Osaka Food Guide: 10 Best Local Dishes & Desserts

Osaka is Japan's second-largest city after Tokyo. Currently, 7% of Japan's total population resides in Osaka, and about 10% of foreigners living in Japan are concentrated in Osaka.

In the past, Japan's capital was in Kyoto. Osaka, being the nearest port town to Kyoto, has flourished as a commercial city with bustling logistics since ancient times. As high-quality food, centered on rice, fish, and vegetables, gathered in Osaka from all over Japan, it became known as "Tenka no Daidokoro" (The Nation's Kitchen) around 1700.

Due to the abundance of ingredients in Osaka, there have long been many gourmets, and restaurants have developed to a high level. The unique food culture called "konamon" (dishes made with flour), such as cheap and delicious takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu, developed mainly in Osaka.

Moreover, there are many famous sake-producing regions nearby, such as "Ikeda" in northern Osaka, "Nada" in Hyogo Prefecture, and "Itami". Because of the enjoyment of eating and drinking, Osaka is affectionately known as "Kuidaore no Machi" (The City of Extravagant Dining).

In this guide, we'll introduce you to Osaka's food culture, focusing on its traditional foods and sweets.

Osaka: A Gourmet Paradise with Traditional Local Dishes and Popular Sweets

Known as "Kuidaore no Machi" (The City of Extravagant Dining), Osaka is a gourmet paradise filled with traditional local dishes and sweets that are also popular on social media.

Osaka is particularly abundant in "konamon" (dishes made with flour) cuisine. From the popular takoyaki to kushikatsu, udon, and meat buns, the variety is rich. Osaka is truly like a theme park for flour-based dishes!

In recent years, sweets have also been gaining popularity, especially on social media. Sweets using flour, which are characteristic of Osaka, are particularly popular, with many people traveling from afar to buy them.

You're sure to fall in love with the many culinary delights! In Osaka, "The City of Extravagant Dining," you're certain to find your favorite dish.

Introducing Osaka's Exquisite Traditional Foods with Recommended Restaurants

Takoyaki

Takoyaki is a local dish originating from Osaka. It's a food made by adding dashi (soup stock) to wheat flour, adding octopus, and baking it into a ball shape. It was first sold to the public in 1935.

Takoyaki, cooked on a piping hot iron plate, is characterized by its crispy exterior and creamy interior. The addition of tender octopus creates an exceptional harmony of textures.

Initially, it was eaten simply without sauce, but as time passed, it began to be eaten with sauce and mayonnaise. The contents of the batter also vary depending on the shop, with some adding red ginger, green onions, and tempura scraps, allowing you to enjoy various types of takoyaki today.

Hanadako

"Hanadako" is a popular shop located in the Osaka Shin Umeda Shokudogai (Osaka New Umeda Food Street) near Umeda Station, always with a long queue.

The characteristic of Hanadako's takoyaki is the large octopus inside. The large cut boiled octopus is satisfying to eat.

The menu has two types: "Takoyaki" with only sauce, and "Negi Mayo" which is luxuriously topped with green onions and mayonnaise. There are five types of sauces: sauce, ponzu, dashi soy sauce, salt, and shio-dare. Be sure to try and compare different flavors!

<Basic Information>
- Address: Osaka ShinUmeda Shokudogai 1F, 9-26 Kakuda-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka-fu
- Business Hours: 10:00-22:00
- Closed: None
- Phone Number: 06-6372-0313
- URL: https://shinume.com/shop/%E3%81%AF%E3%81%AA%E3%81%A0%E3%81%93/

Takohachi

The characteristic of "Takohachi" is takoyaki that is crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

Using carefully selected ingredients for wheat flour, dashi, and octopus, each takoyaki is packed with condensed savory flavors.

The takoyaki, with its strong dashi flavor and a hint of soy sauce aroma, is delicious enough without sauce. I recommend trying it as is, without any toppings.

At the Dotonbori main store, in addition to takoyaki, you can casually enjoy other Osaka specialties such as yakisoba, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu while drinking sake.

<Basic Information>
Dotonbori Main Store
- Address: 1-5-10 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka-fu
- Business Hours: 10:00-21:00
- Closed: None
- Phone Number: 06-6211-4684
- URL: https://www.takohachi.jp/menu/

Kushikatsu

In 1929, many manual laborers gathered in Osaka for the city's development. The proprietress of "Daruma," the founding store of kushikatsu, created it with the thought that "workers should be able to eat quickly and feel full with just one bite."

At that time, kushikatsu was only beef cut into bite-sized pieces, wrapped in wheat flour batter, coated with breadcrumbs, and deep-fried. However, in recent years, you can find kushikatsu with a variety of ingredients, from seafood like shrimp and scallops to vegetables like onions and eggplants, and even sausages and cheese. The Osaka way is to dip it in low-viscosity Worcestershire sauce.

In kushikatsu specialty stores, cabbage is often served as an appetizer. In the past, the sauce containers placed at the seats were shared with other customers, and double-dipping was prohibited. When people wanted more sauce, they would scoop it up with the cabbage appetizer and put it on their kushikatsu.

Currently, the trend is shifting towards pour-type sauces or personal sauces that can be used multiple times.

Kushikatsu Daruma Shinsekai Main Store

"Kushikatsu Daruma" is the birthplace of kushikatsu. It's a famous shop among Japanese tourists and always has a long queue.

They use oil that contains beef fat, resulting in a crispy texture of the batter that's not greasy.

The rich, smooth sauce pairs exceptionally well with the kushikatsu. My recommendation is the personal sauce that you can order. You get a container with a single serving of sauce, allowing you to dip your kushikatsu as much as you like. You can enjoy both the traditional flavor and a sauce-lover's dream way of eating.

Daruma's kushikatsu also has a wide variety, from the standard beef to seafood, vegetables, and unique options like cheese.

<Basic Information>
- Address: 2-3-9 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka-fu
- Business Hours: 11:30-22:30
- Closed: None
- Phone Number: 06-6645-7056
- URL: https://www.kushikatu-daruma.com/

Kushikatsu Bon

At "Kushikatsu Bon," you can enjoy kushikatsu made with high-end ingredients like truffles, caviar, and Chateaubriand. Each skewer is carefully made, offering a sophisticated flavor.

The menu consists only of courses. Although each course includes more than 10 skewers, the kushikatsu, coated with special breadcrumbs and fried in high-quality oil, has a crusty and light texture that allows you to eat many.

The restaurant atmosphere is not casual but luxurious and calm. It's recommended for dates and special occasions.

<Basic Information>
- Address: Dojima Merry Center Building B1F, 1-3-16 Dojima, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka-fu
- Business Hours: 18:00-24:30
- Closed: 12/31-1/4
- Phone Number: 06-6344-0400
- URL: http://www.kitchen-dan.jp/bon/

Okonomiyaki

Okonomiyaki is a pancake-like food made by mixing wheat flour dissolved in chicken eggs and dashi with cabbage, meat, and seafood, then cooking it on an iron plate. It's eaten with sauce, mayonnaise, bonito flakes, and dried seaweed flakes.

In the Kansai region, there was a dish of wheat flour batter with green onions cooked on a griddle for a long time. However, during the early 1900s, during wartime, cabbage was used instead of green onions to create something cheap and filling, which spread as okonomiyaki. After the war, it became widely popular as a snack for children and as an accompaniment to drinks, and the fillings became more luxurious with pork and shrimp.

Currently, there are many variations, and you can enjoy various flavors depending on the shop, such as corn, cheese, and beef tendon.

Also, many shops that serve okonomiyaki also offer other iron plate dishes like steak and yakisoba.

Jibundoki

"Jibundoki" is a popular okonomiyaki shop run by a married couple. In addition to okonomiyaki, you can also enjoy iron plate dishes such as steak and seafood like oysters.

The okonomiyaki, which has a substantial thickness, might look firm, but it has a very fluffy and light texture. It's a popular okonomiyaki that many customers return for.

"Jibundoki" is also famous for being one of the hardest restaurants in Japan to make a reservation. Often, the next available reservation is more than six months away. If you want to go, it's recommended to make a reservation right away!

<Basic Information>
- Address: 4-5-11 Minami Kyuhojimachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka-fu
- Business Hours: 17:00-23:00
- Closed: Mondays, Sundays, and public holidays
- Phone Number: 06-6253-1661
- URL: https://tabelog.com/osaka/A2701/A270106/27001808/

Tanpopo

"Tanpopo" is a teppanyaki restaurant with a luxurious atmosphere. You can enjoy a variety of iron plate dishes from steak to creative dishes and yakisoba.

Among these, the most popular is okonomiyaki. Tanpopo's okonomiyaki features a perfect combination of fluffy and soft batter, finely shredded crispy cabbage, and crunchy fried pork.

The okonomiyaki pairs excellently with Tanpopo's pride - their extensive wine selection.

For health-conscious individuals, they also offer okonomiyaki made with gluten-free ingredients.

<Basic Information>
Tanpopo Kitashinchi Main Store
- Address: Eiraku Building 6F, 1-10-16 Sonezaki Shinchi, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka-fu
- Business Hours: Monday-Saturday & Holidays 18:00-22:00
- Closed: Sundays
- Phone Number: 050-5595-6631
- URL: https://tabelog.com/osaka/A2701/A270101/27101683/

Butaman (Steamed Pork Buns)

"Butaman" is a steamed bun filled with a mixture of seasoned pork, bamboo shoots, onions, and other ingredients, wrapped in a wheat flour skin.

The umami of the meat juice that overflows from the inside is a deliciousness that can only be experienced with this cooking method of steaming in a wheat flour wrapper.

In most parts of Japan, these are called "nikuman" (meat buns). However, in Osaka, the word "niku" (meat) only refers to beef, so buns filled with pork are uniformly called "butaman" in Osaka.

Palm-sized butaman are substantial and satisfying. They're just right for a snack or light meal. They're so popular that you can buy them at the front of any convenience store, indicating their high market share in Japan.

In Osaka, there are many specialty stores for butaman where you can enjoy unique flavors.

551 Horai

"551 Horai" is so famous that when people think of meat buns, they think of this shop. When you bite into the plump and chewy skin, bursting meat juice overflows.

The filling, packed with juicy meat, is exceptionally satisfying. There are 551 Horai meat bun shops in many stations around Osaka city, so I always buy them as souvenirs.

The main store also has a restaurant where you can enjoy Chinese cuisine in addition to meat buns. If you're interested, please visit.

<Basic Information>
551 HORAI Main Store
- Address: 3-6-3 Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka-fu
- Business Hours: Shop 10:00-21:30 / Restaurant 11:00-21:30
- Closed: 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month
- Phone Number: 06-6641-0551
- URL: https://www.551horai.co.jp/

Kitsune Udon

Kitsune udon is a dish where sweet and salty seasoned deep-fried tofu (aburaage) is placed on top of udon noodles.

Aburaage is thinly sliced tofu that's deep-fried, and it's commonly used in Japanese cuisine, often added to miso soup. It's high in protein and other nutrients, often serving as a meat substitute in cooking.

It's also rich in dietary fiber, making it a healthy option and recommended for health-conscious individuals as it's plant-based.

By the way, the reason why aburaage is called "kitsune" (fox) is because foxes are said to love aburaage (though there are various theories about this).

The aburaage on top of the udon is thick and juicy. It's well-soaked in dashi broth and pairs perfectly with the udon. The garnish of green onions and shichimi togarashi (seven-flavor chili pepper) with yuzu adds a nice accent.

Dotonbori Imai

"Dotonbori Imai," located in the Dotonbori shopping street, has a distinctive exterior that exudes Japanese charm. It's a restaurant where you can enjoy Japanese cuisine centered around udon.

The udon soup at "Dotonbori Imai" uses dashi extracted from carefully selected ingredients such as kelp and mackerel. The soup has a subtle sweetness and a mild, gentle flavor that warms your heart when you drink it.

Among the udon dishes, the most popular is "Kitsune Udon." With the meticulously prepared dashi soup, chewy udon noodles, and aburaage that spreads its flavor throughout your mouth with one bite, it's a supreme delicacy.

The combination of aburaage and udon is truly the pinnacle of deliciousness. Among these, I confidently recommend Imai's kitsune udon as one of the best.

<Basic Information>
- Address: 1-7-22 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka-fu
- Business Hours: 11:30-21:30
- Closed: Wednesdays & 4th Tuesday of the month
- Phone Number: 06-6211-0319
- URL: https://www.d-imai.com/

Ikayaki (Grilled Squid)

Ikayaki has been a popular snack for people of all ages in Osaka since around 1950, and it's considered one of Osaka's soul foods.

In most parts of Japan, "ikayaki" typically refers to grilled whole squid. However, in Osaka, "ikayaki" is a dish made by mixing finely chopped squid into water-dissolved wheat flour, grilling it, and seasoning it with a sweet and savory sauce.

The process of grilling the flour-based batter on an iron plate is similar to okonomiyaki, but the major difference is in the cooking method. Unlike okonomiyaki, which is cooked to be fluffy, ikayaki is pressed down with a spatula while cooking, resulting in a chewy texture. If okonomiyaki is compared to a pancake, ikayaki could be compared to a crepe due to the similar chewy texture of the batter.

It's a perfect snack for eating on the go, as you can quickly enjoy it with one hand.

Hanshin Meibutsu Ikayaki

"Hanshin Meibutsu Ikayaki," located in the basement of Hanshin Umeda Main Store, is always crowded with long queues.

The menu is very simple with only four options. You can choose from simple ikayaki, one with green onions, one with egg called "Delavan," and "Wafu Dela" which includes green onions, egg, and squid.

The prices are very attractive, with the cheapest option being under 200 yen. Although it's quite filling, it's light enough that you might want to order seconds or thirds.

It pairs excellently with beer and is popular among salarymen on their way home from work. Being close to the station, many people also buy them as souvenirs to take home.

<Basic Information>
- Address: Hanshin Umeda Main Store B1F Snack Park, 1-13-13 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka-fu
- Business Hours: 10:00-22:00
- Closed: None
- Phone Number: 06-6345-1201
- URL: https://catalog.hankyu-hanshin-dept.co.jp/hankyu/brand/?bd=hsb_ikayaki&btm=0&cp=snack15

Discover Osaka's Traditional Sweets! 5 Shops to Enjoy Exquisite Desserts

Mukashin

Mukashin, established in 1892, is a long-standing confectionery shop. They offer a wide variety of sweets, from traditional Japanese confections to Western-style pastries made with wheat flour.

Their most popular item is the "Kogashi Butter Cake." This palm-sized cute cake, reminiscent of a madeleine, has a crispy exterior. When you take a bite, the rich buttery flavor spreads throughout your mouth, showcasing Osaka's traditional culinary craftsmanship.

The secret ingredient is brown sugar, which, along with butter, adds depth to the flavor, making it a truly special treat.

The Sakai main store has an eat-in space where you can enjoy your purchased sweets with coffee, immersing yourself in the authentic taste of Osaka.

<Basic Information>
Sakai Main Store (Sakai Honten)
- Address: 1-1-10 Kushiya-cho Higashi, Sakai-ku, Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture
- Business Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Closed: Wednesdays
- Phone Number: 072-227-0330
- URL: https://www.mukashin.com/

Saryou Tsuboichi

Saryou Tsuboichi, established in 1850, is a traditional tea shop. The attached cafe offers sweets and dishes made from carefully selected tea leaves, showcasing Osaka's rich tea culture.

My recommendation is the "Special Parfait." It's a luxurious dish where you can taste jelly and ice cream made from tea all at once. The accompanying anko (sweet red bean paste) and cream perfectly complement the rich tea sweets, balancing sweetness and astringency.

Roll cakes and, in summer, shaved ice generously flavored with matcha are also popular menu items, offering a taste of Osaka's seasonal sweets.

They also have a wide range of tea-based drinks like matcha latte, making it a perfect spot to take a little break and indulge in Osaka's traditional tea culture.

<Basic Information>
Sakai Main Store
- Address: 1-1-2 Kukencho Higashi, Sakai-ku, Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture
- Business Hours: 10:30 AM - 6:00 PM
- Closed: Tuesdays (open on public holidays), New Year's holidays
- Phone Number: 072-227-7809
- URL: https://tsuboichi.co.jp/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saryo.tsuboichi/

Kiyasu Souhonpo

The popular shop "Kiyasu Souhonpo" always has a queue, and its signature dish is "Mitarashi Dango." These sweet and savory dango (rice dumplings) covered in a glossy sauce are my favorite and are popular among all generations in Japan, representing one of Osaka's traditional foods.

The dango at Kiyasu Souhonpo, made from rice flour and glutinous rice flour, are elastic and chewy. They're grilled on a net until slightly charred, then dipped in a special sauce made from a dashi broth using kombu and other ingredients, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

You can watch the mitarashi dango being grilled at the storefront, which is always enveloped in a fragrant aroma. They serve them fresh off the grill, allowing you to fully experience the savory aroma from the high-quality ingredients.

<Basic Information>
- Address: 1-4-2 Juso Honmachi, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
- Business Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Closed: Tuesdays
- Phone Number: 06-6301-0001
- URL: http://www.kiyasu.jp/

Kokyuan

Kokyuan is a popular shop known for its baked goods like Baumkuchen and Dorayaki. Their most popular item is the castella cake called "Ougon no Tetsugaku" (Golden Philosophy).

This castella cake, adorned with shimmering gold leaf, is truly gorgeous. Made only with eggs, sugar, flour, starch syrup, and honey, it offers a gentle taste that highlights the flavors of its ingredients, embodying Osaka's traditional craftsmanship.

At their cafe, you can enjoy Japanese-style lunches and sweets. You can even taste freshly made "Ougon no Tetsugaku."

The castella served in a wooden box exudes elegance. It comes with butter and whipped cream on the side, allowing you to enjoy various flavor combinations.

Mitarashi dango and, in summer, original syrup-flavored shaved ice are also popular menu items, offering a taste of Osaka's seasonal treats.

<Basic Information>
- Address: 1-2-36 Kita Mikunigaoka-cho, Sakai-ku, Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture
- Business Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM
- Closed: Thursdays
- Phone Number: 072-222-2411
- URL: http://www.kokyuan.jp/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koukyuan_official/

Rikuro Ojisan no Mise

"Rikuro Ojisan no Mise" is a popular cheesecake shop that always has a queue. It has gained fame on social media within Japan, attracting customers from all over the country seeking its cheesecakes.

The cheesecake from Rikuro Ojisan no Mise is characterized by its jiggly and fluffy texture. It melts in your mouth with a light, airy consistency.

The cake contains raisins, which add an appetizing accent. It's only sold in whole sizes.

Although it might seem like a lot, it's not overly sweet, making it easy for one person to finish. As a food lover myself, I can eat a whole cake in one sitting because it's so delightfully tasty.

They serve freshly baked cakes, so you can even watch the baking process at the storefront.

The sight of the cake jiggling when the symbolic logo is stamped on it is impressive and mesmerizing, showcasing the unique texture of this Osaka specialty.

<Basic Information>
Namba Main Store
- Address: 3-2-28 Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
- Business Hours: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Closed: None
- Phone Number: 0120-57-2132
- URL: https://www.rikuro.co.jp/

5 Recommended Souvenirs to Enjoy Osaka's Traditional Foods at Home

Takopatie

"Takopatie" is a pastry inspired by takoyaki, one of Osaka's most famous street foods.

It's a product born from the unique Osaka humor of combining the deliciousness of takoyaki with the goodness of pie, resulting in an exquisite treat.

The crunchy pie is topped with sauce, bonito flakes, and mayonnaise. Unlike takoyaki, it contains walnuts and caramel, giving it an authentic dessert flavor.

The taste is a perfect balance of sweet and savory, with various flavors mingling in your mouth. When I first tried it, I was shocked by its innovative taste. You should definitely give it a try!

Its bite-sized shape makes it easy to eat, and the luxurious packaging makes it an ideal souvenir for women.

Pringles Takoyaki Flavor

Pringles, enjoyed in over 40 countries worldwide, offers a takoyaki flavor that can only be purchased in Osaka.

With sauce, plenty of mayonnaise, and a hint of pickled ginger kneaded in, it tastes just like takoyaki transformed into a snack.

The flavor accurately recreates the taste of takoyaki, allowing you to enjoy the flavor of this Osaka specialty even after returning home.

As a traditional potato chip, it's a crowd-pleaser. Its rarity, being sold only in Osaka, makes it popular among foreign tourists as well.

Each box contains three cans, so you can share them with friends.

Okonomiyaki Senbei

"Okonomiyaki Senbei" is one of the popular Osaka souvenirs. It's a staple that I always buy when bringing back souvenirs from Osaka.

The appearance of Okonomiyaki Senbei is just like a miniature okonomiyaki. Freeze-dried ingredients like pickled ginger and cabbage, similar to those used in real okonomiyaki, are topping a rice cracker infused with bonito dashi.

One box contains two flavors: a crunchy cabbage flavor and a creamy mayonnaise flavor, making it fun to compare tastes.

As a unique product from Osaka, it's also a great conversation starter. With many pieces individually wrapped in each box, it's perfect for distributing to many people as a souvenir.

Dojima Roll

When it comes to popular fresh confections in Osaka, "Dojima Roll" is a must-try. Dojima Roll is a roll cake meticulously handmade one by one in the store.

The springy sponge cake is generously filled with whipped cream. Each roll is substantial and satisfying, offering a true taste of Osaka's confectionery craftsmanship.

The whipped cream used in Dojima Roll is made from Hokkaido fresh milk, giving it a flavor that's almost like eating fresh milk itself. Although it looks voluminous, it has a light texture and isn't too sweet, making it easy to finish in one sitting.

There are also pre-cut versions available, which are perfect for travelers who want to enjoy this Osaka specialty in their hotel rooms.

Mitarashi Komochi

As you walk around Osaka city, you'll often see mitarashi dango being grilled at storefronts, including at "Kiyasu Souhonpo" which we introduced earlier.

"Mitarashi Komochi" was created with the idea of allowing people to enjoy mitarashi dango at home and making it easy for anyone to eat.

The sweet soy sauce glaze is inside the dango, so it's not sticky and easy to eat. You don't have to worry about the sauce leaking when carrying it in your bag.

The soft and squishy Mitarashi Komochi are cute in appearance. One bite fills your mouth with the sweet and savory flavor of the glaze, offering a authentic taste of Osaka's traditional sweets.

With minimal use of additives, it has a gentle flavor that lets the natural taste of the ingredients shine through. As it's not skewered, it's also a recommended treat for small children to enjoy safely.