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. Why don’t I introduce you to some of my favorite dishes, ones I think you must try?
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.
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.
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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Will is the Chief of Awesome at Going Awesome Places which is focused on off-the-beaten-path, outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring others to travel, writing detailed trip itineraries to help others plan their own trips, and providing helpful tips and tricks to guide readers to travel better. He is based in Toronto, Canada but you'll find him on the road more often than not. Make sure to learn more about Will to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.
