Description:
Join us on a culinary journey through Osaka, Japan’s food capital, known for its vibrant gourmet scene and distinctive local specialties. From the bustling streets of Shinsekai to the iconic Dotonbori River, this video will guide you through the ultimate Osaka food tour, showcasing must-try dishes like Takoyaki, Kushikatsu, Okonomiyaki, and the unique Kasu Udon. Discover why Osaka is a paradise for food lovers!
š¢ Highlights of Your Culinary Adventure:
Takoyaki at Shinsekai KanKan: Dive into the origins of this beloved octopus ball dish in its hometown, where it’s served hot and topped with a uniquely flavorful sauce.
Kushikatsu at Kawachiya: Experience the delight of these battered and deep-fried skewers, a staple in Osakaās local cuisine, in the atmospheric setting of Shinsekai.
Okonomiyaki at Moegi: Savor this iconic Japanese savory pancake, cooked to perfection and loaded with a variety of fresh ingredients.
Kasu Udon at Appare: Wrap up your food tour with this unusual but refreshing noodle dish, featuring crispy beef intestines in a savory broth.
šļø Explore Osakaās Rich Food Culture:
Vibrant Street Food Scene: From street stalls to local eateries, get a taste of Osaka’s dynamic food culture.
Cultural Insights: Learn about the historical context and cultural significance of each dish and how they represent Osakaās spirit.
Detailed Food Guide: Our curated recommendations ensure you experience the best flavors Osaka has to offer.
š„ Why Watch This Video?
In-depth Exploration: Go beyond typical tourist spots to explore where locals enjoy their favorite meals.
Expert Recommendations: Our food tour is crafted to ensure you can visit all recommended spots in just one day, with easy access and a well-planned route.
Engaging Content: Not just about food, our tour is filled with fun facts, historical insights, and engaging commentary that enrich your dining experience.
āļøEngage with Us:
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Osaka is the second-largest city in Japan, located in the Kansai region. Its proximity to Kyoto makes it extremely popular among foreign tourists. Osaka has its own unique culture. It’s known for specialties like takoyaki and okonomiyaki, commonly referred to as "Konamon". There’s also the Osaka dialect called "Osaka-ben. " Comedy is deeply rooted in the culture, with theaters renowned for Japanese comedy shows, such as manzai and skits, being extremely popular. So you can enjoy a different side of Japanese culture compared to Tokyo. Osoreirimasu! Iām Sanada, āKyoto no Tatsujin. This time, weāre gonna introduce you to some must-try local delicacies and amazing eateries in Osaka, Japan’s second-largest city! Ohatsu!! Iām Master of Tokyo, Musashi. Osaka is famous for its gourmet scene. We will introduce you to a one-day gourmet course in Osaka, perfect for those who are visiting Kyoto and want to swing by, or for anyone who wants to explore other areas too! The reasons why Osaka is popular as a tourist destination include its unique atmosphere and gourmet cuisine. The central area of Osaka tourism is called Shinsaibashi. Many people may have seen images of ebisubashi. While it has a Cyber Japan vibe even more so than Tokyo’s Kabukicho, the scene along the Dotonbori River with its lined shops evokes a nostalgic atmosphere. The Glico sign in Dotonbori is quite famous, isn’t it? Indeed, there may be more illuminated signs than in Kabukicho. When it comes to gourmet food in Osaka, the top choice is "Konamon, " which refers to Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki! And next in line is the famous Kushikatsu! This is the Osaka Gourmet Ultimate Tour! First, eat Takoyaki. While enjoying Kushikatsu, have another beer. Drink beer with Okonomiyaki. And if you still have room in your stomach, as a bonus round, finish it off with Kasu Udon! I wonder if I can eat all of that.. In this ultimate tour, I’ll introduce you to our top recommended restaurants, of course. I’ve designed the plan to ensure easy access and that you can visit them all in just one day. Be sure to follow this plan and give it a try! First, we need to head to the best place to enjoy takoyaki and kushikatsu in succession. That’s Shinsekai! Shinsekai is a popular tourist spot located in the downtown area of Osaka in the southern part of the city, where you can experience the traditional atmosphere of old Osaka. It is home to famous landmarks such as the iconic tower of Osaka, Tsutenkaku, and a variety of colorful signs, including lanterns shaped like blowfish. It is located near JR Shin-Imamiya Station or Osaka Metro Midosuji Line Doubutsuen mae Station, and can be reached by train from central areas such as Umeda and Shin-Osaka stations in about 10 to 20 minutes. In Shinsekai, there are numerous eateries, all of which offer delicious and affordable meals. There are especially many kushikatsu restaurants, so much so that it can be overwhelming to choose just one. Just by visiting Shinsekai, you can enjoy all of Osaka’s specialty gourmet dishes! Let’s start with Takoyaki. Takoyaki is famous worldwide as a Japanese dish, but for Japanese people, it’s strongly associated with Osaka. Takoyaki is a famous dish from Osaka, consisting of octopus and various condiments cooked in a ball-shaped batter made from wheat flour. In addition to diced octopus, takoyaki typically contains dried shrimp, bonito flakes, pickled ginger, and green onion. It is characterized by its unique sauce. And when it comes to famous takoyaki in Shinsekai, it’s "Shinsekai Kankan"! This Kankan stands out among the many takoyaki shops in Shinsekai and is extremely popular. The distinctive feature of this takoyaki is the deliciousness of the batter. The batter is flavorful with dashi stock, and it’s tasty even when eaten on its own. Moreover, the takoyaki sauce drizzled on top is slightly sweet with a tangy flavor similar to barbecue sauce. The perfect match of the batter and takoyaki sauce is exquisite. Furthermore, the collaboration with the bonito flakes on top adds to the experience. The beautiful harmony created by the trio of batter, sauce, and bonito flakes will beckon you into a New World. *Shinsekai literally translates to "New World" in Japanese. That analogy might be a bit obscure. In essence, it means it’s delicious, right? And inside, it’s piping hot and gooey. You’re bound to burn your tongue if you eat it too quickly, but it’s so delicious that you won’t even mind the burn and you won’t be able to stop eating! You won’t believe it, but here, you get 8 pieces of takoyaki for just 450 yen! It’s incredibly cheap, yet the portion size is so satisfying. It’s great that KanKan provides tables, so you can enjoy your takoyaki while standing. Usually, takoyaki places are only for takeout! First, let’s enjoy the takoyaki at KanKan. Then, it’s time for kushikatsu! Kushikatsu is a Japanese dish where skewered ingredients such as meat, vegetables, and seafood are coated in batter and deep-fried. It can be described as a variety of ingredients skewered and fried. It is said that kushikatsu originated in Osaka’s Shinsekai, which is why there are numerous kushikatsu restaurants in Shinsekai. That’s why people often struggle with where to go, and since there are flashy signboard restaurants all over the place, tourists tend to gravitate towards the more conspicuous ones. But Kushikatsu lovers choose Kawachiya! Kawachiya offers a wide variety on the menu, and everything is reasonably priced. Above all, the quality of each dish is outstanding. Particularly recommended is the beef katsu. You might not have triedfried beef before, but it’s delicious. And when you dip it in the slightly tangy kushikatsu sauce, it pairs perfectly with the katsu. Just gotta be careful about āNidozukeā, that is double-dipping, you know? Yes, not only this restaurant but all kushikatsu places strictly prohibit double-dipping. If you do this, you’ll undoubtedly be kicked out of Osaka, so be careful! Double-dipping refers to the act of dipping a skewer back into the sauce after it has been in someone’s mouth. It’s an absolute rule that skewers should only be dipped into the sauce when it’s in a state where no one has touched it. That’s why the hygienic sharing of the sauce is possible, but if this rule is broken, saliva can get into the sauce. Japanese people never break this rule. So, before eating, make sure to properly dip your kushikatsu into the sauce so that you only need to do it once. Double-dipping is absolutely prohibited… Let’s make sure not to forget that. Well, anyway, the kushikatsu at Kawachiya is fantastic, and it’s so affordable, costing less than a dollar per skewer. And when you pair it with beer, it’s even better. Be sure to enjoy kushikatsu at Kawachiya! And next up is the absolute must-try Osaka specialty: Okonomiyaki. Okonomiyaki is a dish made by cooking a batter of wheat flour, eggs, vegetables, meat, seafood, and noodles on a hotplate. It’s typically topped with special sauce, nori seaweed, and bonito flakes. The sauce is similar to that used for takoyaki, and it’s common to add mayonnaise on top as well! Okonomiyaki and beer are the perfect match, aren’t they?! When it comes to okonomiyaki in Osaka, one highly recommended place to enjoy delicious okonomiyaki is Moegi. Moegi is located near Namba Station, which is just 4 minutes away from Dobutsuen-mae Station, the nearest station to Shinsekai, by foot. Namba is truly the epitome of Osaka, home to the famous Glico sign located near Namba Station along the Dotonbori River. Along this river, there are numerous restaurants and eateries, lined with dazzling signs, where many people enjoy drinking along the riverfront. In Tokyo, there are plenty of shops too, but the sight of numerous shops and people lined up along the riverbank is unique to Osaka, isn’t it? And just south of the Dotonbori River is the Sennichimae Shopping Street. This Sennichimae Shopping Street is one of Osaka’s top tourist spots, with many shops and the famous "Namba Grand Kagetsu" theater where you can enjoy Japanese comedy shows called "manzai". Generally, it has a lively atmosphere, but along the approach to Hozenji Temple, there are tranquil bars and izakayas, offering a diverse range of shops and atmospheres to enjoy. Just visiting the Sennichimae Shopping Street seems like it could fill a whole day with fun! And the recommended okonomiyaki restaurant "Moegi" that I mentioned earlier is also located in the Sennichimae Shopping Street. Among the nostalgic atmosphere of many shops in Namba, Moegi stands out with its stylish ambiance that seems suitable even for a date. And of course, the taste of the okonomiyaki here is superb. It has a crispy exterior, fluffy interior, with a light yet flavorful taste accentuated by the richness of the broth. The cabbage inside is crunchy, offering a variety of textures to enjoy. And the combination of sauce, pork, bonito flakes, and seaweed is fantastic. It’s rare to find okonomiyaki that is so perfectly crafted like this. Other grilled items are also delicious, and I recommend their specialty, the negiyaki (green onion pancake), and the sautĆ©ed oysters, which can be considered the specialty of this restaurant as well. Indeed, the authentic taste is truly one of a kind. To perfectly conclude the day, there’s nothing better than "Kasu Udon"! Many people may not have heard of Kasu Udon. Udon is a type of thick noodle commonly eaten in Japan. Kasu refers to beef intestines fried at a low temperature until crispy after the fat has been removed. Commonly known as "oil kasu, " it’s the residue left after heating the intestines to extract edible fats, hence the name "oil kasu." While hearing "oil" might evoke thoughts of heavy dishes, Kasu Udon is actually refreshing and easy to eat. It combines a subtle sweetness from the broth with the savory richness of the oil kasu, resulting in an incredibly delicious flavor. It’s the best to enjoy after drinking alcohol! Kasu udon is a specialty of Osaka, and there are many delicious kasu udon shops in the city. Among them, a recommended shop is "Appareā! "Appare" is located near Namba Station, on the opposite side of Moegi across Dotonbori, within the American Village area. ncidentally, "American Village", is an area known for its abundance of thrift stores, fashion boutiques, and eateries, making it a popular spot for young people in Osaka. It is said that the area earned its name "America-mura" in the 1970s when a large number of imported goods from the West Coast of the United States began to gather there! Appare is located inside a building with numerous eateries, but the building itself is quite old and might seem a bit daunting at first glance, so be sure to keep an eye out! The interior of this building might seem dimly lit, and you might wonder if it’s safe, but rest assured, it is! The udon has a refreshing taste, with the sweetness of the broth and the saltiness of the kasu harmonizing to create a refined flavor. It’s so delicious that even when you’re full, you’ll want to drink up all the soup. Eating this kasu udon will surely make you feel satisfied and bring a perfect end to your day! Osaka offers a plethora of specialties and eateries, which might make it difficult to choose. However, I suggest starting with ā Takoyaki, ā” Kushikatsu, and ā¢ Okonomiyaki. And if you’re enjoying some drinks, definitely end with Kasu Udon. Ultimate Osaka Gourmet Course ā Takoyaki: Shinsekai KanKan ā” Kushikatsu: Kawachiya ā¢ Okonomiyaki: Moegi ā£ Kasu udon : Appare Start by enjoying takoyaki and kushikatsu in Shinsekai, then travel to Namba by train or on foot. There, indulge in okonomiyaki, and finally, savor kasu udon. This course can be completed in relatively close locations, allowing you to explore them all in just one day! Moreover, both Shinsekai and Namba are packed with tourist attractions, so you can enjoy various other activities as well! Along the way from Shinsekai to Namba, you’ll encounter attractions like Tsutenkaku Tower and shopping streets, making the journey enjoyable. So, walking around is highly recommended! Tokyo is great, but Osaka offers a plethora of delicious treats! Be sure to indulge in Osaka’s culinary delights! In this channel, we will continue to introduce various unique places in Japan and share travel tips in the future. See you again! Take care! Doron! If you enjoyed this video, please leave a comment, give it a thumbs up, and subscribe to the channel!