Top 10 Local Foods to Try When Visiting Osaka

1. Takoyaki

A classic Osaka street food, Takoyaki is a savory snack made from a wheat-flour batter filled with octopus and seared in a special molded pan. Served with Worcestershire-like sauce and mayonnaise, they are garnished with green laver and shavings of dried bonito.

2. Okonomiyaki

Often referred to as the Japanese pizza, Okonomiyaki is a filling pancake-style dish topped with various ingredients such as shredded cabbage, green onions, meats, and seafood, all held together with a flour and egg mixture. It's finished with Okonomiyaki sauce, Japanese mayo, seaweed, and bonito flakes.

3. Kushikatsu

Kushikatsu consists of meat and vegetables skewered, breaded, and deep-fried. Served with a delicious dipping sauce, top Kagoshima varieties include beef, horse meat, lotus root, quail eggs, and even cheese-wrapped asparagus.

4. Negiyaki

A variation of Okonomiyaki, Negiyaki is thinner and made primarily using green onions rather than cabbage. Served like a crepe, it's a delightful change of pace from its thicker sibling.

5. Kitsune Udon

This hot noodle soup gets its name from the slices of fried tofu (Aburaage) which are said to be a favorite food of foxes (Kitsune). Kitsune Udon is refreshing and delicious, topped with green onions and sometimes tempura.

6. Yakiniku

While not unique to Osaka, Yakiniku restaurants are exceedingly popular in the city. Diners grill an assortment of marinated meats and vegetables at their tables, making for a fun and interactive meal experience.

7. Ikayaki

A popular street food fast snack, Ikayaki is a grilled squid dish usually served on a stick. It's incredibly flavorful and gives you a taste of Osaka’s love for seafood.

8. Doteyaki

Also known as Dote-ni, this stewed dish features beef sinew cooked in a miso and mirin based sauce. It's a savory and robust dish that pairs excellently with a cold pint of beer.

9. Osaka-style sushi

Slightly different from typical Nigiri sushi, Osaka sushi is made by pressing vinegared rice and fish into a box to shape them before slicing into bite-sized pieces.

10. Ramen

Not unique to Osaka, but Japanese ramen noodles come in a variety of flavors, with each region having its own specialty. Osaka is famous for its rich and creamy Tonkotsu ramen, which features a broth made from pork bones.