A complete taste of Osaka: Locally loved specialty foods

• Table of Contents
• A gourmet experience packed with soul food and city energy
• Ramen and gyoza: The king of local Chinese restaurants, Gyoza no Ohsho
• The aroma of the sauce will whet your appetite: Takoyaki "Hanadako"
• Kushikatsu: Experience the spirit of downtown Osaka at Daruma
• The famous pork bun: the taste of "551 Horai" is the pride of Osaka people
• Grilled squid: the hidden star of the department store basement
• A luxurious moment with the representative sweet: Dojima Roll
• Popular Izakaya Specialties: Offal dishes and Doteyaki
• Okonomiyaki: The king of flour-based foods, whether eaten at home or at a food stall
• Conclusion: Travel Osaka through your stomach

A gourmet experience packed with soul food and city energy

Osaka, the representative city of the Kansai region, is widely known as a city where you can eat to your heart's content. In addition to high-end cuisine, it is also a treasure trove of local gourmet food that continues to be loved by the common people. Osaka's "food culture" fills the stomach and enriches the soul for both tourists and locals. Here we will introduce some of Osaka's famous gourmet foods.

Ramen and gyoza: The king of local Chinese restaurants, Gyoza no Ohsho

Gyoza no Ohsho, which has branches all over the country, is known for its comforting Chinese staples of ramen and gyoza. The Osaka store in particular has many local regulars, and is known for its laid-back atmosphere where you can enjoy hearty meals. Whatever you order, from fried rice to liver and chives, the flavor is strong, making it a favorite among working people.

The aroma of the sauce will whet your appetite: Takoyaki "Hanadako"

When you think of Osaka soul food, the first thing that comes to mind is takoyaki. Among them, "Hanadako" is a famous restaurant with a good reputation among locals, and is popular for its exquisitely cooked takoyaki, which is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. From simple sauce flavors to more unusual ones such as green onion ponzu, the timeless flavors are appealing.

Kushikatsu: Experience the spirit of downtown Osaka at Daruma

Kushikatsu Daruma, famous for its rule of "no double dipping in sauce!", is a symbol of Osaka's downtown culture. If you dip the freshly fried skewers in plenty of sauce and eat them, they go perfectly with beer. There is a wide variety of flavors, including shrimp, pickled ginger, and quail eggs. Another Osaka-like charm is being able to casually chat with the person next to you at the counter.

The famous pork bun: the taste of "551 Horai" is the pride of Osaka people

Long lines form for 551's pork buns at Osaka Station and Shin-Osaka Station. This item, with its soft skin and juicy meat filling, is also an overwhelmingly popular souvenir. It's a standard practice for Osaka locals to buy one before boarding the Shinkansen.

Grilled squid: the hidden star of the department store basement

Although it is not well known nationwide, grilled squid is a hidden specialty of Osaka. The grilled squid corner in the basement of Hanshin Department Store is particularly popular, with long queues forming. It is a B-grade gourmet treat that can be enjoyed as a snack or light meal, with squid kneaded into chewy dough. Hankyu Umeda also has a number of unique grilled squid restaurants.

A luxurious moment with the representative sweet: Dojima Roll

When you're craving something sweet, remember **Dojima Roll**. It's a simple roll cake that has captured the hearts of many people with its perfect balance of rich cream and fluffy dough. It's a high-quality sweet from Osaka that also makes a great souvenir.

Popular Izakaya Specialties: Offal dishes and Doteyaki

If you're in Osaka at night, you should definitely try izakaya dishes like stewed offal and doteyaki. Sweet and spicy stewed beef tendons and offal are perfect as snacks to go with your drinks. The miso flavor is infused into the dish, warming your heart as well. The ultimate luxury is to enjoy it while chatting with the locals at a standing bar or pub.

Okonomiyaki: The king of flour-based foods, whether eaten at home or at a food stall

"Okonomiyaki" is a true symbol of Osaka's flavor. Ingredients such as cabbage, pork, and eggs are grilled on a hot plate and then smothered in plenty of sauce and mayonnaise. Each store has a different style, and many Osakans have their own "favorite store." Some stores make it fluffy, while others have chewy or generously flavored versions with lots of yam, making it a fun dish to try and compare.

Conclusion: Travel Osaka through your stomach

Osaka cuisine is not just about eating, it's an experience that allows you to fully appreciate the hospitality and atmosphere of the city. From ramen and takoyaki to kushikatsu, pork buns, and sweets, everything is part of Osaka culture. For tourists and locals alike, every day is filled with delicious food.

If you visit Osaka, please enjoy its charms to the limit of your stomach. Eating to your heart's content is the correct way to explore Osaka!