Kushiage is Osaka's soul food, loved by people of all ages, from children to adults. It is a popular local B-class gourmet food, so much so that there is no one who doesn't like kushiage. Locals call it "kushikatsu."

Let's explore the characteristics and history of kushiage.

Characteristics of Kushiage

Kushiage is a dish of meat, vegetables, seafood, etc., skewered on a stick, coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried. Each restaurant has its own unique batter and sauce, and the taste changes depending on the oil used, so you can enjoy comparing different varieties.

The golden brown fried skewers are sure to whet your appetite. The hot batter, crispy texture, and juicy ingredients are addictively delicious. The bite-sized skewers allow you to taste the flavors of various ingredients little by little, so you'll never get bored. Kushiage, which can be ordered by the single skewer, is perfect for when you're feeling a bit hungry.

When you order skewers and there is a container of sauce on the table, you should dip each skewer in the sauce before eating. However, since the sauce is shared between customers, you are not allowed to dip each skewer in the sauce twice. Since you are not allowed to dip twice, you should dip each skewer in the sauce once. If you lay the skewer flat and at an angle, you can make sure the sauce gets all the way to the base of the skewer.

Also, most restaurants that serve skewered deep-fried foods will give you raw cabbage for free. Raw cabbage is a perfect palate cleanser for skewered deep-fried foods, but it actually has another use. If you use raw cabbage as a spoon, you can add more sauce. That way, you don't have to worry if you run out of sauce while eating. You can't dip the cabbage twice, so be sure to use a new one each time you use it.

The history of kushiage

Kushiage is known as a specialty of Osaka. The restaurant that is said to have originated kushiage is Nikatsu Tokyoya, which was founded in 1926. One skewer of kushikatsu costs two sen. The name Nikatsu Tokyoya was chosen because the owner was originally from Tokyo.

The founder, Yoshinobu Matsushita, moved from Tokyo to Osaka in the early Taisho period and began selling kushikatsu, which was popular in Tokyo at the time, at a food stall. In Tokyo, it is called kushi fry, and is said to have been a popular food from the end of the Meiji period to the early Taisho period.

Apparently, the skewered "nikatsu" had a hard time selling at first. People thought it was dog or cat meat, and didn't eat it. But as a result of their efforts, the people of Osaka gradually got used to it.

Even back then, the sauce was shared, so dipping twice was prohibited. Nikatsu was sold at food stalls as a snack to go with alcohol. The food stalls had no counters or tables, and only a small space to put the skewers down after eating.

Customers eat and drink while standing, holding a cup of sake in one hand and a "nikatsu" in the other. The "nikatsu" with the cutlet on a skewer was invented so that it could be eaten with one hand.

However, since my hands were full, I couldn't hold the plate with the sauce in it, so I poured the sauce into a large container and was able to dip the whole skewer in the sauce before eating it.

Nikatsu Tokyoya gradually prospered and opened a store in Juso, Osaka in 1932. This is how kushikatsu became established in Osaka.

Osaka tourist information

Osaka, one of the largest cities in the Kansai region, has many tourist attractions. This time, we will introduce three popular tourist spots.

Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Japan is a Hollywood movie-themed theme park with a wide variety of attractions, rides, seasonal events and shows.

Both adults and children can lose track of time as they become absorbed in the park. It is popular and gets particularly crowded on holidays, but there is also a "Universal Express Pass" that can shorten the waiting time for attractions. There are also limited-time events such as Christmas and Halloween, making it a dream theme park that you will want to visit again and again.

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

"Kaiyukan" is an aquarium that has one of the world's largest tanks where whale sharks can swim freely. In this magnificent 8-story aquarium, you will be greeted by the tunnel-shaped "Aqua Gate" where you can observe various fish as if you were walking through the ocean. You will have a mysterious experience surrounded by colorful fish such as blue and yellow fish and large shrimp.

This is a popular aquarium where you can enjoy a fantastical space. There is also a "New Experience Area" where you can interact with seals, and the sea creatures are soothing.

Expo Memorial Park

Expo '70 Commemorative Park is a cultural park built on the site of Asia's first World Expo, which was held in 1970 with the theme of human progress and harmony.

The Tower of the Sun, designed by artist Taro Okamoto, has an overwhelming presence, and if you make a reservation by the day before, you can tour the inside. Currently, there is also a Natural and Cultural Garden where you can enjoy nature, a Japanese garden area, and the National Museum of Ethnology.

There are also a variety of leisure facilities, including one of the world's largest athletic towers, "Expo Beast," the forest aerial observation walkway, "Solado," a gigantic three-dimensional athletic maze, and more, all of which are extremely popular with children.

How to get to Osaka

There are various ways to get to Osaka. If you are travelling by plane, Itami Airport (Osaka International Airport) is popular as it has many domestic flights and has excellent access to Osaka city. If you are heading from Itami Airport to Osaka city, we recommend using a limousine bus. The travel time and fare of the limousine bus may be subject to change.

Limousine buses heading to Osaka city depart every 10 to 15 minutes. The fare to Osaka Station (Umeda Station), Namba Station, and Abenobashi Station (Tennoji Station) is 650 yen for adults and 330 yen for children. It is convenient because you can choose from pick-up and drop-off locations around Osaka Station, such as Osaka Marubiru, New Hankyu Hotel, Herbis Osaka, and Hotel Hanshin.

There is also a direct limousine bus to Universal Studios Japan. The fare is 940 yen for adults and 470 yen for children. It takes about 40 minutes to get to Universal Studios Japan.

We also recommend taking a leisurely drive to Osaka. Find the best way to get there.

Location of Osaka Prefecture

summary

The appeal of kushiage is that it comes in a wide variety of flavors and is easy to eat. It can be enjoyed in a variety of situations, whether you're drinking alone or with friends.

Kushiage is cheap, delicious, and fast, and is a favorite food of the Osaka locals, with many "standing" restaurants serving it. Recently, the number of stylish restaurants suitable for dates has been increasing.

If you visit Osaka, be sure to try some kushiage.

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