Kushiage 010: A MICHELIN Kushikatsu Restaurant in Osaka Kitashinchi
Osaka is Japan's second major metropolis after Tokyo, the capital city. Osaka has developed its own unique food culture, particularly famous for Takoyaki (octopus-filled batter balls) and Okonomiyaki (savory pancakes mainly containing cabbage and meat mixed into the batter).
Another local specialty is "Kushiage," which refers to various ingredients skewered and deep-fried. Osaka offers a wide range of Kushiage establishments, from affordable casual eateries to high-end restaurants listed in the Michelin Guide.
Among these Kushiage restaurants, two Michelin-listed establishments in Kitashinchi are particularly popular: "Kushiage 010" and "Kushikatsu Bon." Today, we'll explore the appeal and popular menu items of Kushiage 010.
Kushiage 010: A Top-tier Kushiage Restaurant Listed in the Michelin Guide
Kushiage 010 is a specialized Kushiage restaurant conveniently located just 4 minutes on foot from JR Kitashinchi Station and 5 minutes from Keihan Oebashi Station. It has earned recognition in the Michelin Bib Gourmand category, which acknowledges restaurants offering carefully prepared dishes using quality ingredients that provide excellent value for money.
The interior of Kushiage 010 features a stylish and sophisticated atmosphere, making it more suitable for adults, couples, or solo diners rather than families with children. It offers not only an excellent dining experience but also a comfortable space to relax.
What is Kushiage?
Kushiage is a traditional Japanese dish where meat, fish, and vegetables are skewered, coated in batter, and deep-fried. It's characterized by its crispy outer coating and juicy interior, typically eaten with sauce. One of its appealing aspects is that it can be easily eaten with one hand since it's served on skewers.
There's one important rule when eating Kushiage at restaurants: no double-dipping in the sauce. This rule exists because the sauce is shared among customers. As a matter of etiquette, you should only dip each piece once to ensure everyone can enjoy the sauce comfortably.
Kitashinchi: Home to Kushiage 010 and Many Other Fine Restaurants
Kitashinchi is home to approximately 3,000 restaurants and is known as an "adult entertainment district." The area is concentrated with upscale establishments including Japanese restaurants, bars, lounges, and clubs, making it perfect for special evenings.
Many of these high-end establishments feature private rooms emphasizing privacy and stylish counter seating, allowing guests to enjoy dinner in a refined atmosphere. The Kitashinchi area is particularly recommended for travelers looking to spend a special evening during their trip.
Why We Recommend Kushiage 010! Introducing Its Appeal and Special Features
An Array of Original Kushiage Creations with Unique Innovations
Source: Rakuten Gnavi
Kushiage 010's distinctive feature is its original kushiage creations that incorporate unique culinary innovations. Their international-inspired kushiage includes skewers made with angel prawns from New Caledonia and skewers inspired by Korean samgyeopsal. Through the traditional Japanese cooking method of kushiage, guests can experience flavors from around the world.
Additionally, they offer seasonal kushiage featuring the best ingredients of each season, including creative fruit-based kushiage using figs and peaches. Each skewer is carefully fried to preserve the natural qualities of its ingredients.
Healthy and Clean-Tasting Original Oil Blend Based on Rice Oil
Source: Official website
The second major distinction of Kushiage 010 is their use of a proprietary oil blend for frying. Based on rice oil and specially formulated, it offers a healthier alternative while maintaining the delicious taste of fried foods.
Kushiage 010's original oil blend not only provides health benefits but also enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients. While maintaining the signature crispy texture of kushiage, it preserves the inherent taste of each ingredient, creating a perfect balance between the juiciness of fried food and the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Carefully Curated Drink Pairings Perfect for Kushiage
Source: Official website
At Kushiage 010, you can enjoy drinks specially selected to complement their kushiage. They offer a wide selection of beverages, including natural wines and shochu (Japanese distilled spirits made from sake lees, rice, or barley).
A unique aspect of Kushiage 010 is not only their creative kushiage but also their interesting drink selection. You'll find everything from tomato-basil and elderflower-infused drinks to French wines produced by Japanese vintners.
This establishment is highly recommended for those who want to enjoy both excellent food and drinks, as you can sample various types of alcohol while savoring your kushiage.
Explaining the Three Courses Available at Kushiage 010 and Their Features
Short Course
Source: Ikyu Restaurant
<Course Contents>
- Appetizer
- 8 Kushiage skewers
- Dashi ochazuke (tea-poured rice)
- Dessert
The Short Course at Kushiage 010 is packed with the essence of kushiage dining. Despite being a brief course, it offers a satisfying experience with seasonal ingredients incorporated into every dish from appetizer to dessert. You can enjoy 8 of the restaurant's specially recommended kushiage skewers.
The Short Course is ideal for those who want to enjoy a small portion of delicious food or need to finish their meal quickly due to time constraints. Although it's called the "Short Course," you can still enjoy 8 kushiage skewers, making it perfect for those who want to experience kushiage cuisine for the first time.
Standard Course
Source: Rakuten Gnavi
<Course Contents>
- Appetizer
- 10 Kushiage skewers
- 2 seasonal side dishes
- Chef's curry OR dashi ochazuke
- Dessert
The Standard Course at Kushiage 010 includes everything in the Short Course plus two seasonal side dishes perfect for accompanying drinks, and either the chef's special curry or dashi ochazuke. Dashi ochazuke is a classic Japanese dish where rice is served with a flavorful broth made from kelp and dried sardines.
While the curry is delicious, I always order the dashi ochazuke. The Standard Course includes 10 skewers along with everything from appetizers to dessert, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy their meal at a leisurely pace. It's also the only course that offers seasonal side dishes, making it ideal for those who want to enjoy both kushiage and traditional Japanese dishes that pair well with drinks.
15 Kushiage Course
Source: Ikyu Restaurant
<Course Contents>
- Appetizer
- 15 Kushiage skewers
- Chef's curry OR dashi ochazuke
- Dessert
As the name suggests, the 15 Kushiage Course at Kushiage 010 allows you to enjoy 15 kushiage skewers. The main difference from the Standard Course is the increased number of skewers and the absence of seasonal side dishes.
This course is recommended for those who want to enjoy plenty of kushiage. As mentioned earlier, Kushiage 010 offers numerous creative kushiage options, allowing you to experience unique skewers that are hard to find elsewhere until you're satisfied.
If you want to eat lots of kushiage, choose the 15 Kushiage Course; if you prefer a balanced meal with other dishes, the Standard Course would be more suitable.
Kushiage 010 Access & Basic Information
Address: 4F Tanaka Building, 1-1-41 Sonezaki Shinchi, Kita-ku, Osaka
Access: 268m walk from Oebashi Station
Business Hours: Monday-Saturday: 18:00 - 00:00
Closed: Sundays and Holidays
Phone: 06-6131-8878
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Exceptional Kushiage Restaurants in Osaka to Enjoy Along with Kushiage 010
Kushikatsu Bon
Source: Official website
Kushikatsu Bon is a high-end kushikatsu specialty restaurant that has previously earned Michelin recognition. The restaurant has a hidden gem atmosphere where you can dine in a serene environment.
What sets Kushikatsu Bon apart is their creative skewers using premium ingredients like foie gras, truffles, and Châteaubriand. They use specially ordered breadcrumbs for frying, resulting in a light texture that, despite being fried food, won't cause heartburn even after eating multiple skewers.
Kushikatsu Bon only offers an "omakase course," allowing guests to enjoy dishes and drinks made with seasonal ingredients at their peak. It's highly recommended for those seeking high-quality, premium kushikatsu.
If you are interested in Kushikatsu Bon, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
Kushikatsu Daruma Shinsekai Main Store
Source: Official website
Kushikatsu Daruma Shinsekai Main Store offers a wide variety of kushikatsu with over 38 different skewer options. You can choose from various options including the original kushikatsu, meat, seafood, and vegetables. The "Main Store Set," exclusively available at the Shinsekai location, features 15 kushikatsu skewers and is popular for offering all the classic ingredient varieties.
Daruma's kushikatsu is known for its crispy original breading and their secret sauce that perfectly complements the skewers. This restaurant is perfect for those who want to select from a wide range of ingredients for their kushikatsu experience.
If you are interested in Kushikatsu Daruma, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
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For Those Who Want to Further Explore Osaka's Cuisine, We Recommend the "Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai" with Locals
The "Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai" is an all-inclusive gourmet tour where you can taste 8 different Osaka specialty dishes selected by local guides. You'll enjoy various must-try Osaka dishes including takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu.
One of the tour's attractive points is experiencing the cuisine in Dotonbori, Osaka's most vibrant culinary destination. The guide takes you to hidden gem restaurants typically only known to locals, offering a different experience than exploring on your own. Besides food, you'll also visit cultural spots like shrines and temples to learn about Japanese culture.
This tour is enjoyable for everyone who loves food, whether you're with family, couples, or traveling solo. If you'd like to experience local cuisine with a knowledgeable local guide, this tour is highly recommended.
Meeting point: In front of Nankai Koya Line Imamiya-Ebisu Station exit
Tour area: Shinsekai, Dotonbori
Start times: From 11:30, 16:30, 17:30
Approximate price: ¥14,000 (all-inclusive)
Click here for details
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