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Guide to the Must-Try Food in Osaka

Last Updated March 15, 2023 William Tang

You are here: Home » Eat & Drink » Guide to the Must-Try Food in Osaka

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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.

Read More About Japan

  • The Best Restaurants In Tokyo
  • If You Want To Have The Most Epic Ramen In Tokyo, Read This
  • Ramen Etiquette You Need To Know
  • Where To Stay In Tokyo

How to get the best deals in travel

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  • Hotels – Use corporate codes or get Genius 2 tier with Booking.
  • Flights – Have you ever heard of the “Everywhere” feature?
  • Insurance – Make sure you're covered and learn more about where to buy the best travel insurance.

Here's what we're covering:

  • The Best Food in Osaka
    • Okonomyaki
    • Takoyaki
    • Kitsune Udon
    • Kushikatsu
    • Crab
  • Top Picks for Hotels in Osaka
    • BEST
    • BUDGET
  • Read More About Japan

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

okonomyaki is one of the must try foods in osaka

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

master creating takoyaki is food you need to try in osaka

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!

Kitsune Udon

kitsune udon dish in osaka beside tofu
Image via Flickr mmm-yoso

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

kushikatsu is food in Osaka that you have to try
Image via Flickr kimishowota

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

couple having dinner at kanidouraku dotombori-honten in osaka

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

Hotel androoms Osaka Hommachi Bedroom

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.

CHECK RATES

BUDGET

Hostel 64 Osaka Bedroom

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.

CHECK RATES

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.

JRailPass

Read More About Japan

I've spent some time in Japan and there's a lot more to share about the country.  Don't miss out these articles!

The 12 day Japan itinerary

Best budget Ryokans in Kyoto

Immerse yourself in Japanese culture in Kyoto

Best time of year to go to Kyoto

Tips On Getting Around Tokyo By Train

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Filed Under: Eat & Drink 8 Comments

About William Tang

William 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 William to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

author will tang going awesome places profile photoHey, my name is Will and I'm here to help you travel to some awesome places around the world and my home country of Canada by providing insanely detailed itineraries, travel guides, and packing lists.

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