A Culinary Food Adventure: Best Osaka Street Food
Osaka is one of Japan’s culinary epicentres, renowned for its gastronomic scene.
From skewered meats to mouth-watering sweets, Osaka’s distinct street food culture lures visitors across Japan — and the world.
It centres around the lively Dotonbori strip, home to many eateries and vendors serving local delights.
With so many options to eat at, in, and around, we’ve decided to help you by narrowing down some of the best street foods in Osaka and the best spots to eat them.
Let’s take a look!
- Takoyaki at Yama-Chan
- Mitarashi-Dango at Kiyasu Sohonpo
- Okonomiyaki at Mizuno
- Kushikatsu at Matsuba Sohonten
- Long softcream at Long Softcream
- Torikara at Kin No Torikara
- Tako Tamago at Kuromon Ichiba Market
- Horumonyaki at Sora Tsuruhashi Honten
- Taiko-Manju at Goza Soro
- Taiyaki at Naruto Taiyaki Hompo Sonezaki
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Craving takoyaki? These crisp, big, battered balls are filled with tender octopus pieces, adorned with bonito flakes, green nori powder, chopped scallions, and tangy pickled red ginger.
Drizzled with a rich brown sauce and creamy mayo, they’re an Osaka street snack with a global reputation.
Every takoyaki stall adds its twist, but Yamachan offers extra crispiness with unique drizzles like ponzu sauce or sesame oil with a sprinkle of salt.
Address: 1-9-15, Sennichimae, Chuo Ward, Osaka (map)
Opening Hours: Mon to Sat: 11am to 11pm, Sun: 11am to 10.30pm, closed every 3rd Thurs
How To Get There: It’s a five-minute walk from Tennoji Station
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You’ll most likely find mitarashi-dango at every city turn, and it’s no coincidence. These skewered, freshly grilled sticky rice dumplings are covered with a lavish coat of sweet soy sauce.
It is one of the must-try foods in Osaka, and you should try them at Kiyasu Sohonpo — a traditional sweet shop with a charming takeaway stall outside the main shop.
Address: 1-4-2 Jusohonmachi, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka (map)
Opening Hours: Mon to Sun, 10am to 8pm. Closed on Tues
How to Get There: 2-minute walk from Juso Station on Hankyu Railway
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Like takoyaki, okonomiyaki is one of the best street foods Osaka is known for.
It’s a savoury crepe made of flour, yam, egg and shredded cabbage, but fillings can be different based on joints.
You can easily find it at Mizuno – a 60-year-old family-operated gem that stands out from the rest with timeless flavours and uniqueness.
And conveniently for meat-free folks, the restaurant also serves creative vegetarian versions of this iconic Japanese street classic.
Address: 1 Chome-4-15 Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan (map)
Opening Hours: Mon to Sun: 11am to 10pm, Closed on Thursday
How to Get There: 7-minute walk from Nanba Station
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Kushikatsu are battered, deep-fried pieces of food on skewers.
While meat and veggies are classic ingredients for kushikatsu, some food joints also have options such as strawberries, adding a twist to this crispy tradition.
As for the best place to enjoy kushikatsu in a nostalgic Osaka atmosphere, make a beeline for Matsuba Sohonten, a typically busy spot underneath the Shin Osaka station.
Address: 5 Chome-1-16-1 Nishinakajima, Yodogawa Ward, Osaka, 532-0011, Japan (map)
Opening Hours: Open daily, 9.30am to 10pm.
How to Get There: 5-minute walk from Shin Osaka Station
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Long softcream, one of Osaka’s most famous culinary delights, has captured the attention of Instagram users worldwide.
Towering at around 40cm, this visually stunning ice cream cone offers a smooth and creamy soft-serve experience that requires a delicate approach to enjoy without any mishaps.
Address: Japan, 〒542-0086 Osaka, Chuo Ward, Nishishinsaibashi, 2 Chome−11−9 津久紫ビル (map)
Opening Hours: Sun & Mon: 11.30am to 7pm, Tues: 11.30am to 6pm, Weds: 11.30am to 7pm, Thurs: 11.30am to 6pm, Fri: 11.30am to 7pm, Sat: 11.30am to 6.30pm
How to Get There: 8-minute walk from Shinsaibashi Station
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Karaage — which are deep-fried chicken bites — are a Japanese comfort.
A torikara stick is nothing but the street version of this beloved classic. You can try Kinnotorikara Nambaebisubashi’s tender chicken breast bites near Dotonbori.
Take your pick from 10 sauces, including mayo, ponzu, and black pepper. For the daring, there’s even the enigmatic ‘weird-tasting sauce.’
Address: 1 Chome-5-12 Nanba, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0076, Japan (map)
Opening Hours: Mon to Fri: 12pm to 10pm, Sat & Sun: 11am to 10pm
How to Get There: 3-minute walk from Namba Station
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Dontobori isn’t the only food destination in Osaka.
You can also check out the Kuromon Ichiba Market for the freshest produce in the city.
One of Osaka’s most creative street food dishes is the deep red tako tamago. It’s basically grilled whole baby octopus with stuffings of quail eggs.
Other eye-catching bites in the market include freshly shucked oysters, grilled scallops, and boiled crabs.
Address: 2 Chome Nipponbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0073, Japan (map)
Opening Hours: Open daily, 8am to 5pm
How to Get There: 3-minute walk from Nippombashi Subway Station & Kintetsu Nippombashi Station
Horumonyaki, the bold fusion of grilled beef and offal, is a must-eat for everyone in Osaka.
For the more adventurous at heart when it comes to eating, you can enjoy anything from the heart and pancreas to the lungs and stomach.
Pro tip: head over to Sora Tsuruhashi Honten and choose from 30 varieties of horumonyaki for the best experience.
Address: 1-10 Shimoajiharacho, Tennoji Ward, Osaka, 543-0025, Japan (map)
Opening Hours: Open daily, 11am to 10pm (Closed on Tuesday)
How to Get There: One-minute walk from Tsuruhashi Station
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Taiko Manju is a dessert similar to taiyaki but differs in texture and origin.
These fluffy pancakes are made in a special flat iron pan that resembles taiko drums used in Japanese festivals.
They’re mostly filled with red bean paste but can also have custard, chocolate, or luscious strawberry centres, offering a variety of alternatives.
One of the best spots to have this much-loved confectionary is at Gozasoro, located in Osaka Station.
Address: Japan, 〒530-0001 Osaka, Kita Ward, Umeda, 3 Chome−1−1 ＪＲ大阪駅構内 １Ｆ (map)
Opening Hours: Open daily, 10am to 9pm
How to Get There: 1-minute walk from Osaka Station
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Indulge in one of Osaka’s finest street food delights – taiyaki.
An absolute must-try food in Osaka, these fish-shaped cakes are made from waffle batter and have luscious fillings of red bean paste, custard, or chocolate.
You can find these on every street corner in Osaka; they’re irresistible – check out Naruto Taiyaki Hompo Sonezaki for some of the best in the city.
Address: 2 Chome-7-2 Sonezaki, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0057, Japan (map)
Opening Hours: Open daily, 10am to 11pm
How to Get There: 8-minute walk from Umeda Station
You Must NOT Miss These Experiences in Osaka
Come and relish the world-renowned Kobe roast beef at Osaka Umeda. You can choose from three accessible locations at the Main Restaurant to immerse yourself in the pinnacle of flavours.
Savour the freshest, high-quality, pasture-raised Kobe beef, meticulously prepared at the three branches of Aburi Bokujou, all within a leisurely 10-minute walk from Umeda Station.
Experience the allure of autumn with Japan’s most beautiful maple foliage through an exquisite day tour from Osaka. Head up the Gozaisho cable car to be mesmerised by the vibrant fall colours from October to November.
If you visit in December, you’ll get to captivate the charm of hoarfrost and ice waterfalls. This tour will encapture your senses at Nabana no Sato, Japan’s grandest floral spectacle. You can also try a sumptuous high-end Wagyu sukiyaki lunch.
Enjoy complimentary access to 40 major attractions and unlimited bus and train travel during its validity period. Your journey includes a guidebook and Tokux2 coupons, offering exclusive deals at Osaka’s shops, dining spots, and facilities.
From favourites like Tennoji Zoo and Osaka Castle Museum to Tsutenkaku Tower, Tombori River Cruise, Museum of Housing and Living, and Legoland, this pass assures both convenience and value.
Embark on a 3-hour twilight journey through Dotonburi’s enigmatic alleys. Guided by an expert, you’ll delve into the heart of this vibrant area, savouring Kushikatsu (fried skewers) and Michelin-rated Takoyaki (octopus fritters).
Immerse yourself further with draft beer or rice wine, concluding on a sweet note with a local dessert.
Indulge in the ultimate luxurious relaxation at Osaka Bay Tower’s Solaniwa Onsen Hot Springs. The facility is the perfect place to unwind and soothe your senses by soaking in its naturally revitalising hot springs, such as the Source Spring Bath and Silk Bath.
You can also take a Carbonated Bath to re-energize your body and feel refreshed in the outdoor baths.
Pro Tip: If you want to get a glimpse of the best street foods in Osaka before trying them, you can always watch Netflix! Not kidding! Netflix’s ‘Street Food: Osaka’ offers a captivating culinary journey through the vibrant city of Osaka, which is fondly known as Japan’s Kitchen. Episode 2 of this show explores the lives and stories of 3 local street food vendors who have dedicated their lives to perfecting their craft. A self-made chef, Izakaya Toyo stands as the star of this show.
Eat, Drink, Savour, Repeat: Best Osaka street food
The Osaka street food scene is as good as it gets and will always be one of the best food destinations in the world. Some of the best street foods in Osaka can be found hidden in back alleyways and hard-to-find basements.
Be sure to head on over to Dotonbori, and discover why it’s the epicentre of ‘Japan’s Kitchen.’ And be sure to do it all the Murata-style!
