Osaka’s culinary scene is diverse, showcasing a vibrant food culture with bustling food stalls, affordable yet delicious street food, and an array of inventive dishes. Iconic Osaka specialties include takoyaki and okonomiyaki, but the city boasts numerous local delicacies unique to the region.
For international visitors, Osaka’s cuisine holds immense appeal. Renowned for its welcoming food culture, Osaka attracts many foreign tourists eager to savor local delicacies. Popular areas like Dotonbori and Shinsekai are teeming with food stalls and restaurants serving Osaka’s signature dishes.
Moreover, Osaka’s reputation as a culinary hub is underscored by its numerous food events, cooking classes, and bustling food markets, all of which are highly popular among foreigners. Consequently, Osaka’s food scene enjoys widespread popularity among international visitors who relish the opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culinary culture.
Here are 8 of Osaka’s specialties.
Takoyaki
Takoyaki is an Osaka-originated dish celebrated throughout Japan as a local specialty. It consists of a flour-based batter filled with octopus, cooked to perfection on a spherical griddle, creating a crispy exterior and fluffy interior.
In addition to octopus, ingredients like red ginger, green laver, tenkasu, and green onion are often added, complemented by a finishing touch of savory sauce or creamy mayonnaise. While takoyaki can be enjoyed anywhere, the streets of Osaka, particularly in tourist hubs like Dotonbori and Namba, are lined with numerous takoyaki shops offering this iconic dish.
8 pieces / about 400-600 yen
Kushikatsu
Kushikatsu is a dish made by skewering and deep frying various ingredients, such as meat and vegetables, and enjoyed with dipping sauces like sauce, mayonnaise, or salt. Originating in Osaka, kushikatsu is now popular throughout Japan.
In Osaka’s Shinsekai area, numerous restaurants specialize in kushikatsu, drawing in many tourists. Generally, kushikatsu in Osaka is reasonably priced, especially at local eateries and food markets where it is offered at affordable rates.
Also, as a rule for kushikatsu, do not soak the sauce twice at restaurants that use shared sauces.
About 100-300 yen per piece
Dojima Roll
Dojima Roll is a roll cake offered by Osaka-based Monsieur Co.
Roll cake is a type of Western confectionery made by rolling cream or jam into sponge cake. Dojima Rolls feature cream made from 100% raw milk sourced from Hokkaido, enveloped in egg-flavored sponge cake dough. Since its launch in 1999, this popular product has sold over 10 million units in total.
You can find many outlets offering take-out for gifts and souvenirs, as well as cafes in Osaka where you can enjoy them on-site.
1 roll cake: 1,620 yen
Okonomiyaki
Okonomiyaki is a savory pancake made from a flour-based batter mixed with various ingredients such as vegetables, meat, and seafood. It is cooked on a griddle and typically served with sauce or mayonnaise. Similar in flavor to takoyaki, okonomiyaki is a popular dish in Japan.
Many restaurants specialize in okonomiyaki, offering teppan griddles at each table where customers can cook their own okonomiyaki. Waitstaff are available to assist first-timers with cooking instructions. Alternatively, some restaurants have chefs who grill the dish for you, ensuring a consistent taste with every order.
600-900 yen per okonomiyaki
551 Hourai’s pork buns
551 Hourai’s pork buns have long been a beloved specialty in Osaka. These steamed buns are a Chinese-inspired delicacy, featuring a soft, flour-based dough filled with flavorful pork, onions, ginger, and other ingredients. Sold at convenience stores, these pork buns are renowned for their juicy and freshly-made taste.
Given the popularity of this iconic establishment, expect long queues, especially on holidays. Be sure to allocate plenty of time for waiting in line to savor these delicious treats.
420 yen for 2 pieces (Take out fee)
Doteyaki
Doteyaki is a renowned Osaka specialty prepared by simmering beef tenderloin in a flavorful mixture of miso or mirin for an extended period. This dish is distinguished by its delectable sweet and spicy miso flavor.
The beef tenderloin is stewed to perfection, resulting in a tender texture that pairs beautifully with rice. Doteyaki is commonly served as a side dish at kushikatsu restaurants and izakayas throughout Osaka.
500-1,000 yen per plate
ICE DOG
A dessert of deep-fried hot bread and cold soft-serve ice cream originated in Amerika-mura, Osaka.
The ice cream comes in vanilla, green tea, and chocolate flavors, and toppings are available.
About 500 yen per piece
Ikayaki
Ikayaki is made by kneading together dashi broth, flour, and squid, then sandwiching the dough between two special griddles that are heated to a high temperature at the top and bottom, and baking it all at once.
Founded in 1957, the restaurant has a long history, and even on weekdays, there is a long line of locals and tourists. However, the turnover rate is fast, so it is nice to be able to eat with little waiting time.
170 yen
Comments