Osaka's Best Street Food Guide 2024: Enjoy Amazing Osaka Gourmet!
Osaka is Japan's second-largest metropolitan area after Tokyo. The city has long been characterized by its rivers and waterways, with a canal system developed about 400 years ago. As rice and specialty products from all over the country gathered by boat, Osaka became the center of the Japanese economy, earning it the nickname "The Nation's Kitchen" (Tenka no Daidokoro).
The food culture has developed extensively, giving birth to countless Osaka-specific dishes. Moreover, in the era of poverty following World War II, various innovations were made to provide affordable, delicious, and enjoyable meals.
Many chefs strived to enrich the diet of ordinary people. This is one reason why there are so many street foods like okonomiyaki, takoyaki, and kushikatsu.
In this guide, we'll introduce you to the best street food at Osaka 2024, featuring local delicacies that Osaka residents can't get enough of!
4 Must-Try Authentic Street Foods in Osaka
Takoyaki
Takoyaki is the epitome of Osaka street food. It's made by wrapping octopus in wheat flour mixed with dashi broth and cooking it in plenty of oil.
It's said that almost every household in Osaka owns a takoyaki maker. For Osaka residents, it's been a familiar snack and light meal since childhood.
Takoyaki is believed to have originated in the 1910s, served at festival stalls and dagashi-ya (penny candy stores) that children frequented. Centered around Dotonbori, one of Osaka's premier food districts, numerous takoyaki shops, both old and new, have sprung up, with some becoming tourist attractions in their own right.
Here, we'll introduce you to some of the best street food at Osaka 2024, featuring takoyaki shops that even local Osaka residents swear by.
Hanadako
Source: Tabelog
"Hanadako" is a takoyaki shop that draws long queues in the Shin-Umeda Shokudogai, a restaurant street under the elevated tracks of JR Osaka Station. You'll see a diverse crowd here, from suit-clad businessmen to young female tourists, reflecting Osaka's central location.
The most distinctive feature of Hanadako is that they use large, "raw" octopus pieces. This results in a firmer, more elastic texture of the octopus when cooked.
The batter is flavored with dashi, creating an exquisite creamy texture.
<Store Information>
- Address: 1F Osaka Shin-Umeda Shokudogai, 9-26 Kakuda-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka
- Opening Hours: 10:00-22:00
- Closed: Open daily
- Phone: 06-6361-7518
If you are interested in Hanadako, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
Takoya Dotonbori Kukuru
Source: Tabelog
"Takoya Dotonbori Kukuru" originated in Dotonbori, an area known for its developed food culture within Osaka, often called the "City of Kuidaore" (a term referring to the tendency to spend money on food enjoyment).
Kukuru's takoyaki is characterized by its large, chewy octopus pieces. It's satisfyingly substantial, and the contrast with the melt-in-your-mouth batter is superb!
They also offer a variety of octopus-rich menu items. Their Tako-meshi (octopus rice), cooked in-store, is sure to become addictive once you try it.
<Store Information>
- Address: 1F Hakua Building, 1-10-5 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka
- Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 11:00-21:00, Saturday/Sunday/Holidays 10:00-21:00 (L.O. 20:30)
- Closed: Open daily
- Phone: 06-6212-7381
- Official Website
If you are interested in Dotonbori Kukuru, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
If you are interested in Takoyaki, check the article below! I summarized Takoyaki Restaurants in Osaka I recommend and how I felt each Takoyaki Restaurant.
Okonomiyaki
Next, we'll introduce okonomiyaki, another beloved street food that, like takoyaki, continues to be loved as one of Japan's representative street foods.
Interestingly, the method of "mixing flour and frying" is said to have been devised by Sen no Rikyu (a prominent Japanese tea master active in the 1500s). The current Kansai-style, which involves mixing meat, seafood, and vegetables into a dashi-flavored batter and grilling it with a savory sauce, became established later.
Incidentally, the style of layering ingredients and grilling originated in Hiroshima Prefecture.
Jibundoki
Source: MICHELIN
"Jibundoki," featured in the Michelin Guide, is famous as Japan's most difficult-to-book teppanyaki restaurant.
The secret to their delicious food lies in their careful attention to heat control and cooking for not just okonomiyaki, but all their dishes. They meticulously craft sauces to complement each ingredient.
The attentive service and hospitality of the owner couple are also delightful, making it easy to understand why anyone who visits becomes a fan.
<Store Information>
- Address: 1F Lions Mansion Midosuji Honmachi, 4-5-11 Minami-Hommachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka
- Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 17:00-23:00
- Closed: Mondays, Sundays, and holidays
- Phone: 06-6253-1661
If you are interested in Jibundoki, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
Tanpopo
Source: Tabelog
If you want to visit somewhere special with a loved one for a date or anniversary, "Tanpopo" is the place to go. Here, you can enjoy a new marriage of okonomiyaki made with carefully selected ingredients and fine Italian wines.
The luxurious and sophisticated atmosphere, quite different from typical okonomiyaki shops, is another attraction.
Located in the Shinchi area, known for its high-end bars and restaurants, many people use it as a second stop for wine after dinner. With excellent access from Umeda, interested visitors should make a reservation.
<Store Information>
- Address: 6F Eiraku Building, 1-10-16 Sonezaki Shinchi, Kita-ku, Osaka
- Opening Hours: 18:00-22:00 (L.O. 21:00)
- Closed: Sundays and holidays
- Phone: 06-6344-2888
- Official Website
If you are interested in Tanpopo, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
If you are interested in Okonamiyaki in Osaka, check the article below! I summarized Okonomiyaki Restaurants in Osaka I recommend and how I felt each Restaurant.
Kushiage
When enjoying Osaka gourmet food, you can't forget the famous "kushiage." Kushiage is a dish where a variety of seasonal ingredients such as beef, vegetables, and seafood are skewered and deep-fried.
While there are various theories about its origin, it's said to have become popular around the 1910s in the Shinsekai area of Osaka. It was reportedly conceived with the concept of creating an affordable and filling dish for workers in the nearby area.
One of the attractive points is that each skewer is substantial, allowing you to feel satisfied with just a few pieces. Its popularity has spread nationwide, and it has now become a beloved national dish in Japan, enjoyed by people of all ages.
Kushikatsu Daruma Shinsekai Main Store
Source: Official website
"Kushikatsu Daruma" is said to be the originator of kushiage born in Shinsekai. Daruma's signature is its fine-grained batter that offers both a crunchy and chewy texture.
The interior retains a retro atmosphere unchanged since its founding, allowing you to feel the good old days of Japan, which is another unique charm of the main store. Enjoy the freshly fried kushiage generously dipped in their special sauce, which has remained unchanged for over 90 years.
<Store Information>
- Address: 2-3-9 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka
- Opening Hours: 11:00-22:30 (L.O. 22:00)
- Closed: Open daily
- Phone: 06-6645-7056
- Official Website
Kushiage 010
Source: Tabelog
"Kushiage 010" is a kushiage specialty restaurant recommended by the Michelin Guide as a "place to enjoy Osaka's food culture."
Starting with appetizers, you can fully enjoy unique creative kushiage that incorporates cuisines from around the world, such as angel shrimp from New Caledonia, and variations like samgyeopsal-style and hamburger kushiage.
Their original blend oil, based on rice oil, results in a light mouthfeel and refined taste.
<Store Information>
- Address: 4F Tanaka Building, 1-1-41 Sonezaki Shinchi, Kita-ku, Osaka
- Opening Hours: 17:00-22:00
- Closed: Sundays and holidays
- Phone: 06-6131-8878
If you are interested in Kushiage 010, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
If you are interested in Kushiage in Osaka, check the article below! I summarized Kushiage Restaurants in Osaka I recommend and how I felt each Restaurant.
Ikayaki
While ikayaki typically refers to grilled whole squid, in Kansai it's a completely different menu item. Osaka's ikayaki is one of the "kona-mon" (flour-based foods) that Osaka people love so much. The term "kona-mon" refers to all foods made with wheat flour, including okonomiyaki, takoyaki, as well as udon and yakisoba.
Despite its simplicity - just thinly grilled batter mixed with squid and flavored with dashi - its taste is deeper than you might imagine, and it pairs excellently with beer. Ikayaki has many attractive points: it cooks quickly, it's cheap, and it's delicious.
It's the ultimate dish that has captured the hearts of Osaka people, who are known for being impatient and loving cheap, delicious food.
Hanshin Famous Ikayaki
Source: Tabelog
The Umeda main store of Hanshin Department Store is popular as a holy ground for depachika gourmet (the carefully curated food markets in the basements of department stores) in Kansai.
Not only is the selection of ingredients excellent, but the light meal eat-in corner is also well-developed, and it's from here that the famous "ikayaki" broke through. It's said to sell up to 10,000 pieces on busy days.
You can taste a hint of sweetness in the batter, and the sauce that coats it at the end creates an addictive deliciousness.
<Store Information>
- Address: B1F Snack Park, Hanshin Department Store Umeda Main Store, 1-13-13 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka
- Opening Hours: 10:00-22:00 (L.O. 21:30)
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 06-6345-1201
- Official Website
5 Osaka Soul Foods Loved by Locals That You Must Try When Visiting Osaka
Butaman (Steamed Pork Bun)
In the late 1800s, when Western culture was flowing into Japan, Chinese steamed buns introduced in Chinatown were adapted to suit Japanese tastes, marking the beginning of "butaman." To differentiate from "nikuman" which uses beef, steamed buns using pork were called "butaman."
When it comes to butaman in Osaka, "551 Horai" is the go-to. They sell an astonishing 170,000 buns per day in the Kansai region alone.
While there are voluminous ones like 551 Horai, there are also smaller ones that can be enjoyed as a dim sum item. Each shop in Osaka has its own unique butaman, so it's worth trying different ones.
551 Horai
Source: Official website
One of the most popular souvenirs from Osaka is the "551 Horai" pork buns. To maintain quality, 551 Horai products are exclusively sold in the Kansai region. This has led to the common practice among business travelers: "If you go to Osaka on a business trip, you should bring back 551 as a souvenir."
The 551 pork buns are known for their substantial size and generous filling. The soft, fluffy dough absorbs the meat juices, and every bite is filled with flavor. At our home, we like to spread a generous amount of 551 Horai's original mustard and enjoy it with the sharp spiciness that tingles the nose.
Store Information:
- Address: 3-6-3 Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture
- Business Hours: Store 10:00–21:30, Restaurant 11:00–21:30 (Last Order)
- Closed: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays
- Phone Number: 06-6641-0551
- Official Website
Doteyaki (Simmered Beef Tendon)
A staple menu item in almost every Osaka izakaya is "doteyaki." Doteyaki is a dish where beef tendon (the tough, sinewy parts like the Achilles tendon) is simmered for a long time in miso and mirin (a Japanese condiment with a unique sweetness and richness).
This dish exemplifies Osaka's positive attitude towards food, making delicious use of beef tendon that would often be discarded elsewhere. It's a perfect example of why Osaka is considered one of the best street food destinations in 2024.
When simmered, the tendon becomes so soft it falls apart, releasing a rich, gelatinous flavor that's addictive once you try it. It pairs excellently with alcohol - beer in hot seasons and hot sake in cold seasons make the perfect partners.
Hakozushi (Box Sushi)
While sushi popular worldwide is the nigiri style from Tokyo's Edomae tradition, Osaka has its own native sushi, with "hakozushi" (box sushi) being the prime example. It's a type of "oshizushi" (pressed sushi) where ingredients and vinegared rice are placed in a wooden frame and pressed.
Originally using common fish like mackerel and horse mackerel, it evolved into an elegant dish for entertaining guests in the late 1800s. Now featuring high-end ingredients like sea bream, shrimp, and conger eel, beautifully decorated hakozushi is often served at celebratory occasions. The harmony between the carefully prepared ingredients and vinegared rice offers a different kind of excitement compared to nigiri sushi, making it one of the best street food experiences in Osaka 2024.
Abaraya
source:Tabelog
"Abaraya" is a long-established restaurant that has been in business since 1955. With tatami seating and an unchanged, homely atmosphere for 70 years, it's a comfortable place to dine. Located right next to the Osaka Kizu Wholesale Market, they serve sushi and à la carte dishes using fresh seafood purchased daily from the market.
While everything is truly delicious, the must-try menu item here is the "saba-zushi" (mackerel sushi). It's renowned for fully showcasing the umami of fresh mackerel, as it's cured only with salt, not vinegar.
<Store Information>
- Address: 2-14 Namba Sennichimae, Chuo-ku, Osaka
- Opening Hours: 16:00～23:00（Last Order 22:30）
- Closed: Sundays and Public Holidays
- Phone Number: 050-5487-2136
- Official Website
Kitsune Udon
The birth of kitsune udon is said to be from a long-established udon shop in Osaka that opened in 1893. It's considered one of the best street foods in Osaka 2024, beloved by locals and tourists alike.
The "kitsune" in kitsune udon means "fox" in Japanese, and its unique name origin is rooted in Japanese culture and beliefs. Foxes are considered messengers of Inari, the god of agriculture symbolizing rice, and deep-fried tofu is said to be the foxes' favorite food. Thus, kitsune udon is considered an auspicious dish.
For Osaka residents, "kitsune udon" is a familiar menu item from childhood. The key to kitsune udon is the sweet and savory simmered deep-fried tofu. When the udon broth mixes with the tofu's cooking liquid, the umami is doubled. Its deliciousness will have you finishing the bowl in no time.
Dotonbori Imai
Source: Official website
When it comes to kitsune udon in Osaka, "Dotonbori Imai" is the most popular. Despite being in the heart of the bustling Dotonbori, stepping through the noren curtain reveals a serene, different world.
All dishes served are refined in taste, allowing you to experience the essence of Kansai's dashi culture. When you order kitsune udon, first savor the light yet richly flavored broth. Then, as the sweet and savory deep-fried tofu slowly dissolves, enjoy how the taste gradually changes, savoring a perfectly composed bowl until the end.
<Store Information>
- Address: 1-7-22 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka
- Opening Hours: 11:30～21:30（Last Order：21:00)
- Closed: Wednesdays (open if it's a public holiday), 4th Tuesday of the month (except December)
- Phone Number: 06-6211-0319
- Official Website
Akashiyaki
Alongside takoyaki, "Akashiyaki" is famous as one of the best street foods in Osaka 2024. Its origin is not in Osaka but in Akashi City, Hyogo Prefecture. Akashi is also known as a famous octopus producing area.
It was "Takoya Dotonbori Kukuru," which we introduced earlier, that popularized Akashiyaki in Osaka. The biggest difference from takoyaki is that while takoyaki is mainly finished with sauce, Akashiyaki is eaten dipped in a dashi broth similar to clear soup based on bonito and kelp.
Also, the amount of egg is higher compared to takoyaki, giving it a softness and mild taste similar to tamagoyaki (Japanese omelet), making it popular with young children too. My recommended way of eating is to finish with the light Akashiyaki after having the rich, saucy takoyaki.
Takohachi
Source:Tabelog
"Takohachi" is a place worth visiting just for Akashiyaki. It's an izakaya with a wide variety of dishes that pair well with alcohol, loved by locals.
Takohachi's Akashiyaki is a hugely popular menu item that maintains the taste inherited from the previous generation. The Akashiyaki, eaten dipped in flavorful broth, has a light texture that makes you feel like you could eat countless pieces. The broth is so delicious you might want to drink it all up.
<Store Information>
- Address: 5-6-12 Setoguchi, Hirano-ku, Osaka
- Opening Hours: 17:00〜22:00
- Closed: Mondays
- Phone Number: 06-6797-3995
- Official Website
3 Areas in Osaka Where You Can Enjoy the Best Street Food at Osaka 2024 & Recommended Tours
Dotonbori
In the 1600s, Dotonbori in Osaka saw the emergence of theaters and playhouses representing the theater and entertainment world. It flourished as an area where traditional performing arts such as Kabuki and Ningyo Joruri (puppet theater) could be enjoyed.
As it became a glamorous place attracting people, the number of restaurants increased, creating the current melting pot of food that is Dotonbori.
The entire street is like a food theme park, with a concentration of famous shops including crab restaurants, takoyaki specialists, long-established ramen shops, and kushikatsu restaurants. Each storefront is adorned with unique giant objects, making it a photogenic tourist spot in itself.
If you are interested in Dotonbori, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Dotonbori as much as possible.
Absolute Osaka Food Tour
Source: Tripadvisor
Dotonbori, Osaka's premier food mecca, is a street packed with restaurants offering all of Osaka's popular cuisine. With so many shops crowded together, it's hard to find truly delicious food without insider knowledge.
That's why the "Absolute Osaka Food Tour" is recommended. On this tour, a guide who knows Osaka's gourmet scene will navigate you to must-visit famous restaurants. You can also explore photogenic spots such as the famous "Glico Sign," Dotonbori River, and the charming stone-paved Hozenji Yokocho.
This tour offers you the chance to experience some of the best street food at Osaka 2024.
Osaka Bar Hopping Night Tour in Namba
If you want to know Osaka more deeply, the "Osaka Bar Hopping Night Tour in Namba" is recommended. This is an all-inclusive bar hopping tour that covers food and drink costs.
This tour guides you through "Ura Namba," an area not far from Dotonbori. This is where locals gather day and night. Hidden gems are packed together in narrow back alleys, always attracting Osaka's food connoisseurs.
Head out to little-known bars and izakayas with a local guide. Enjoy Japanese small plates such as yakitori and grilled vegetables, kushiage, and other Osaka gourmet foods recommended by your guide. This tour will introduce you to some of the best street food at Osaka 2024.
Osaka people are known for quickly becoming friendly even with strangers. Even if you don't speak the language, you'll soon find yourself in a friendly atmosphere, which is one of the charms of this city.
Shinsekai
"Shinsekai" is Osaka's most deep and authentic tourist spot. In 1912, an amusement park centered around "Tsutenkaku" was established, aiming to create a new tourist spot that combined Paris and New York, which is the origin of the name "Shinsekai" (New World).
In the nostalgic "Janjan Yokocho," many old-fashioned restaurants remain, where you can feel the history.
Osaka's downtown gourmet foods like kushikatsu and doteyaki also originated in Shinsekai. If you want to enjoy authentic, cheap, and delicious Osaka local food, starting with Shinsekai might be the quickest way. Here, you can taste some of the best street food at Osaka 2024.
If you are interested in Shinsekai Area, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Shinsekai Area as much as possible.
Osaka Food Tour (13 Delicious Dishes at 5 Local Eateries)
Source: Tripadvisor
The "Osaka Food Tour" allows you to enjoy 13 types of Osaka gourmet foods at 5 standard eateries in Shinsekai, including izakayas and food stalls. It's a rare opportunity to taste Osaka's popular foods all at once, including takoyaki, kushikatsu, kitsune udon, and yakitori.
The tour guide explains all the dishes, allowing you to enjoy Osaka's cuisine and culture more deeply. Interact with friendly locals and feel like you've become a true Osaka resident.
The journey exploring hidden gems in the back streets of Shinsekai will also become a fun memory. This tour showcases some of the best street food at Osaka 2024.
Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai
The "Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai" allows you to enjoy two major tourist spots, Dotonbori and Shinsekai, at once. You can enjoy 8 types of Osaka specialty dishes selected by local guides, including okonomiyaki and kushikatsu, all in one tour.
This tour is not just about exploring local restaurants. It's also a journey through Osaka's rich history. For example, in Shinsekai, you'll visit hidden gems that are truly important to locals, such as "Imamiya Ebisu Shrine," which Osaka merchants always visit, and "Hozen-ji" near Dotonbori.
A local guide born and raised in Osaka will tell you about the many charms of Osaka, not just its food. The tour packs a fulfilling experience into a 3-hour timeframe, receiving high ratings from foreign tourists. It's an excellent way to experience some of the best street food at Osaka 2024.
Kuromon Market
Source: Official website
"Kuromon Market," which conveys the lively atmosphere of Osaka as it was known as the nation's kitchen, is also consistently popular among foreign tourists.
Kuromon Market developed when fish merchants gathered and began trading around 1822. Perhaps as a remnant of this, about 1/3 of the 150 shops currently there are fresh fish stores. In addition to fresh fish stores, there are specialty shops for blowfish and soft-shell turtles, greengrocers, butchers, and specialty stores for pickles and dried foods, all crowded together in a small space.
Kuromon Market also offers plenty of eat-as-you-go menus typical of Osaka, the "city of kuidaore" (eating until you drop). You can enjoy Osaka's high-quality food just by touring here, with options like grilled seafood skewers, meat skewers, and sushi. It's undoubtedly one of the best places to experience street food in Osaka 2024.
Kuromon Market Walking Street Food Tour in Osaka
The "Kuromon Market Walking Street Food Tour in Osaka" is a gourmet adventure tour that efficiently covers the 150 shops of Kuromon Market via the best route. You can enjoy a series of dishes that encapsulate the essence of Osaka gourmet - "thoroughly pursuing deliciousness."
Another highlight of this tour is experiencing the warm service and hospitality of each shop. You can also learn deeply about the rich history of the market and Osaka's food culture from the shop owners, who are experts in their ingredients.
After filling your stomach with local popular dishes like fresh seafood and hot pot dishes, you'll extend your visit to Doguyasuji. This street is a specialized street lined with shops selling professional kitchen utensils and cooking equipment. There are also souvenir shops selling intricate food samples (menu models), allowing you to enjoy food from various angles.
This tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to taste some of the best street food at Osaka 2024.
If you are interested in Kuromon Market, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Kuromon Market as much as possible.
5 Delicious Japanese Foods from Across the Country that Gather in Osaka
Yakiniku (Grilled Meat)
Yakiniku is a style of cooking where various cuts of beef, pork, and organ meats are grilled over direct fire and eaten. Each restaurant has its own unique sauce and seasonings, allowing you to enjoy different flavors.
Yakiniku is a hugely popular dish in Japan, and it has evolved to meet various needs, including casual chain restaurants for everyday dining, solo dining establishments, and even standing yakiniku shops.
Osaka, in particular, is close to the yakiniku mecca of the Tsuruhashi area, which is also a Koreatown, so Korean-style yakiniku is also abundant. There are many renowned establishments directly operated by butcher shops, offering high-quality meat at excellent cost-performance.
When exploring the best street food at Osaka 2024, don't miss out on the yakiniku experience. It's a perfect blend of traditional Japanese cuisine and modern dining culture.
Ramen
Ramen is a noodle dish that originated in China and was adapted in Japan using Japanese broths and ingredients. Recently, popular Japanese ramen shops have been expanding overseas, making it a globally loved cuisine.
In Osaka, the udon culture has been deeply rooted for a long time, so the development of ramen culture was somewhat behind compared to other prefectures. In Osaka, ramen tended to have a stronger image as a dish in Chinese restaurants, but in the last 10 years, specialized ramen shops have been rapidly increasing.
In Osaka, where the dashi (broth) culture values aroma, light-flavored ramen using fish-based broths is gaining popularity. Interestingly, "Kinryu Ramen," which is popular among tourists in Dotonbori, was originally an udon shop.
As you explore the best street food at Osaka 2024, you'll find that ramen has become an integral part of the city's culinary landscape, offering a unique Osaka twist to this beloved dish.
If you are interested in Yakiniku in Osaka, check the article below! I summarized Yakiniku Restaurants in Osaka I recommend and how I felt each Restaurant.
Sushi
As mentioned in the section on box sushi, nigiri sushi first flourished in Tokyo, formerly known as Edo. Since the history of box sushi is even older, it can be said that sushi itself spread from the Kansai area.
Nigiri sushi then spread nationwide from the late 1800s to after World War II.
Furthermore, it was Osaka's "Genroku Sushi" that evolved this into the popular conveyor belt sushi. Adding entertainment value to traditional sushi cuisine and developing it further is a testament to Osaka's food scene. The reason why Osaka's food is always unique and varied is that it never lacks curiosity and playfulness when it comes to food.
When sampling the best street food at Osaka 2024, be sure to try both traditional sushi and innovative conveyor belt sushi for a comprehensive taste of Osaka's sushi culture.
Yakitori (Grilled Chicken Skewers)
Yakitori was originally one of the high-end dishes. It was loved as a luxurious dish served at banquets and festivals where samurai and merchants gathered.
Over the years, it began to spread as a common food at izakayas and street stalls, and today it is familiar as one of Japan's local dishes. The charm of yakitori lies in the fact that it's delicious and easy to eat just by grilling it on skewers.
It's also enjoyable to watch the chef's skillful hands as they grill over charcoal fire, making sizzling sounds right in front of you while you wait for it to be cooked. When you come to Osaka, please enjoy not only Osaka gourmet food but also popular yakitori shops.
Yakitori is undoubtedly one of the best street foods at Osaka 2024, offering a perfect blend of traditional grilling techniques and modern flavors.
If you are interested in Yakitori in Osaka, check the article below! I summarized Yakitori Restaurants in Osaka I recommend and how I felt each Restaurant.
Sake (Japanese Rice Wine)
The Kansai region is home to two of Japan's three major sake-producing areas: Kyoto's Fushimi and Hyogo's Nada. Osaka also has many sake breweries that produce excellent sake that can compete with these famous sake regions.
"Goshun," a long-established brewery founded in 1701, is particularly famous. There are also lesser-known but excellent brands like "Sen no Rikyu," which was newly born from Sakai, a once-thriving sake-producing area.
There's no doubt that Osaka has high-quality sake that satisfies the discerning palates of Osaka people. If you're interested, it's also recommended to visit the breweries.
As you explore the best street food at Osaka 2024, don't forget to pair your meals with some of Osaka's finest sake for a truly authentic experience.
Conclusion
Osaka is truly a kingdom of food where you can encounter delicious dishes in a wide range of genres. The shops we've introduced here are just a fraction of what's available. There are still many more renowned establishments that satisfy Osaka people, who have a strong commitment to cheap and delicious food.
The average level of restaurants in Osaka is high, so you're unlikely to go wrong wherever you go. However, if you're going to eat out, you'll want to have the best food experience at the most delicious restaurants.
Try asking local residents sitting next to you in a cafe for recommended shops, or make good use of tours with local guides to enjoy the best gourmet trip in Osaka. There are many cheerful people in Osaka, so they will be happy to tell you.