7 Must-eat Food Items When You Visit Osaka, Japan
Snack your way around town with our pick of the city’s best bites.
Tokyo may be famous for its nightlife and Kyoto for its temples, but for serious foodies there’s only one destination that’s a must-hit on every Japan itinerary: the food capital of Osaka. Nom your way through this mouthwatering metropolis with our pick of Osaka’s seven best eats.
Pancake Mandate
If you thought nothing could beat American-style pancakes with maple syrup and whipped cream, you probably haven’t tried okonomiyaki—the savory Japanese pancake that’s smothered in mayo and bonito flakes and stuffed chock full of shredded cabbage, green onion, octopus, shrimp and everything else but the kitchen sink. For some of the best in Osaka, head to fan favorite Mizuno, where you can customize your own Japanese yam-based pancake with all sorts of meat, seafood and vegetable fillings. The signature topping of seaweed powder, brown okonomiyaki sauce and mayo is what sends this street eat over the top.
1-4-15 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka, mizuno-osaka.com
Ootako Octopus
You can’t visit Osaka without trying takoyaki, the grilled octopus balls made with egg batter and filled with large chunks of octopus. Takoyaki is best eaten fresh and piping hot right out of the mold—the thinly shaved bonito flakes on top should still be swaying and fluttering from the heat. For takoyaki that doesn’t skimp on the seafood, pay a visit to Dotonbori Honke Ootako, and indulge in the popular street snack while people-watching.
1-4-16 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka, (+81) 6-6211-5223.
