Kushikatsu Daruma from Shinsekai: Most Popular Kushikatsu Restaurant in Osaka
Osaka is known as Japan's second major city after Tokyo, often called "the nation's kitchen" or "the city of kuidaore (eat until you drop)," where a unique food culture has developed.
One of the famous dishes that spread from Osaka is "kushiage" (deep-fried skewers). Kushikatsu, a dish centered around beef skewers, has spread nationwide from Osaka and become one of Japan's popular cuisines.
Among the top kushiage restaurants in Osaka, "Kushikatsu Daruma" from Shinsekai stands out. It's highly popular and well-known among Japanese tourists, and even locals make sure to enjoy it at least once when visiting Osaka.
In this article, we'll introduce the charm and how to enjoy Kushikatsu Daruma, a representative kushiage restaurant in Osaka.
Kushikatsu Daruma: A Top-Rated Kushiage Restaurant Born in Shinsekai, Osaka
Kushikatsu Daruma is a kushiage restaurant born in Shinsekai, Osaka, boasting top-class popularity. It's crowded daily with customers who come to enjoy Osaka-originated kushikatsu at reasonable prices.
Founded in 1929 as "Kushikatsu Takohichi," the second-generation owner changed the name to "ダルマ (Daruma in katakana)," and later, the third generation changed it to "だるま (Daruma in hiragana)," which continues to this day.
While there are many kushikatsu shops in Osaka, Kushikatsu Daruma has become a staple among kushikatsu restaurants, and its name is widely known even among foreign tourists.
The kushikatsu, with its crispy batter dipped in sweet sauce, is superb, so you must visit when you're in Osaka!
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Kushikatsu Daruma has 16 Branches in Osaka and 1 in Kyoto
Source: Tabelog
Kushikatsu Daruma currently has 16 branches in Osaka and 1 in Kyoto. Some stores accept reservations while others don't, so check in advance.
Note that during busy times, there can be quite a long queue. If you plan to visit for lunch or dinner, it's best to line up early.
Many Tourists Come from Other Regions to Eat at Kushikatsu Daruma, as It's Not Expanded Outside Osaka and Kyoto
Kushikatsu Daruma is a popular restaurant, so all branches are crowded with many tourists. This is because there are no stores outside Osaka and Kyoto. Some tourists even come from as far as Tokyo or Fukuoka just to eat Kushikatsu Daruma's kushikatsu.
Incidentally, they previously expanded to Bangkok, Taipei, and Tokyo. However, all these branches have now closed, and currently, stores are only in the Kansai region.
The Iron Rule of Kushiage "No Double Dipping!!" Originated from Kushikatsu Daruma
Source: Yahoo!
The most important rule for enjoying kushiage deliciously is "no double dipping in the sauce." This rule prohibits dipping a kushikatsu that you've already bitten into back into the sauce container. In typical kushikatsu restaurants, the sauce container is shared with other customers. This rule was born from hygienic considerations, such as preventing bacterial growth.
While this no double dipping rule is now common sense, it was Kushikatsu Daruma that established this rule. If you want more sauce, use the cabbage side dish to scoop up some sauce and apply it to your kushikatsu.
These rules are basic manners at kushikatsu restaurants. Never dip food that you've already put in your mouth into the sauce.
Now You Can Choose Between Two Styles: Pouring Sauce from Above or Dipping
While dipping kushikatsu into the sauce container has long been the standard at Kushikatsu Daruma, the COVID-19 pandemic led to the option of choosing between pouring sauce from above or dipping.
Currently, you can freely add sauce from the container on your table, but if you want to enjoy the dipping style, order a personal sauce tray.
Double Dipping is OK with Your Personal Sauce Tray!!
Source: WALKER PLUS
While the built-in sauce trays on tables are gone, you can order a personal dipping sauce for 110 yen. Since it's your own, you can use it without hesitation. If you want to enjoy kushikatsu in the traditional dipping style, be sure to order a sauce can.
Why is Kushikatsu Daruma Popular? Introducing the Secrets of Its Popularity and Kushikatsu Daruma's Commitment
Light Textured Batter Fried in Special Head Oil
Source: Official website
Kushikatsu Daruma, with over 90 years of history since opening in Osaka's Shinsekai, uses a special head oil made from beef tallow to fry their kushikatsu. This original head oil is flavorless and easy on the stomach even when eating a lot.
Therefore, even those who don't like oily foods can eat it easily. The light texture is also a characteristic of Kushikatsu Daruma's batter, using a fine-textured batter that doesn't overstimulate the mouth.
In this way, Kushikatsu Daruma's kushiage is made so that people of all ages can eat it with peace of mind. Even those who are hesitant about fried foods can enjoy it without worry.
The Selling Point is the Crispy Texture and Chewy Dough Feeling
Kushikatsu Daruma's kushiage, fried in their special head oil, boasts a crispy texture and chewy dough feeling. The batter has a fine texture, and the size isn't too large, so even children can eat it safely.
The head oil has little peculiarity, so you can eat many skewers without feeling heavy in your stomach. You can enjoy it as a snack-like dish. If you pair the hot kushikatsu with beer or other alcoholic beverages, it becomes even more delicious.
When you visit Osaka, be sure to experience this supreme texture for yourself.
Kushikatsu Daruma's Traditional Taste! Exquisite Sauce Made with a Secret Recipe
Source: Official website
Supporting the traditional taste of Kushikatsu Daruma is their exquisite dark brown sauce. The sauce developed by Kushikatsu Daruma's founder, Yoshie Hyakuno, is made with a secret recipe, so the method of making it is never disclosed to the outside.
The taste is light with sweetness, and once you taste it, it lingers for a long time. The Kushikatsu Daruma style is to use plenty of sauce, and the combination with the batter is superb.
Previously, there was a special tray filled with sauce on the table, and it was standard to dip the kushiage in it. Currently, due to the influence of COVID-19, it's now standard to eat by pouring sauce from a sauce bottle.
Original Menu Items Limited to Stores Such as Shinsekai Main Store and Namba Main Store
Source: Official website
Kushikatsu Daruma's Shinsekai main store and Namba main store each have store-limited original menu items that are highly popular.
At the Shinsekai main store, kushiage of marinated tuna, which has been marinated in sauce for a long time, is available for 286 yen per skewer. The tuna is well-flavored, so it's delicious even on its own. If you dip it in the sauce, you can enjoy an even more luxurious dish.
On the other hand, the Namba main store offers "Kushi-kome" kushiage as a Namba main store-limited item. Kushi-kome is a dish where dry curry, known as curry without liquid, is made into dumplings and deep-fried.
The combination of curry flavor, batter, and sauce is excellent, and once you eat it, you'll want to order it again and again. These limited menu items can only be tasted at the above two stores, so be sure to try them.
Must-Try Recommended Menu Items at Kushikatsu Daruma! Introducing 5 Locally Recommended Kushiage
The Standard Menu Item "Original Kushikatsu" (Beef)
Source: Tabelog
The standard menu item at Kushikatsu Daruma is the original kushikatsu. It uses beef, has a good texture, is easy to eat, and can be enjoyed for 143 yen per skewer. The beef has a good bite and is covered in thick batter, making it a superb dish that's crispy and easy to eat.
The meat of the kushikatsu is so delicious and juicy that I often order the original kushikatsu multiple times when I visit Kushikatsu Daruma. The taste of beef, batter, and sauce mixed together is exquisite, and it's even more delicious when enjoyed with alcohol.
Be sure to savor this traditional taste that has been loved in Osaka for over 90 years.
Osaka Specialty "Benishoga (Red Pickled Ginger) Kushiage"
Source: Rakuten Gnavi
Among the many kushiage at Kushikatsu Daruma, benishoga is a particularly recommended item. Benishoga is ginger that has been turned red by putting it in the juice of pickled plums, mixing the sourness of pickled plums with the spiciness of ginger.
In Osaka, benishoga is so popular that it's used in tempura dishes. The taste where the texture of the batter and the crispy spiciness of the benishoga are well combined is exceptional, and if you add sauce, it becomes even more delicious.
Because it has a spicy kick, it tastes even better when enjoyed with beer. As a beer lover myself, I always order this. Be sure to order it and check the taste for yourself.
Vegetable Standard "Onion"
Source: Rakuten Gnavi
Kushikatsu Daruma also has a rich menu of kushiage using vegetables. Among the many vegetable menu items, onion is popular as a standard.
It has a good texture, is easy to eat, and has sweetness, so if you're an onion lover like me, you'll end up ordering several skewers.
The reason why Kushikatsu Daruma's onions are sweet is that they use onions from Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture, which ranks third in national production. Not only are they sweet, but they're also rich in moisture and become soft just by heating, making them a perfect match for kushiage dishes.
If you're interested, be sure to order it.
Doteyaki
Source: Tabelog
Doteyaki, one of the many side dishes, is a popular menu item that you should definitely order when visiting Kushikatsu Daruma.
Doteyaki is an Osaka-originated dish where beef tendons (the Achilles tendon of beef) and konjac are simmered together in a miso sauce made using two types of miso. It pairs perfectly with beer, and I always order doteyaki with my first order.
It has many fans due to its unique sweet and spicy taste, and it's also sold as a takeaway souvenir. When you visit Kushikatsu Daruma, be sure to order doteyaki.
Kushikatsu's Accompaniment "Cabbage"
Source: Tabelog
An indispensable accompaniment to kushikatsu is cabbage. The cabbage, currently offered for 110 yen, is sweet and so delicious that once you start eating, you can't stop.
Cabbage has the effect of refreshing your mouth when you've eaten too much kushikatsu. It also plays the role of scooping up sauce, used like a spoon when applying sauce to kushikatsu.
The cabbage is sweet and tastes great with beer. I always order cabbage when I visit Kushikatsu Daruma. It enhances the deliciousness of the kushikatsu even more.
When you visit Kushikatsu Daruma, don't forget to order the cabbage.
Kushikatsu Daruma Access and Basic Information
<Shinsekai Main Store>
Address: 2-3-9 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka City
Access: 6-minute walk from Ebisucho Station on the Osaka Metro
Business Hours: 11:00 - 22:30
Closed: None
Phone Number: 06-6645-7056
Official Website: https://www.kushikatu-daruma.com/location/shinsekai
<Dotonbori Store>
Address: 1-6-8 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka
Access: 5-minute walk from Namba Station on the Osaka Metro
Business Hours: 11:00 - 22:30
Closed: None
Phone Number: 06-6213-8101
Official Website: https://www.kushikatu-daruma.com/location/doutonbori
<Hozenji Store>
Address: 1-1-4 Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka
Access: 5-minute walk from Namba Station on the Osaka Metro
Business Hours: 11:30 - 22:30
Closed: None
Phone Number: 06-6211-8112
Official Website: https://www.kushikatu-daruma.com/location/houzenji
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When You Come to Osaka, the Home of Kushiage, Enjoy the Finest Michelin-Starred Kushiage Too
Kushikatsu Bon
Source: Official website
Kushikatsu Bon is a high-end kushikatsu restaurant located in Kitashinchi, an area known for its many upscale restaurants. With branches not only in Osaka but also in Tokyo and Paris, France, it offers refined flavors and exceptional hospitality that goes beyond the conventional concept of popular kushikatsu shops.
The sophisticated kushikatsu creative dishes are all exquisite, and it's recommended for those who want to enjoy kushikatsu in a quiet atmosphere while drinking. The omakase course using various high-end ingredients is superb, and it earned a Michelin star in 2011.
In addition, the katsu sandwich, which is a cutlet sandwiched between bread, is also popular, and I always buy it as a souvenir. If you want to casually enjoy a high-end Japanese restaurant, this is a must-visit establishment.
Address: B1F Dojima Merry Center Building, 1-3-16 Dojima, Kita-ku, Osaka
Business Hours: 18:00 - 24:30
Closed: None
Phone Number: 06-6344-0400
Official Website: http://www.kitchen-dan.jp/bon/
If you are interested in Kushikatsu Bon, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
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Kushiage 010
Source: Tabelog
Kushiage 010 is a kushikatsu restaurant located in Kitashinchi, Osaka, an area known for its many high-end restaurants. Their kushiage is fried in original oil based on rice oil made from rice bran, making it healthy and easy to eat.
The course meals, which freely arrange ingredients according to each season, are creative Japanese dishes from appetizers to kushiage and desserts. Course meals are available from 5,000 yen, allowing you to enjoy high-quality ingredients at a reasonable price.
The interior uses wood grain for the counter and chairs, creating an attractive calm atmosphere. If you want to enjoy kushiage in a quiet atmosphere, be sure to visit.
Address: 4F Tanaka Building, 1-1-41 Sonezaki Shinchi, Kita-ku, Osaka
Business Hours: 17:00 - 22:00
Closed: Sundays and holidays
Phone Number: 050-5488-0228
Official Website: https://kushiage010.gorp.jp/
If you are interested in Kushiage 010, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
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