Best of MUSUBI: Osaka Fried Foods

Posted on 11/03/2023 Last updated on 03/30/2024

Welcome to Best of MUSUBI, where we revisit articles from the past and breath new life into them with updated information and photos!

Osaka has a lot going for it, from its unique culture and history, the fun and energetic people and its many tourist sights. Among the things that make Osaka well-known and great is that its regional foods are among the best in all of Japan. Let’s dive in deeper and talk about two of Osaka’s great yaki (grilled) foods.

Photo by まめ39

Arguably the most famous dish from Osaka is Takoyaki. Takoyaki is a ball of grilled dough with tako or octopus pieces inside. This dish is said to have originated in Osaka in the 1930’s. It is very well known even outside of Japan because of its unique shape and delicious nature. These molten hot balls of dough are eaten with dancing bonito flakes on top of them and drizzled with a special savory sauce and mayonnaise. This dish is not only great to eat, but fun to make, with takoyaki parties being a popular occurrence where the patrons help make the dish on a unique grill.

Okonomiyaki is less popular as a specifically Osakan dish, but still a well-known specialty in the area. This dish has a longer history, dating to around the 1600’s. Okonomiyaki is a pancake-looking dish, made up of chopped cabbage, batter, pork or seafood, bonito flakes, Okonomiyaki sauce (similar to the savory Takoyaki sauce) and mayonnaise, again much like its more popular food brother Takoyaki. This delicious food is made by mixing the basic ingredients in a bowl then throwing them on a hot griddle and topping them with the meat or seafood, then flipping once until it’s done on both sides.

Photo by ミックモン

This regional food has become popular in many parts of Japan and has spawned some regional differences. The two most popular are Hiroshima-style, which is made mostly the same, except yakisoba is also cooked along with and mixed into the Okonomiyaki. An egg is also used to top the dish, giving it a unique look from its Osakan counterpart. The other style is Tokyo’s “monjayaki” where the process is similar, but the outcome is much more gooey.

Luckily, these regional Osaka foods are so well-known and universally enjoyed they can be found all over Japan and maybe even in your home country as well. Please be sure to enjoy these delicious dishes when planning your next trip to Osaka!

Photo Credits:

Top Photo: DR_AC on PhotoAC

Additional Photos by まめ39 and ミックモン