Osaka sits on the southern coast of Japan, curling around the body of water known as Osaka Bay. Its proximity to the water as well as its general geography has made it a popular destination, helped by the fact that it's not all that far from Kyoto. Throughout Japan, each region has its own cuisine but none is so arguably classic to that of the country's roots than what can be found in Osaka.
For this reason, it's a favorite of many traveling food lovers, and this guide will help anyone experience the beautiful flavors of such an incredible seaside city.
About Osaka's Traditional Cuisine
Osaka is only slightly smaller than Tokyo but despite its size, the city has still managed to maintain its local feel. The dishes found throughout Osaka are reminiscent of its history, as well as its access to local ingredients, the biggest one being its seafood. This doesn't just apply to sushi, though - seafood is used in a myriad of ways throughout the dishes found in Osaka. Additionally, beef dishes and ramen are also staples of Osaka's cuisine and can be found in many different varieties around the city. Even the street food takes advantage of traditional flavors, and the scent wafting down each block alone is enough to make a hungry traveler's stomach growl.
With influences from the sea as well as the land and centuries of cooking techniques that have been passed down, it's easy to see why Osaka has become somewhat of a food capital in Japan.
Sushi, Sashimi, And Seafood-Based Dishes
One of the most important foods in all of Japan is sushi which can be found along with sashimi in most restaurants. Osaka is home to the famed conveyor belt sushi, known officially as a kaiten-sushi restaurant. For those who are new to eating sushi in Japan, this is an excellent way to try a bit of everything without feeling overwhelmed at the sight of a full menu. It's also quick, efficient, and usually fairly self-explanatory when it comes to dining etiquette.
Those who are looking for a more private and intimate experience might consider visiting Osaka's local food markets. These are home to many iconic meals but one of the most popular is the box sushi, known formally as hako-sushi in Japan. This is a quick and easy way to try sushi without going to a restaurant for those pressed for time.
Speaking of food markets, Osaka is also home to many outdoor markets that are lined with street food vendors. Another iconic dish in Osaka, and Japan, in general, is Takoyaki, which is fried octopus balls. These are a must-try while visiting Osaka and consist of a similar pancake batter to that of okonomiyaki, with pieces of fried octopus mixed in.
Japanese BBQ
Japan does have its own style of barbecue and it's something that Osaka, specifically, is also known for. This is where travelers will find cuts of meat such as Kobe, hailed as one of the greatest types of beef in the entire world. Visitors will want to be on the search for a yakiniku restaurant which is where Japanese BBQ can be found. There, diners are responsible for grilling their own cuts of meat over a small charcoal grill. The flavor from the grill combined with the beautiful flavors of perfectly marbled Japanese meat is unbeatable. The meat-loving travelers of the world truly have not lived until having an experience such as this!
In addition to wagyu Kobe beef, diners will also find a selection of varying cuts of meat, along with local vegetables that can also be grilled. Traditionally, the only toppings for grilled meat are salt, shoyu, and occasionally wasabi. This is a great way for travelers to expand their palates, as many parts of the animal are used when it comes to types of meat for Japanese BBQ.
Ramen Bowls
While the food in Japan is absolutely not limited to just sushi and ramen, these two dishes have slowly become the most iconic throughout the country. Osaka has its own twist on the ramen dish which can be found in a variety of ways throughout the city. It might be a rite of passage to try ramen in Tokyo but it's truly a different expereince when trying ramen from Osaka.
For the most part, the ramen one will find in Osaka will be similar to that of Tokyo. Tonkotsu and shoyu are some of the most popular, however; tonkotsu features a buttery broth thanks to boiled pork marrow bones, while shoyu has a broth that is soy sauce-based and slightly salty and tangy. Depending on the ramen and the restaurant, the noodles can be cooked al dente or left a bit longer to result in a creamier, smooth bowl of ramen.
Japanese Curry
Those who are familiar with anime may have seen the coveted Japanese curry from time to time, for a good reason: if it looked that delicious on TV, it's even more heavenly in person. Osaka is home to plenty of restaurants serving up this thick, flavorful curry that's absolutely perfect on a chilly winter day. In fact, it's actually one of the country's main comfort foods!
This recipe was adopted in Japan after Indian curry made its way over, and became a fusion of flavors thanks to Britain's own curry dishes. It's often served over a bed of rice or with katsu (fried cutlet), and features a mild, warm flavor thanks to the curry spice, with a rich thickness that comes from its gravy-like texture.