Hot dogs are generally pretty versatile, but Osaka has taken them to another level by adding gyoza – or fried dumplings. One of those things that shouldn’t work but does, gyoza hot dogs are the proud creation of the Osaka Ohsho.

This unique combo is available only at the branch at Dotonbori – the city’s popular tourist district – but the restaurant is easy to find with a giant gyoza sign hanging outside.

This hot dog is more akin to a Vietnamese banh mi sandwich, with a toasted French baguette filled with half a dozen gyoza. You can choose a selection of different sauces, including plain, Dotonbori and cheese, Dotonbori with wasabi, and wasabi with cheese.

One of these will cost you 1,000 yen (US$9), but since it contains six gyoza, you can share it with friends, or order a half size for 600 yen.

Strawberry parfait

If you are looking for a great dessert that will offer great Instagram opportunities, then you won’t be disappointed in Osaka. The latest obsession to hit the city’s streets is the strawberry parfait.

Fresh strawberries are the centrepiece, with various toppings such as crunchy granola, chocolate mousse, and cream made from Hokkaido milk. Some versions are even served in an ice cream cone, but all of these full-flavoured treats are as much a feast for the eyes as they are for the stomach.

The most photogenic ones can be found at Cafe Miru, Gufo Groovy Ice Cream, and Muse Riverside, which are all beautifully decorated themselves.

Cheese cube corn dogs

Although corn dogs are more of a Korean snack, they have been adapted in Osaka and embraced by the locals. They have also garnered many fans because of their photogenic appearance and – great cheesy taste.

It is easy to spot the popular places by the long winding queues of people waiting outside, with this cheese cube variety found at one eatery on Dotonbori Street. Unlike their Korean cousins, the centre of these corn dogs are usually left empty or filled with more cheese.

Marinated ovum

We know this may not sound that appetising, but give it a chance! Marinated ovum, which is a dish found in grill restaurants, is the yolk of an egg taken from inside the hen before the egg white and shell have formed.

It is served in a mostly liquid state, with a thin shell hardened around the outside. The marinated egg yolk is almost like a sauce on its own and it is usually eaten in combination with grilled chicken.

Fugu

One of the most highly prized – but dangerous – delicacies in the world, fugu is the Japanese term for puffer fish or blowfish. A puffer fish contains a poisonous toxin that is stored in some of the fish’s internal organs. So it has to be carefully prepared by trained chefs.

Fugu is commonly eaten as sashimi with its skin served in shreds on the side, too. However, there are also places that serve fried fugu. The flesh itself has a very subtle taste so usually it is dipped into a sauce.

Fun fact: the Emperor of Japan is not allowed to eat it since it’s a risk to his health. So you’ll have the luxury of eating something even an emperor can’t eat.

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