15 Jan 2019
Posted by Streetzine 
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Aptly nicknamed the “Nation’s Kitchen”, Osaka is known for its innovative, yet traditional and inventive cuisine and cooking. The second largest city in Japan after Tokyo, Osaka gained its nickname from the Edo period, a merchant city that was notable for the rice trade route. Located along Osaka Bay, and the Yodo River Osaka is a popular destination not only for historical sites such as the Osaka Castle and attractions like Dotonburi but most significantly for the culinary scene.
Osaka Night Market
As the famous phrase in Osaka says “kuiadore”, meaning “eat yourself to ruin” – basically “eat until you drop”, it is easy to see why the food scene is bursting with flavour and excitement in Osaka. The foodie experts at Tourist Japan have shared why Osaka is a culinary destination and a few insider tips for a guide to cheap eats and where to eat the best street food in Osaka.
Yakumido – A small joint with limited seating and only 3 items on the menu, Yakumido is known for its “soul food” of Osaka – curry and serves either beef curry, veggie curry or half and half. The veggie curry is vegan-friendly, and all options are simple, flavorful and unique. The owner Kuzma is friendly and welcoming, serving his curry alongside an array of sake, wine, beer, whiskey, and shochu. If the place isn’t too crowded (which is often is), it is worth sticking around to enjoy a drink with the owner, Kuzma, to learn more about Osaka and the flavours of the region.
Known for their takoyaki – ball-shaped bites often filled tempura scraps, octopus, ginger and prepared in a wheat-based batter, Yamachan is one of the most popular places in Osaka to serve this Japanese snack, and in fact is the place that this delicious dish originated. These snack bites are prepared in a unique and specially designed takoyaki pan which ensures that the inside filling remains soft and tender while the outside is hot and crispy. Yamachan creates their own batter with a variety of vegetables and fruits, along with bone broth made from chicken that is boiled for 4 hours. Mixed together with their own variety of kelp and bonito, the batter is distinct and delicious. No stop to Osaka can be complete without a bite of takoyaki from Yamachan.
Takoyaki
One of the must-eats in Osaka is kushikatsu, sometimes also referred to as kushiage, this is a skewer of deep-fried meat and sometimes vegetables. A stop at Yaekatsu almost always guarantees a long queue but it moves quickly and is worth it! The menu is simple and offers a variety of options such as chicken, octopus, and shitake and it is worth getting a few to taste. These hot, fried skewers can be dipped in tonkatsu sauce or eaten on their own. The Shinsekai neighbourhood in Osaka where Yaekatsu is situated is a popular district for this street food and while there are many places to enjoy, Yaekatsu is one the best and most authentically delicious.
Another delicious must-eat in Osaka is Okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake that is filled with cabbage and one of the best places to enjoy this Japanese treat is at Mizuno. While there is often a long queue, once inside the quaint family run cafe, it is easy to see why these okonomiyaki are so popular. It is a unique experience in that the chef will prepare the mixture – which is made to order, in front of the diners directly at the table. Pancakes can be filled with meat, seafood or vegetables and the pancake batter includes dashi broth and Japanese yam. While in Osaka, there are many different Okonomiyaki to taste and worth sampling a few varieties with different fillings and sauces.
Steamed Dumplings
While traveling in Japan, Ramen is a staple food that must be enjoyed while visiting. This hearty, warming soup comes in so many varieties with delicate nuances and flavor profiles. While in Osaka, a highlight for enjoying ramen is at Sakunosaku found steps from the Namba subway station. The perfect comfort food and often considered the national dish of Japan, Raman is warm broth filled with thick wheat noodles and topped with meat, vegetables and usually an egg. The yuzu ramen, spicy miso or Tonkatsu ramen will not disappoint.
No trip to Osaka can be complete without a stop at the Kuromon Ichiba Market, filled with a variety of vendors and shops selling local produce, fresh seafood and some of the best street food in town. The market is often overcrowded, but knowing what to look for can make the experience more enjoyable. A quick bite at Tokisushi in the market is fresh and flavourful. They use the fresh seafood and produce from the market and often add new rolls depending on the freshest ingredients. Another delectable bite worth sampling in the market is daifuku mochi, pillowy soft and not too sweet, these confections often made from azuki beans or red bean paste are prepared fresh to order and come in many flavors and colors. Other items to find in the market include fresh octopus stuffed with a quail egg, sea urchin and Kobe beef. A trip to the market should be started on an empty stomach in order to leave enough room to sample many delicious foods.
From the fresh seafood to simple cooking techniques and maintaining honored traditions, it is clear to see why Osaka is known for the cuisine and makes the perfect destination for any foodie looking to enjoy some new ingredients, fflavoursand styles It is worth noting that although many places offer English translations, much of the street food is not explained in English but the language of taste and smell will prevail, letting the senses take over whilst enjoying the amazing array of street food in Osaka.
