The Kitchen of Japan: Must-Try Culinary Experiences

DOTONBORI CLASSICS

  • Takoyaki (たこ焼き) - Octopus balls with bonito flakes, mayo & sauce

  • Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き) - Savory cabbage pancake with various toppings

  • Kushikatsu (串カツ) - Deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables

  • Kitsune Udon (きつねうどん) - Thick noodles with sweet fried tofu

  • Yakiniku (焼肉) - Japanese BBQ, try Haneshita wagyu beef

STREET FOOD ADVENTURES

  • Horumon (ホルモン) - Grilled cow/pig innards, an Osaka specialty

  • Ikayaki (イカ焼き) - Grilled squid with soy sauce

  • Negiyaki (ねぎ焼き) - Green onion pancake with sauce

  • Melon Pan (メロンパン) - Sweet bread with cookie crust

  • Mitarashi Dango (みたらし団子) - Rice dumplings with sweet soy glaze

SEAFOOD SPECIALTIES

  • Oshi Sushi (押し寿司) - Pressed sushi, Osaka-style

  • Tecchiri (てっちり) - Fugu (pufferfish) hot pot

  • Kanidoraku Crab (かに道楽) - At the restaurant with giant crab sign

  • Saba Sushi (サバ寿司) - Mackerel sushi, an Osaka specialty

  • Conveyor Belt Sushi in Shinsekai area

SWEET TREATS

  • Taiyaki (たい焼き) - Fish-shaped cake with red bean filling

  • Pablo Cheese Tart - Famous fluffy Japanese cheesecake

  • Rikuro Ojisan Cheesecake - Jiggly, soufflé-style cheesecake

  • Mitsu Mame (みつ豆) - Sweet red beans with fruit and jelly

  • Purin (プリン) - Japanese custard pudding

LOCAL DRINKS

  • Asahi Super Dry - Beer brewed in Osaka

  • Umeshu (梅酒) - Sweet plum wine

  • Matcha Latte - From a traditional tea shop

  • Ramune (ラムネ) - Japanese soda with marble

  • One Cup Ozeki - Single-serving sake in a glass cup

BONUS: WHERE TO FIND THEM

  • Kuromon Ichiba Market - Fresh seafood and street food

  • Shinsekai Area - Famous for kushikatsu at Daruma

  • Kani Doraku Dotonbori - Look for the giant moving crab sign

  • Mizuno - Legendary okonomiyaki restaurant

  • Rikuro Ojisan - For the famous cheesecake

  • Konbini (convenience stores) - For quick and affordable food options