While many tourists have Tokyo on the tip of their tongues, foodies have found that food in Osaka is the real taste. What was once the capital of Ancient Japan swiftly industrialized and developed into a civilization rich in art, entertainment, history, and language because of its ideal location close to continental Asia.
Osakans are renowned for their unique blend of friendliness, humor, honesty, and lively phrases from their dialect, Kansai-ben. It’s no surprise that this city is home to a variety of food that is associated with Japanese history and culture have given that the term Kuidaore (, eat until you drop) serves as both its motto and mine. Without further ado, allow me to list the top five food in Osaka you should try.
1. OKONOMIYAKI
The only appropriate approach to introduce food in Osaka is with a dish that is close to my heart: okonomiyaki. Meaning “grilled as you like”, this dish has spread well beyond its humble Osaka beginnings and become a staple in Japanese cuisine.
A savory base of flour, dashi (fish stock), shredded cabbage, nagaimo (yam), and eggs forms the foundation of this delectable pancake. Then, a variety of other ingredients are added, including green onion, pork, octopus, squid, shrimp, and/or vegetables. The bonito flakes’ fascinating dance is the only thing keeping me from consuming it instantly. Diners enjoy a great contrast between the omelet’s light texture and the deep flavor of the additional components.
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2. TAKOYAKI
Takoyaki is yet another personal favorite but by no means the least. Just flour, dashi, eggs, bite-sized octopus, and possibly drool are used in this dish (due to its mouth-watering). While the octopus adds excellent chew and texture, the batter bakes into a savory dough that melts in the mouth. Takoyaki was invented by Tomekichi Endo in Osaka in 1935, just as okonomiyaki. Since then, it has been throughout the country and is now one of the signature food in Osaka.
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3. KUSHIKATSU
From fairs and festivals to fine dining establishments and stomachs worldwide, deep-fried food is a treat. It can be found in meals like deep-fried Coca-Cola and Oreos, but kushikatsu, a specialty of Osaka, is where we find it. Kushikatsu, which translates to “deep-fried meat and veggies,” is a must-try for tourists and cuisine enthusiasts.
Areas like Tsutenkaku are well known for having a wide selection of vendors selling kushikatsu: beef, pork, chicken, mackerel, shrimp, scallop, squid, broccoli, mushroom, pumpkin, and sweet potato are just a few examples. When you bite into freshly fried panko (breadcrumbs), the crisp crunch is like music to your ears.
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4. HORUMON
The roasted internal organs of pigs or cows are horumon. It is comparable to Yakiniku, with the exception that we use premium meat for Yakiniku. For Horumon, we consume the previously unconsumed organs. This cuisine is also from Osaka, and you could argue that only the incessantly pragmatic inhabitants of Osaka could have thought of it. In the majority of Yakiniku and Izakaya (Japanese style) eateries in Osaka, it is a standard menu.
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5,TECCHIRI
In Osaka, the poisonous fugu (if consumed, the poison is dangerous) is prepared in a hot pot dish called tecchiri, which derives its name from a mix of the abbreviation for both fugu and hot pot. Because of its chewiness and delicate flavor, tecchiri is a regional dish that locals adore. You can eat it worry-free because cooks who have received special fugu handling licenses prepare tecchiri.
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CONCLUSION
Japanese cuisine, including sushi and tempura, is now available worldwide. So make sure to sample the local specialties when you visit Osaka. Or try the “Konamono,” the staple dish of the Osaka people for which Osaka is known. You can check the interesting food tours here. if you are visiting Osaka for the first time or are overwhelmed by the cultural or linguistic differences that come with traveling, they work with 1,000+ expert tour guides in Japan to help you arrange the perfect trip.
Additionally, feel free to look at the list of tours that are offered in the city and contact any of the Osaka tour guides for a customized itinerary and a price quote if you’re seeking a private guide or would like to join a private tour group there.
If you want to add to your experience in Osaka with more activities than just sampling the local cuisine, you should definitely check out some of the excursions that offer excellent cultural encounters. The benefit of having a guide is that many Japanese menus are only shown in one language, so you may not want to run the risk of wasting time getting lost or not knowing what food items to order.
