Tastes of Osaka Worth Your Time

Posted on 05/26/2023 Last updated on 01/11/2024

Top photo by 4ChaN on PhotoAC

Osaka is commonly referred to as “the kitchen of Japan” due to its diverse selection of tasty and unique food. The streets are often jam-packed with both large chain　restaurants and smaller individual businesses, all delivering flavors that are sure to satisfy a wide spectrum of palates. Ramen and udon shops, curry houses, Izakayas, foreign　restaurants, chic cafes, sweet shops, yakiniku stores and even universally loved conbinis— Osaka has so much to offer. If you are struggling to decide on what to try next, this article suggests some popular but outstanding food items that are unique to Osaka and Japan and　deserve at least one try.

Okonomiyaki

Photo by sugisaku

Okonomiyaki, sometimes called “Japanese pizza,” is one of the most famous dishes from Osaka. This Osakan soul food is essentially a savory pancake that is cooked from a　batter of flour, egg, shredded cabbage and various meats and seafoods of your choice. The major component of this dish that stands out is the toppings. The mixture of Japanese mayonnaise and okonomiyaki sauce (similar in taste to Worcestershire sauce), seaweed and bonito flakes delivers a satisfying punch to the savory pancake. Some variations of okonomiyaki include: monjayaki, modan-yaki, negiyaki and Hiroshima-yaki. Feel free to try these variants too!

Takoyaki

Photo by ぼんくら

Takoyaki is a classic snack food from Osaka that is made from wheat-based batter with a small octopus filling inside. This “octopus ball” snack contains toppings similar to the okonomiyaki and therefore tastes quite similar. The difference is that the inside of the takoyaki is usually more wet and the octopus delivers a chewy texture accompanied with a grilled seafood taste. You will be able to find takoyaki in most streets of Osaka and you will be drawn to the smell of cooked takoyakis whenever you pass by a shop.

Taiyaki

Photo by cheetah

Taiyaki is a fish-shaped cake with different types of filling inside—usually red bean paste, sweet potato paste, custard or chocolate. It really resembles an ice cream sandwich, except for the fact that both the filling and the cake is typically hot. These “cakes” are excellent when eaten alongside a cup of hot tea. There is something satisfying about the crunchy texture of the cake that is somewhat reminiscent of biting into a well-done hot waffle. The classic sweetened azuki bean taiyaki is highly recommended.

These three food items only begin to scratch the surface of what Osaka has to offer. The beauty of eating in Osaka is being able to experience the different interpretations of these food items from various restaurants and stores. This is especially true for smaller businesses; many of them like to add their own flair and ingredients to enhance and add personality to these classic foods.

Photo Credits:

Top photo by 4ChaN on PhotoAC

Additional photos by sugisaku , ぼんくら and cheetah