10 Excellent Osaka Food Tours and Cooking Classes

Often described as the kitchen of Japan, the area around Osaka is a culinary playground for visitors looking to sample a wide range of Japanese cuisine.

From food that nourishes body and soul to luxurious meals from the food markets, there are numerous opportunities to savor Osaka's culinary delights. Selecting just 10 favorites was a challenging task!

Explore Osaka's Food Scene

1. Osaka Food Tour: 13 Delicious Dishes at 5 Local Eateries
2. Osaka Local Foodie Walking Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai
3. Osaka Nighttime Food-n-Fun with Locals
4. Osaka Cuisine Cooking Class
5. Ramen and Two Types of Gyoza Dumpling Cooking Class
6. Deep Dive: Osaka Food Markets from Local to Luxurious!
7. Retro Osaka Street Food Tour in Shinsekai
8. Japanese Tea Blending Workshop in Osaka
9. Osaka Sake Tasting with Takoyaki DIY
10. Absolute Osaka Food Tour

1. Osaka Food Tour: 13 Delicious Dishes at 5 Local Eateries

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This popular Osaka Food Tour was inspired by the Netflix show "Somebody Feed Phil." Follow in the footsteps of the series as you uncover hidden culinary treasures featured on the show.

Visitors will get a chance to savor a variety of Japanese dishes from the ever-popular takoyaki to some more common but expertly prepared dishes such as udon and soba noodles! Immerse yourself in the authentic flavors of Osaka with two carefully chosen beverages—one alcoholic and one non-alcoholic—that perfectly complement your culinary exploration.

This small group tour ensures personalized attention from your guide and the chance to delve deeper into the local food culture. Ask questions, learn, and truly savor the essence of Osaka through this unforgettable culinary journey!

2. Osaka Local Foodie Walking Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai

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Osaka's Dotonbori and Shinsekai are the best places to start exploring local street food. Join the Osaka Local Foodie Walking Tour to enjoy local Japanese cuisine while uncovering the cultural and historical treasures of the area.

Dotonbori is a haven of street food places where you’ll sample steaming bites of takoyaki and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes). Then you’ll set off to Shinsekai and sample the delights of kushikatsu, deep-fried morsels of breaded ingredients.

Explore hidden alleys, temples, and secret spots known only to locals, gaining a deeper understanding of Osaka's vibrant culinary scene.

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this small group food tour promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you craving more of Osaka's delectable delights.

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3. Osaka Nighttime Food-n-Fun with Locals (6 or less!)

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Delve into the vibrant local culture as you join a small group of no more than six fellow food enthusiasts on this nighttime food tour!

Led by an expert guide, wander through the atmospheric streets of Tenma and Kyobashi, where hidden gems and authentic eateries await. Sample a variety of local dishes, savoring the flavors of Osaka's culinary scene while enjoying a few drinks along the way.

Some of the culinary highlights of this tour include Dote Nikomi - Osaka style slow cooked beef in a miso sauce, Tonkatsu - deep friend pork with a delicious twist, kushikatsu skewered cuisine, Tonpeiyaki - another classic Osaka dish made with pork, egg, sauce, and dried fish flakes, and more!

Vegetarian options are also available! These include tofu, cucumber with miso paste, simmered vegetables, and other dishes.

You’ll gain valuable insights into the local food scene and culture as your guide shares fascinating stories and insider tips.

4. Osaka Cuisine Cooking Class

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Get hands-on with the rich culinary heritage of Japan as part of a traditional cooking class in Osaka. Visitors get the opportunity to join a small group of fellow food enthusiasts and embark on a journey of culinary discovery led by expert instructors.

Learn the art of preparing popular Japanese dishes, including the savory delights of takoyaki (fried balls of batter and octopus) and the hearty comfort of okonomiyaki (savory pancakes).

You’ll wash it all down with a soothing warmth of miso soup. Expand your culinary repertoire and gain valuable insights into traditional Japanese cooking techniques.

Indulge in the fruits of your labor as you savor the dishes you've created during the class, tasting the authentic flavors of Japan firsthand.

Don't miss this opportunity to master the art of Japanese cooking in the heart of Osaka. This cooking class promises to delight your senses and ignite your passion for Japanese cuisine.

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5. Ramen and Two Types of Gyoza Dumpling Cooking Class

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Take part in cooking a foodie favorite with this hands-on ramen and gyoza cooking class in Nishinomiya. Join a small group of fellow food enthusiasts for an intimate culinary experience led by expert instructors.

Under the guidance of a skilled ramen cook, you'll learn the secrets of crafting authentic ramen from scratch, mastering the delicate balance of flavors and textures that define this beloved dish.

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Discover the art of making two types of gyoza dumplings, perfecting your folding techniques and filling combinations for a satisfying culinary adventure.

With a maximum of six participants, this small-group class ensures personalized attention and ample opportunities to ask questions and refine your skills.

After the cooking session, you'll sit down with your fellow classmates to enjoy the fruits of your labor, savoring the delicious ramen and gyoza you've prepared together.

6. Deep Dive: Osaka Food Markets from Local to Luxurious!

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Enjoy a deep culinary dive through the bustling streets of Osaka and discover why it's hailed as a food lover's paradise. Visitors on this foodie tour are treated to an insider's perspective on the city's vibrant culinary scene, delving into local food culture rarely experienced by visitors.

Follow your knowledgeable guide to four different foodie locations, including a department store marketplace, the renowned Kuromon Market, Korea Town, and a historic neighborhood brimming with culinary delights.

Along the way, indulge in tastings of regional specialties and surprising delicacies, expanding your palate and immersing yourself in the flavors of Osaka.

Choose between morning or afternoon tours to suit your schedule, allowing for flexibility in your exploration of Osaka's culinary treasures.

You’ll leave this tour with a newfound appreciation for Osaka's rich culinary heritage and the skills to explore its food scene independently.

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7. Retro Osaka Street Food Tour: Shinsekai

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Explore the authentic charm of Osaka's Shinsekai district on our immersive guided tour, offering a glimpse into the heart and soul of this retro neighborhood beloved by locals.

Leave the crowds behind and discover the real Osaka as you delve into the fascinating history of Shinsekai, a vibrant area steeped in tradition dating back to the 1900s.

Say goodbye to language barriers as your guide navigates menus and shares insider tips on the best dishes to try at different shops along the way.

From delightful morsels of takoyaki to the addictive bite-sized fun of kushikatsu, there’s a myriad of delights to try!

Whether you're a food enthusiast or a curious traveler seeking an authentic local experience, our guided tour of Shinsekai promises an unforgettable journey through the flavors and traditions of Osaka's beloved neighborhood.

8. Japanese Tea Blending Workshop in Osaka

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Delve into the wonderful world of Japanese tea and bring back some blends, recipes, and drinks that you’ll want to make every night of the week!

Using traditional Japanese techniques, participants on this tour will learn how to brew tea like a master using locally sourced organic Japanese tea leaves.

But why stop at just brewing tea? With this class, you’ll also learn how to mix the robust flavors of Japanese tea with fruit and syrup. And even get fancy results out of unique “tea cocktail” creations!

This hands-on workshop that takes you through all the steps is a wonderful blend of modern and traditional techniques and will have you experiencing this ancient drink in totally new ways.

You’ll be able to try all of this along with a beautiful selection of Japanese snacks to also sample along the way. This makes this tour a great way to spend an afternoon or downtime day on your Osaka trip!

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9. Osaka Sake Tasting with Takoyaki DIY

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Visitors to Osaka always fall head over heels for the region’s famed street food takoyaki. These delightful bite-sized balls filled with pickled ginger, crunchy tempura bits, and tender octopus are a staple sight in the city.

Now why not elevate the experience and try takoyaki along with some of the most flavorful Japanese sake as part of this tasting experience in Osaka?

To add to the wonderful experience you’ll get to be the one to make your own takoyaki and you’ll even incorporate some less common ingredients such as cheese and Wagyu beef!

The in-house sommelier will help pair your beautiful creations with your favorite sake and we promise that you won’t forget this amazing food experience any time soon!

10. Absolute Osaka Food Tour

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This guided food tour was designed for both first-time visitors and Japanese cuisine enthusiasts alike. Say goodbye to navigating with a map and let a local guide lead you through the vibrant streets of Dotonbori and Namba, sharing insider tips on the best places to eat in this bustling district.

You'll be visiting four different eateries to sample their offerings and also pass through Osaka landmarks such as Kuromon Market and Hozenji Yokocho, a nostalgic alley lined with izakaya bars.

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From savory street snacks to mouthwatering specialties, each stop offers a unique culinary experience that will tantalize your taste buds.

Capture unforgettable memories with a photo opportunity of the iconic Glico Man sign, a symbol of Dotonbori's vibrant atmosphere and bustling energy. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and aromas of this dynamic neighborhood as you explore its hidden culinary gems.

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Enjoy the Culinary Delights of the Osaka Area

Osaka has long held the title of “the nation’s kitchen” in the Japanese consciousness. And it continues to hold onto that reputation through to the modern day.

So go out and take advantage of this storied culinary history and seek new and exciting experiences through our partners at Viator.

Main image by Pixta