Osaka is one of Japan's leading gourmet cities and a food paradise for foreign tourists.
Osaka's unique food culture and diverse restaurant scene attracts many visitors.

This time, we will introduce you to some exquisite dishes that you definitely should try when you visit Osaka.
Let's explore Osaka's gourmet information together!

Exquisite gourmet food you can't miss in Osaka

Osaka's tourist areas can be roughly divided into three: Kita, Minami, and Shinsekai.

The Kita area is around JR Osaka Station.
The Minami area is famous for Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori.
The Shinsekai area is an area similar to Tokyo's downtown area, with Tsutenkaku Tower as its symbol.

The gourmet foods introduced below can be found all over Osaka, so be sure to sample all of Osaka's delicious foods while sightseeing!

Takoyaki

Takoyaki, a specialty dish of Osaka, is hugely popular both in Japan and abroad, with the delightful texture of the octopus stuffed into the soft batter.

The outside has a crispy texture, and the toppings such as sauce, mayonnaise, green laver, and bonito flakes are popular among foreigners.

There are many takoyaki specialty shops in Osaka, each offering their own unique flavors and variations.

The typical style is to eat them one by one on a toothpick, but some are sandwiched between thin rice crackers, making them perfect for eating on the go.

Be sure to enjoy this gourmet treat that is an absolute must-try when visiting Osaka.

Okonomiyaki

Along with takoyaki, okonomiyaki is also popular in Osaka.

The chewy texture is perfectly matched with the sauce and mayonnaise toppings, making it a favorite not only with Japanese tourists but also with many foreigners.

Unlike takoyaki, cooking okonomiyaki yourself is a fresh and fun experience, especially for foreigners.

Many okonomiyaki restaurants have counter seating or table seating, and you can communicate with the staff in a relaxed atmosphere.

You're sure to have an unforgettable dining experience.

Grilled green onions

Negiyaki is a dish made by topping a chewy dough with plenty of green onions and baking it until it is fragrant.

It's similar to okonomiyaki, but its main feature is that it uses a large amount of spring onions instead of cabbage. Although it's simple, the aroma and sweetness of the spring onions spreads throughout your mouth, and it goes perfectly with the dough.

There are numerous negiyaki specialty shops and food stalls in the city of Osaka, and it is popular with locals and tourists alike.

Grilled squid

When you hear the word ikayaki, some people may think of a whole grilled squid, but in Osaka, ikayaki refers to a type of flour-based grilled squid.

The key is to mix the wheat flour dough with dashi and squid, then grill it on a hot iron plate. The chewy dough and tender squid have a great texture and flavor.

It has a crepe-like texture and is perfect as a casual snack to eat on the go.

Kushikatsu

Among the many gourmet foods in Osaka, kushikatsu is extremely popular.
The biggest attraction is that you can easily enjoy a wide variety of ingredients on a skewer in bite-sized pieces.

You can enjoy one stick for just a few hundred yen, so it's great whether you want a quick snack or a hearty meal.

And when it comes to kushikatsu, there is a rule that says "no dipping in sauce twice."

Dip the kushikatsu in plenty of sauce, until you wonder if it's a bit too much, and enjoy the crispy and juicy kushikatsu!

Kitsune udon

If it's a question of udon or soba, the Kansai region seems to overwhelmingly favor udon, and there are many udon restaurants in Osaka as well.

Among these, "kitsune udon" is said to have originated in Osaka, and kitsune udon topped with plump and juicy fried tofu is the soul food of Osaka residents.

The soup is light in flavor but has a strong dashi flavor, making it the perfect way to finish off a night of alcohol.

Doteyaki

Doteyaki is made by simmering beef tendons and daikon radish for a long period of time in miso and mirin.

It is said that the name comes from the style of cooking, in which a bank of miso is made around the edge of the pot and the food is slowly simmered in the miso that has dissolved into it.

Its sweet, rich and creamy flavor makes it a popular snack to go with alcohol, on par with kushikatsu.

Tetchiri hotpot

"Tecchiri" is a hot pot dish made with fugu, and is said to have originated in Osaka. (By the way, fugu sashimi is called "tessa"!)

Fugu is often thought of as a luxury food, but thanks to clever measures such as reducing transportation costs, in Osaka you can enjoy fugu at a more reasonable price than in Tokyo.

Healthy and nutritious, tetchiri is the perfect way to soothe your travel fatigue!
Come enjoy authentic tetchiri in Osaka, the city that boasts the highest consumption of fugu in Japan.

Tips for choosing a restaurant and making reservations for a satisfying gourmet trip

Just like in Tokyo, it's important to look for restaurants in Osaka that fit your budget. By making use of popular restaurants loved by locals and local food guides, you can enjoy great value food.

If you need to make a reservation, we recommend that you do so in advance by phone or online.

Location of Osaka Prefecture

summary

Osaka is a treasure trove of delicious food that is appealing to foreign tourists. From famous dishes such as okonomiyaki and takoyaki to reasonably priced foods such as kushikatsu and standing soba, you can enjoy a wide range of cuisine.

When you visit Japan, be sure to enjoy Osaka's restaurants to your heart's content. Delicious food that will delight your tongue and your heart is waiting for you.

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