The Big Three. 🐙
If you leave Osaka without eating these three dishes, you haven't actually been to Osaka. They are all based on batter ("Konamon" culture).
Takoyaki
Balls of batter filled with octopus pieces. In Osaka, they are gooey on the inside (almost liquid), unlike the firm Tokyo style.
Okonomiyaki
"Grilled as you like." A savory pancake packed with cabbage and pork, topped with sweet brown sauce and dancing bonito flakes.
Mechanical Signs. 🦀
Dotonbori is famous for its 3D signage. Restaurants compete to have the wildest facade. It is a theme park for foodies.
Kani Doraku
The giant red crab with moving legs. It's the most iconic restaurant sign in Japan.
Zuboraya
Look for the giant floating blowfish lantern. (Note: The original shop closed, but the memory remains a symbol of the street).
Kinryu Ramen
A giant green dragon bursts out of the wall. The ramen stands are open 24/7 and use tatami mats for seating on the sidewalk.
Golden Rule
No Double Dipping
Kushikatsu Daruma. 🍢
Kushikatsu is meat, vegetables, or cheese, breaded and deep-fried on a stick. You dip it into a communal stainless steel pot of black sauce.
The Rule:
"Nido-zuke Kinshi" (Double Dipping Prohibited). Since the sauce pot is shared with other customers, you dip ONCE before biting. If you need more sauce, use a cabbage leaf to scoop it onto your skewer.
Kuromon Ichiba. 🐟
Known as "Osaka's Kitchen." It is a covered arcade market where professional chefs buy their ingredients. For tourists, it is a seafood paradise.
Fugu (Blowfish)
Osaka consumes 60% of Japan's Fugu. You can try Fugu Sashimi here safely. The texture is firm and clean.
Grilled Scallops
Vendors will grill massive scallops or unagi (eel) right in front of you with a blowtorch. It is fresh, buttery, and smoky.