Osaka Food Guide: Explore the Best of Japan’s Culinary Capital
The Osaka Prefecture is known for its delicious food, and it’s the perfect place to try some of the local specialties.
The best dishes to try are takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu, sushi, udon, and yakiniku. You can find these delicious foods in many restaurants across the prefecture.
Let’s take a look at each of these dishes and how to find them.
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Discovering the Osaka Prefecture: A Foodie’s Guide
The Osaka Prefecture is located in the Kansai region of Japan and is known for its vibrant culture, bustling cities, and of course, its delicious food. Osaka is the third biggest city in Japan, and the prefecture includes other cities like Sakai, Hirakata, and Suita. The meaning of Osaka is “large hill” or “big slope,” which is quite fitting for a place that has so much to offer.
Why is Osaka famous for its food?
Osaka is widely considered to be the ultimate culinary capital of Japan, and for good reason. The food in Osaka is simply amazing, and there are tons of local restaurants and food stalls that serve up some of the best foods in the world. Osaka is famous for its street food, which includes dishes like takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu. These dishes are extremely popular and can be found all over the city.
What are some of the must-try dishes in Osaka?
While we’ve already covered the top 10 dishes in our previous section, there are still plenty of other great foods to try in Osaka. Here are some additional dishes to consider:
- Yakiniku: This is a grilled meat dish that is topped with a variety of sauces and spices. It’s a simple dish, but it’s definitely worth trying.
- Sushi: While sushi can be found all over Japan, Osaka is home to some of the finest seafood in the country. The sushi here is sliced fresh and sold at plenty of stores and restaurants.
- Tonkatsu: This is a piece of pork that is breaded and deep-fried. It’s a simple dish, but it’s extremely popular in Osaka.
- Udon: This is a type of noodle soup that includes a variety of ingredients like meat, vegetables, and extra toppings. It’s easy to find and is a great way to save some money while still having a delicious meal.
What makes Osaka’s food different from other parts of Japan?
Osaka’s food is often referred to as “kuidaore,” which means “to eat oneself into ruin.” This is because the people of Osaka love their food and are willing to spend a bit extra to get the best ingredients. The key to Osaka’s food is the use of simple ingredients that are cooked properly. The masters of Osaka’s cuisine know how to bring out the best flavors in their dishes, and this is what sets Osaka’s food apart from the rest of Japan.
How can I learn more about Osaka’s food?
If you’re planning a trip to Osaka, then it’s essential that you read up on the food beforehand. There are plenty of resources available online that can help you pick the best foods to try and the best places to shop. You can also join a food tour or hire a guide to take you around the city and show you the best places to eat. Whatever route you take, make sure to keep an open mind and be willing to try new things. You never know what kind of amazing dishes you might discover in Osaka!
10 Must-Try Dishes in Osaka: A Foodie’s Guide to the Culinary Capital
Takoyaki
If you’re in Osaka, you can’t miss out on trying Takoyaki. These small, round, and savory balls are made of wheat flour batter and filled with diced octopus, green onion, and pickled ginger. They are cooked in a special Takoyaki pan and served with a sweet and savory sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes. You can find Takoyaki stands all over the city, but the best ones are said to be in the Dotonbori area.
Okonomiyaki
Okonomiyaki is a savory pancake made with a batter of flour, eggs, and shredded cabbage. It is then filled with various ingredients such as pork belly, shrimp, squid, and topped with a sweet and savory sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes. You can find Okonomiyaki restaurants all over Osaka, but the most famous area for it is in the Tsutenkaku Tower area.
Kushikatsu
Kushikatsu is a deep-fried skewer dish that originated in Osaka. It consists of various ingredients such as meat, seafood, and vegetables that are skewered, battered, and deep-fried. It is then served with a sweet and savory sauce for dipping. You can find Kushikatsu restaurants all over the city, but the most famous area for it is in the Shinsekai area.
Udon
Udon is a thick and chewy noodle dish that is a staple in Japanese cuisine. In Osaka, you can find various types of Udon dishes such as Kitsune Udon (Udon with fried tofu), Tempura Udon (Udon with tempura), and Curry Udon (Udon with curry). You can find Udon restaurants all over the city, but the most famous area for it is in the Umeda area.
Yakiniku
Yakiniku is a Japanese BBQ dish that is popular all over Japan. In Osaka, you can find various types of Yakiniku dishes such as beef, pork, and chicken. The meat is grilled at the table and served with various dipping sauces. You can find Yakiniku restaurants all over the city, but the most famous area for it is in the Tsuruhashi area.
Tecchiri
Tecchiri is a hot pot dish that is popular in Osaka during the winter months. It consists of various types of seafood such as crab, shrimp, and fish that are cooked in a hot pot with vegetables and tofu. It is then served with a dipping sauce made of soy sauce and citrus. You can find Tecchiri restaurants all over the city, but the most famous area for it is in the Kitashinchi area.
Tonpeiyaki
Tonpeiyaki is a savory pancake made with a batter of flour, eggs, and pork belly. It is then filled with various ingredients such as cabbage, green onion, and bean sprouts. It is then topped with a sweet and savory sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes. You can find Tonpeiyaki restaurants all over Osaka, but the most famous area for it is in the Umeda area.
Teppanyaki
Teppanyaki is a Japanese style of cooking where the chef cooks the food on a hot iron plate. In Osaka, you can find various types of Teppanyaki dishes such as beef, seafood, and vegetables. The food is cooked in front of you and served with various dipping sauces. You can find Teppanyaki restaurants all over the city, but the most famous area for it is in the Namba area.
Yudofu
Yudofu is a simple and healthy dish that is popular in Osaka during the winter months. It consists of tofu that is boiled in a hot pot with vegetables and served with a dipping sauce made of soy sauce and citrus. You can find Yudofu restaurants all over the city, but the most famous area for it is in the Dotonbori area.
Kitsune Udon
Kitsune Udon is a type of Udon dish that is popular in Osaka. It consists of Udon noodles served in a hot broth with fried tofu on top. It is a simple and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold day. You can find Kitsune Udon restaurants all over the city, but the most famous area for it is in the Namba area.
Osaka is truly a culinary capital with a diverse range of dishes to try. From savory pancakes to hot pot dishes, there is something for everyone. Don’t be afraid to explore the city and try something new. You might just discover your new favorite dish.
Conclusion
The Osaka Prefecture is a great place to visit for the food. You can’t go wrong with the Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki, and Udon.
You can’t go wrong with the Osaka Prefecture food. You can’t go wrong with the Osaka Prefecture food.
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Joost Nusselder, the founder of Bite My Bun is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new food with Japanese food at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.
