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!

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.

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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.