Guide To The Must-Try Food In Osaka

In a city often called the “Kitchen of Japan,” one in which people spend the most money on food, it’s no wonder that Osaka is the foodie capital of the country.  The best part about travelling here is that there is no lack of food options.

Without further ado, this is my compilation of the best food in Osaka.

The Best Food in Osaka

Osaka has long been referred to as “The Nation’s Kitchen” although its origin is more so in that Osaka became a hub for food goods. Still, it has a nice ring to it.

Having been to Osaka, I learned first-hand of all the delicious restaurants you can find here. If you’re a first-timer, I don’t blame you for being overwhelmed so here are the dishes and best food in Osaka that you need to make sure you have when you’re here.

Okonomyaki

While Hiroshima still holds the upper hand in being the city that invented okonomyaki, Osaka has a flare of its own for this traditional Japanese pancake.

The basic dish consists of a flour-based batter mixed with squid, prawn, octopus, and meat topped with dried bonito that waves back and forth as if alive, along with okonomiyaki sauce and mayonnaise.

If you go to a special okonomyaki restaurant like Mizuno, you’ll be in for a treat — the food is prepared right in front of your eyes on tabletop hot plates.

Takoyaki

Takoyaki means “grilled octopus” in Japanese. Found on street corners all over the city, these are piping hot balls filled with octopus slices, pickled ginger, and green unions.

These delicious snacks are even more fun when you can watch the cooks make them before your eyes on special takoyaki pans.

Some places get creative and will smother the takoyaki with marinara sauce and cheese.

While I would recommend a specific shop for takoyaki, this dish is so prolific that you’ll find it almost everywhere and to be honest, my favourite is always stumbling upon the random takoyaki stalls on streets. You can’t go wrong anywhere you have these balls of delight!

Japan Trip Planning Essentials And Discounts

If you’re in the middle of booking your trip to Japan, here are the most important places you need to go to book:

• JR Pass – The two most reliable places we always check are JRailPass and JRPass. If you are taking long distance Shinkansen across multiple region, get the full JR Pass. If you’re focusing on one specific area, you only need a JR regional pass. The official booking platform is Smart-Ex.
• Shinkansen – The JR Pass prices have gone up and for many of you, it’ll make more sense to book tickets individually. The secret is that when you buy your Shinkansen tickets through Klook offers special vouchers for Don Quijote and BIC when booking. Their tickets are super easy to redeem as well. Right now, use code SKS10OFF to save $10 USD off.
• Hotels/Ryokans – In Japan, the best website for accommodations, hands down is Agoda. When we’ve compared them against Booking, Agoda consistently came out cheaper.
• Tours – While Viator and GetYourGuide are our go-to’s, Klook and KKDay are much popular in Asia so it’s always worth comparing across all of them to make sure you get the best price. With Klook, use code GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save up to 10% on your first booking.
• Pocket Wifi – While we do love eSIMs, having a pocket wifi is great for sharing data with a large group. The most popular is NinjaWifi which is easy to pick up at the airport. Use code AWESOME15 to save 15% (automatically applied). Alternatives are offered by JRPass and JRailPass but they aren’t as cheap. For a more global solution, consider Solis and PokeFi.
• eSIM – The best one is Airalo. Save money by getting the Japan region eSIM and use referral code WILLIA9500 to get $3 USD credit on your first purchase. From now to Feb 29, the 10GB package is half price as well! Ubigi is another one that we’ve had success with where they uniquely offer 5G coverage. Use code AWESOME10 to save 10% on your first order.
• Car Rental – Big companies like Budget, Avis, and Enterprise operate in Japan but they’re usually the most expensive. The best companies are the local Japanese ones such as Toyota Rentacar, Nippon Rentacar, Orix Rentacar, Nissan Rentacar, and Times Car Rental. To make things easier, use Rentalcars and Klook to compare prices all in one place. Don’t forget, you need an IDP to drive in Japan so get one before you leave your home country.
• Learn Japanese – It helps to know even a bit of the language before you go. Start your learning with Rosetta Stone Japanese.
• Cash or credit – Cash is still very important to have in Japan but when you use credit cards, make sure you’re not getting charged those extra exchange rate fees. The best card right now is the Wise Multi-Currency Card which is actually a debit card where you can convert at favorable rates beforehand. This cuts out any sneaky transaction fees.
• Travel Insurance – Make sure you’re covered in case something happens. Get quotes from HeyMondo where booking through our link gets you 15% off automatically and if you’re from Canada, get quotes from RATESDOTCA.
• Shopping – Discovering Don Quijote is a quintessential part of the Japan experience. The secret for tax-free shopping is that they have a coupon that can help you save 10% off + additional 5% off if you spend ¥10,000 or more.

Kitsune Udon

Kitsune udon, found everywhere in Japan, originated in Osaka. Served with udon noodles and pieces of sweet deep-fried tofu in a hot unami broth, kitsune udon is not the most complicated dish, but it’s the simplicity that often hits the spot.

Osaka is also said to make the best udon in the world. You can get a feel for it with a visit to a restaurant like Tokumasa Udon Morinomiya.

Kushikatsu

Think of kushikatsu as a deep-fried kebab. It consists of anything from pork, beef, chicken, or veggies breaded and then dunked in a deep fryer. Served hot, all you have to do is dip it in a communal tonkatsu sauce container and enjoy.

The only thing you have to remember is that double dipping is not allowed.

Sure, Kushikatsu is not the most healthy dish, but it is a mandatory part of the Osaka dining experience.

Daruma is a popular kushikatsu restaurant in the city. You can find a branch in both Umeda and Nanba.

Crab

While crab itself isn’t a special to Osaka, one of the most famous restaurants in the city is the one with the giant crab welcoming you inside.

Situated right along the river, Kanidouraku Dotombori-Honten is a unique way to have crab prepared in what feels like an infinite number of ways.

The restaurant is not cheap, however, so be prepared to spend a fair amount to fill your belly.

Check out their full English menu before going so you have an idea of what you’re getting yourself into.

Enjoy feasting in one of my favorite cities in Japan. You might gain a little weight but it is all worth it. If you’re looking for places to stay, make to find best deals on hotels in Osaka.

Top Picks for Hotels in Osaka

Eating is mandatory in Osaka but so is a bed and a place to stay which is why I’ve put together 2 hotels that I recommend when planning a trip to the foodie capital of Japan.

BEST

OSAKA HOMMACHI

Brand new hotel opened in April 2017 and is located walking distance away from the Hommachi station. An uber modern property that’s only 2 km from Glico Man Sign.

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BUDGET

HOSTEL 64 OSAKA

We had the opportunity to stay here in Osaka and was very impressed with this property. Super clean and spacious modern rooms.  Communal private bathrooms.

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Need the JR Pass?

If you’re looking to do any travelling around Japan, I highly recommend picking up a JRailPass.  Keep in mind that you’ll need to purchase it before your trip and ship it to your home.