance the experience, you can also enjoy three beverages at handpicked local venues. Discover the city beyond the tourist hotspots and embrace the true essence of Osaka’s culinary heritage.
Engaging, Immersive Osaka Foodhood Tour (15 foods, 3 drinks)
Duration: 3hours
24. Kuromon Market Walking Tour (from USD 54.0)
Experience Osaka’s bountiful food offerings all in one food tour! This tour is a must-have for foodies, young and old! Be whisked away to Kuromon Market, a 600-meter (1968.50-foot) covered public market that offers a variety of food options that will make your jaw drop! This charming market, also known as the “Kitchen of the Nation” houses around 150 shops, all selling different food and items like fish, meat, fresh produce, delectable sweets, street food, and even clothes and homeware! Aside from the food tastings, you’ll experience during the tour, you’ll also get to learn about the place and the culture from your friendly tour guide! Don’t hesitate to ask them for recommendations and information that surely only a local can provide! Time to explore Osaka!
Kuromon Market Walking Tour
Duration: 2 hours
Price: 36 USD
byFood experience
1) Kuromon Market Food Tour
Embark on a one-and-a-half-hour culinary adventure at the renowned Kuromon Market. You’ll effortlessly explore the vibrant market with the help of the English-speaking guide, savoring delectable local delicacies, including pescetarian options. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and tradition of Osaka, indulging in Osaka’s specialty dishes, savory snacks, and a delightful dessert.
The guide will take care of ordering from the diverse and sometimes perplexing menus, ensuring you savor the most authentic flavors. You’ll also receive eco-friendly souvenir chopsticks to use during the tour, making this cultural and culinary adventure a memorable one.
Kuromon Market Food Tour: Flavors of Osaka
Duration: 1.5hours
25. Osaka Bar Hopping Night Tour in Nanba (60 USD)
Discover Osaka’s hidden night food alleys and have a food trip to remember in this Osaka bar hopping night excursion! This tour comes highly recommended since you get to taste the best food and drinks from a local’s perspective, thanks to your friendly and knowledgeable local guide. It is inclusive of one drink and one kushikatsu plate, photos during the tour, and three whole hours of fun bar-hopping through the best izakayas! Here, you get to enjoy traditional Japanese food that many tourists don’t know about and grab more drinks as the night deepens! It’s going to be a night of food trip and fun where you’ll be fully immersed in authentic Japanese nightlife and culture. At the end of the tour, you may then take memorable photos in the famous Dotonbori.
Osaka Bar Hopping Night Tour in Nanba
Duration: 3 hours
Price: 60 USD
26. Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai (80 USD)
Enjoy a three hour, all-inclusive foodie tour around Dotonbori and Shin-Sekai that will have you exploring hidden alleyways and temples all while enjoying an extensive array of quintessential Japanese dishes! Try Osaka’s famous kushikatsu, discover okonomiyaki, enjoy one of Japan’s favorite snacks, the takoyaki, and more! Delight in learning about the dishes you get to try and the sights you get to see as your local host guides you around the bright heart of Osaka on this highly recommended food tour!
Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai
Duration: 3 hours
Price: 80 USD
All set for Osaka!
Now that you have your list of on-the-go food ready, you’re all set to embark on your Osaka trip. Make sure to take loads of photos of your food, because in Osaka, the food is not just of unforgettable taste but visually appealing as well. Bon voyage, and more importantly, bon appetit!
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