Osaka, the Kitchen of Japan

Have you ever heard someone said they don’t like food? Of course not. Based on the research conducted by Food Tourism Statistics, 95% of travelers around the world can now be classed as food travelers, and 80% of travelers will research food and drink before they go. Japan is a country full of cultures whether it’s traditional or modern, or even combination between the two. Cuisine is one of the best way to learn about the cultures, as each ingredients like meat, vegetables, fruits, and spices comes from different places across the country. Lately, street foods popularity has increased because get-and-go ordering has been preferred by people who likes to do other activities while they are enjoying the taste of their foods.

Osaka, famously known as the kitchen of the nation, offers a lot of different variety of street foods. One of their famous location is Dotonbori, starting with big Glico man across the bridge to the giant moving crab miniature. popping out dragon miniature, and other landmark that become the attraction for tourist. These diversities enrich your experience of strolling down the avenue trying different food stalls. Even similar or exact same food can have different taste in different stores. Below is the list of must-try staple foods that will give you different view and new understanding of the original taste of Osaka.

Kani (Crab Meat)

Specializing in crab cuisine, Kani Douraku has the iconic mechanical giant crab with moving claws on the front face of the store will make you wonder how big actually is the crab there. And you won’t be disappointed for the size of these signature large size of grilled crab legs. It is a feast for your seafood loving taste buds. They also have this smoky charcoal-grilled crab legs dishes that supposed to melt in your mouth.

Takoyaki

If you think it would just taste the same as your usual takoyaki place in the neighborhood, you’re dead wrong. The ingredients combination for the dough and stock really differentiate between a store and another. Especially in in Dotonbori, where this well-known Japanese style octopus ball is considered as the soul food of Osaka itself. Osaka style Takoyaki served plain, salted, or with a simple soy sauce so it will taste amazing while eating it piping hot.

Kushikatsu

Kushikatsu are skewered and deep fried vegetables, meat, seafood, and other small one bite foods. These golden crispy skewers are one of the perfect street food. The usual menu ordered are quail eggs, pork, shrimp, onion, lotus root. Moreover, Daruma Kushikatsu in Dotonbori famous because of their unique dipping sauce that complete the finest snacks.

Okonomiyaki

There are 2 types of Okonomiyaki in Japan. Osaka Style use thick but fluffy dough just like pancake. Usually mixed with cabbage, pork, beef, seafood, or anything that you would like to add in there. Then topped with mayonnaise, brown sauce dressing, powdered seaweed, and dried Bonito flakes. Even though a lot of stalls sells this savory dish but it differs from one another because of the uniqueness of each places recipe.

Beside the food listed above, there are other countless foods out there in Osaka with distinctive flavors even if it’s the same exact food. Most of the stories from the famous stalls tell us how they keep the same recipe from generations to generations. Some of them trying to improve the taste. Such as adding popular stuffing such as cheese or mushroom. The best way to experience most of the cuisines are of course by taking your time slowly walking down the street and look out which one has the longest queue.

For another insight about best place for this winter holiday, check 4 Best Destinations for Christmas and New Year.