10 Must Try Osaka Street Food Dishes + Where to Find Them! takoyaki octopus balls — *This pile of sludge will eventually turn into balls of pure joy, the Takoyaki octopus balls*

Welcome to the “Kitchen of Japan” The foodie capital of Japan even! From hot and fresh Takoyaki octopus balls, to crunchy deep fried Kushikatsu skewers, to melt in your mouth grilled Unagi. If you’re coming from Tokyo street food then you’ll find that the street food in Osaka is literally on another level of delicious.

If it’s your first time visiting Osaka (my Osaka Itinerary could come in handy) and you’re a mega foodie like me then read on as I share with you the top 10 must try Osaka street food dishes!

Check out my Other Osaka Posts!

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Best Areas for Street Food in Osaka?

osaka street food area dotonbori — *What a nice looking octopus guy*

Osaka is a pretty big city, and this nickname of the “Kitchen of Japan” comes from the fact that Osaka used to be a huge trading hub for spices and produces. Nowadays that legacy still exists of course in the form of the plethora of tasty things to eat.

But before I share with you the must try Osaka street food dishes, I want to introduce you to the areas/districts of the city that is synonymous with great street foods.

Dotonbori - Hub for Nightlife and Osaka Street Food

dotonbori osaka street food king crab kani — *What a nice looking crab guy*

You can’t talk about Osaka street food without mentioning Dotonbori, the heart and soul of Osaka food and nightlife culture. This lively street along the canal is shining with bright neon lights, advertisements, giant billboards (yes, the famous Glico running man is here), and of course, endless amounts of food stalls, restaurants, and dessert shops.

You’ll find a lot of famous Osaka street food restaurants here with many of them having these giant statues of the food displayed on top of the restaurants. You can find every type of Japanese food imaginable (maybe not fresh sashimi but I’ll get to that later), freshly made Takoyaki, Soft and sugary Melon Pan stuffed with ice cream, savory and sizzling Okonomiyaki pancakes, and soothing bowls of udon noodles.

But what makes Dotonbori even better is that it’s not just a haven for foodies like you and I, but it’s also a haven for shoppers. Intersecting the middle of Dotonbori is the Shinsaibashi Shopping Street, which is a covered arcade packed with trendy shops, apparel stores, boutique shops, cafes, and snack spots, plus a few restaurants.

For first time visitors to Osaka, I recommend staying in or near Dotonbori (Check hotels near Dotonbori here), you’ll be right in the middle of all the shopping and eating action. In fact every time I visit Osaka I stay at the Cross Hotel Osaka, it’s literally steps away from all the nightlife, eating, and shopping, and not to mentioned a couple of minutes away from the next Osaka street food area below…

Location: 1 Chome Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan

Kuromon Ichiba Market - Freshest Street Food Seafood in Osaka

osaka street food kuromon ichiba market — *I can spend the whole day here just walking around and eating*

On the other end of the Osaka street food spectrum is the Kuromon Ichiba Market where you can find the freshest seafoods that Osaka has to offer! This market is actually my favorite area to eat in Osaka, more-so than Dotonbori as it’s less crowded and hectic. However the street foods you’ll find here are very different.

The market spans many alleys and main streets, it’s actually quite easy to get lost here but you’ll be in safe hands as literally every bit of free space if taken up by a tasty food stall.

With a focus on seafood you’ll find dishes like giant grilled Hotate scallops, melt in your mouth Otoro fatty tuna sashimi, charcoal grilled Kani king crab, tender yet meaty Unagi grilled eel, plenty of sashimi rice bowls, little non-seafood snacks like roasted chestnuts, sweet Taiyaki pancakes, luxurious Uni sea urchin, and sooooo much more.

Kuromon Market opens around midday so it’s one of those places where you can snack your way through the afternoon without ever sitting down. If you’re a huge seafood lover, then you will love this market no doubt about that. If it was up to me,I’d visit the Osaka Castle in the morning, then go snacking here during the afternoon, then walk over to Dotonbori for some nighttime eats, perfect itinerary if you ask me.

Location: 2 Chome Nipponbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0073, Japan

Shinsekai - Retro Pubs and Street Food in Osaka

osaka street food shinsekai — *This is a great place to enjoy some kushikatsu and beer*

For a less touristy area with a bit more of an old school vibe, Shinsekai is one of the best areas to experience the soul of Osaka street food, and by that I mean a lot of alcohol and fried foods.

Built around the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower, this neighborhood feels retro and a little rough around the edges, but that’s exactly what makes it so charming. In terms of Osaka street food, the claim to fame here is that Shinsekai is the birthplace of Kushikatsu, which are deep-fried skewers of meat, vegetables, and seafood dipped into a special sauce.

Not only that, strolling through the narrow streets you’ll encounter rows of casual Izakayas (Japanese pubs) serving cold beers along with Japanese style pub foods like Nikudofu (stewed beef and tofu) or the classic salty and addictive Edamame beans. These spots are lively, affordable, and gives you a rustic taste of Osaka beyond the polished tourist areas.

If you want a more local, down-to-earth experience of Osaka street food then Shinsekai is the spot to visit.

Location: 2 Chome Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0002, Japan

Top 10 Osaka Street Foods to Try!

osaka street food tamago yaki egg and unagi eel — *Egg and eel what could be better?*

Okay with all that information implanted into brain, let’s finally start talking about the 10 Must Try Osaka Street Food Dishes! There’s a mix of savory and sweet dishes in this list, I try to include a lot of variety, some obvious famous dishes, and also some foods that are not well known to tourists.

If you’d rather explore the vast world of Osaka street food with a local guide who knows all the hidden spots and all the best places for food, check out my blog post on the Best Osaka Food Tours for my recommended tours.

Takoyaki (Octopus Balls)

osaka street food takoyaki octopus ball — *Anyone up for some octopus balls?*

Of course, the most famous Osaka street food is the Takoyaki, I’ve mentioned it a few times already in this blog post but it’s basically a sort of griddled pancake ball filled with diced octopus, green onion, and pickled ginger. Then they’re usually topped with a sweet-savory sauce, Japanese Kewpie mayo, dried bonito flakes, and seaweed powder.

It’s crispy on the outside while still a little gooey and steaming hot on the inside. It’s rich, comforting, savory, and slightly chewy from the octopus. While the sauces and toppings adds sweetness, and saltiness. Just be careful when you take your first bite, they’re piping hot and the steam inside the balls can definitely burn your tongue!

Takoyaki is an iconic Osaka street food dish and you’ll find them all over the city being sold in sets of 6 or more at street food stalls or in restaurants. If you’re wandering around Dotonbori especially, you won’t miss the long lines at the famous takoyaki stalls. Here are two spots worth checking out:

Creo-ru Dotonbori - A popular shop right by the canal, known for its perfectly cooked Takoyaki with a slightly crisp shell and gooey center.
Takoyaki Juhachiban - Literally a giant Takoyaki ball hanging in front of the shop, can’t miss it. famous for their extra-large chunks of octopus inside the batter.

Okonomiyaki or Negiyaki (Savory Pancake)

osaka street food okonomiyaki negiyaki — *Don’t be fooled, okonomiyaki is quite a dense and filling dish*

Another insanely iconic Osaka street food is the savory Okonomiyaki. Often described as a Japanese-style savory pancake, Osaka style Okonomiyaki is made with a batter of flour, eggs, shredded cabbage, and your choice of fillings like pork belly, squid, or shrimp, then cooked on a hot griddle until golden.

There are also toppings that are similar to Takoyaki: a sweet-savory okonomiyaki sauce, creamy Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise, a sprinkle of dried seaweed, and the all important bonito flakes. The flavor is rich, smoky, and umami-packed, while the texture is hearty and satisfying, crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

Negiyaki, on the other hand, is a distant cousin to the Okonomiyaki. It’s lighter and swaps the cabbage for piles of fresh green onions. Thinner and less heavy, negiyaki has a cleaner, more refreshing taste and is often seasoned simply with soy sauce, which lets the onion’s natural flavor shine through. It pairs perfectly with a cold beer at a casual izakaya. If okonomiyaki feels like a full meal for you, then negiyaki is the lighter alternative that gives you a different side of Osaka’s street food culture.

Osaka has plenty of places where you can try authentic versions of these dishes. Here are two great spots that I recommend:

Mizuno - One of the oldest okonomiyaki restaurants in Osaka, serving both classic okonomiyaki and their own twist on negiyaki. Expect a wait, but it’s worth it.
Ajinoya - A local favorite known for its perfectly cooked okonomiyaki with generous toppings and a cozy, casual atmosphere.

Kushikatsu (Deep-Fried Skewers)

osaka street food kushikatsu — *I’ll happily clog my arteries with 30 of these sticks*

Kushikatsu is a must-try when exploring Osaka street food and a favorite among locals for its crispy, flavorful bite-sized skewers. Kushikatsu are skewers of various ingredients battered and coated in Panko bread crumbs then deep fried to a golden perfection.

There is a special tangy dipping sauce that you would eat with your skewer, as well as a few pieces of sliced cabbage for you to snack on to cut through all the grease. The sauce is served communal style, so like a tub of it on the table. No double dipping, for that use the cabbage to scoop the sauce.

There are so many ingredients that you can have: your typical pork, minced chicken, boiled quail eggs, fish tofu, squid, octopus, green onion, mozzarella cheese, lotus root, shrimp, imitation crab, fish, soooo much variety. And that’s the fun of eating Kushikatsu, trying all the different ingredients all paired with a nice cold beer, and that I think is the true essence of Osaka street food, grease and beer.

If you’re looking for some of the best Kushikatsu in Osaka, check out these spots:

Daruma - Famous for its perfectly fried skewers and variety of options, large statue of the chef’s face in front of the store, iconic.
Kushikatsu Tanaka - A popular chain offering consistently crispy kushikatsu with friendly service, great for trying multiple skewers without breaking the bank.

Horumon (Grilled Offal)

Now here is something that might turn a few of you guys off but trust me on this one, it tastes really good. Horumon is a unique Osaka street food that really shows how far the city goes for good food. he word “Horumon” literally means “discarded goods”, so in this case it’s the parts of the animal that isn’t normally eaten like beef or pork intestines, stomach, or liver.

These bits of meat are cooked over a charcoal grill or sizzling on a hot plate and are sometimes glazed with a bit of sweet soy sauce. It is absolutely delicious, for real. Horumon has a chewy yet tender texture and a deep, smoky flavor. Depending on the cut, some pieces are rich and fatty, while others are lean with a slightly bitter and crunchy edge from the charcoal grill.

If you’re on the fence, Horumon is usually served as pub food in Izakayas alongside a nice pint of beer, in case that helps. But seriously, don’t knock it till you try it, or in the words of my YouTube channel’s inspiration, Doobydobap: “Don’t yuck my yum”.

Osaka has plenty of Horumon shops they’re usually found in Izakayas or Yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) places. Here are two good places to check out:

Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M - A popular yakiniku spot in Dotonbori where you can try premium beef horumon along with high-quality wagyu cuts.
Horumon Yakiniku Mansen - A casual, no-frills BBQ spot specializing in grilled offal, perfect for sampling different types of horumon at local prices.

Melon Pan (Melon Bread) with Ice Cream

osaka street food melon pan melon bread ice cream — *This is one big dessert, enough for a full meal perhaps*

Okay, moving on from savory to sweet. Melon Pan (melon bread) can be found all over Japan but in it’s the quintessential dessert street food in Osaka. Contrary to the name, Melon Pan doesn’t actually contain any melon, the name comes from the visuals of the layer of the thin crispy and crumbly sugar cookie on top that resembles a melon.

When served warm and fresh, the bun is soft and fluffy on the inside while the top is buttery, crunchy, sugary, and sweet. It’s so simple but it’s so good. And in Dotonbori there is this one stall where I always go to that serves freshly made Melon Pan stuffed with ICE CREAM! Strawberry, matcha, vanilla.

Yes, ice cream does indeed make everything better and it’s reall good especially with the temperature and textural contrast, soft and fluffy bun, crunchy and warm sugar cookie, smooth and cold ice cream. Divine, perfect for cleansing your palette after eating all the previous Osaka street foods.

Here are two great places in Osaka where you can enjoy melon pan:

Melon Bread - Famous for its hot-and-crispy melon pan stuffed with cold vanilla ice cream, making it a favorite stop for both tourists and locals.
World's Second Best Freshly Baked Melonpan Ice-cream - A small street stall offering freshly baked melon pan with ice cream.

Oden (Japanese Braised “Hot Pot”)

osaka street food oden — *Nothing beats a nice soothing bowl of oden*

A comforting Osaka street food is the Oden which is especially popular during the colder months of the year, and fun fact, Osaka is home to the most number of Michelin recommended Oden spots in Japan.

It’s a simple but hearty dish made by simmering ingredients like daikon radish, boiled eggs, tofu, konnyaku, and various fish cakes in a light dashi flavored broth. The taste is mild, savory, and slightly sweet, with each ingredient soaking up the flavorful dashi stock.

What makes oden so good is just the pure comfort of it, the ingredients are quite bland in flavor but that’s what makes it good, simple and comforting flavors. But if it’s too bland for you, Oden is usually served with a side of Japanese mustard for you to dip into to add an extra kick.

Oden is a popular Osaka street food during the winter but there are many speciality places that serve this dish, if you want to try authentic oden in Osaka, here is a solid spot:

Hanakujira Honten - A cozy izakaya offering classic oden ingredients alongside other Osaka street food favorites, perfect for a casual night out.

Nikudofu / Nikusui (Simmered Beef and Tofu)

osaka street food nikudofu niku sui — *A hearty bowl of beef and tofu, with some rice this would be an amazing meal*

One of my favorite comforting Japanese dish as well as a favorite Osaka street food dish amongst locals is the Nikudofu, also known as Nikusui.

It’s essentially a simmered dish of thinly sliced beef and tofu cooked together in a lightly sweetened soy-based dashi broth. The beef lends a rich umami flavor while the tofu absorbs the broth, creating a lovely contrast between the meatiness and the soft, silky texture of the tofu. The taste is warming and soothing, a little bit salty, and very juicy and fatty from the meat oils.

This Osaka street food dish is usually served in Izakayas all across Osaka and it definitely pairs well with a nice glass of beer. Not many tourists or foreigners know about this dish, but it’s something that I highly recommend you try, and if you go on one of my recommended Osaka Food Tours, you’ll notice that it’s a dish that locals are eager to showcase.

If you’re in Osaka and want to try authentic Nikudofu, here are a couple of spots I recommend:

Nikudōfu to Lemon Sour Taishū Shokudō Yasubee Jr - Known for serving nikudōfu alongside lemon sour drinks in a casual setting.

Tonpeiyaki (Grilled Pork Omelette)

osaka street food tonpeiyaki — *Hidden under that velvety eggy layer is juicy and meaty pork*

Another underrated Osaka street food is the Tonpeiyaki, a classic Kansai dish that is like a lighter and meatier version of the previously mentioned Okonomiyaki.

Instead of mixing all the ingredients into a batter, Tonpeiyaki layers stir-fried pork, cabbage, and green onions, then wraps them in a thin, soft omelette. It’s then finished with drizzles of okonomiyaki/tonkatsu-style sauce and Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise so you still get that sweet, savory, creamy hit typical of Osaka street food.

The texture is tender and juicy inside, with a mild eggy blanket outside. It’s absolutely delicious and is a more protein heavy version if you want something more meaty and substantial.

For the best versions of this delicious Osaka street food, here are some places I recommend:

Hontonpei - This is the original Tonpeiyaki place in Osaka, credited with inventing this dish. It’s a good choice if you want an authentic, historical version.
Dontaku - A cozy izakaya known for its signature Tonpeiyaki (pork loin wrapped in egg), along with other Osaka favorites.

Sashimi or Freshly Grilled Seafood

osaka street food seafood sashimi grilled scallops hotate — *These are huge scallops, no joke*

I can’t talk about street food in Osaka without talking about seafood! Seafood is one of Osaka’s shining stars when it comes to good eating and nowhere is that more evident than at the bustling Kuromon Ichiba Market, a covered market packed with over 150 stalls serving the most delicious seafoods imaginable.

Whether it’s grilled Hotate scallops sizzling with butter and soy sauce, freshly grilled Kani king crab legs, juicy oysters, buttery Uni (sea urchin), seasonal Fugu (pufferfish), fatty Otoro tuna sashimi, or even tender grilled Unagi eel. There is just so much good seafood in Osaka and you’d be a fool to miss them.

There is so much food to cover, check out my blog post on Eating my way through Kuromon Market for more info on the different Osaka street food seafoods you can find.

If you want to dig into truly great seafood in Osaka, these are the places I recommend:

Kuromon Torepichi - Right in the Kuromon Market area, they specialize in grilled seafood and seafood bowls.
Kuromon Kuragin - A sushi / seafood bowl (kaisen-don) place near the market, known for fresh tuna and seafood choices.
Sushi Dokoro Kuromonsuehiro - Also inside Kuromon Ichiba, this is a sushi counter that puts out fresh nigiri and grilled items.

Taiyaki (Fish Shaped Pancakes with Filling)

osaka street food taiyaki fish pancake — *Trust me when I say don’t get the cheese Taiyaki, it’s not good, but red bean though, nice*

And finally, we come to the last Osaka street food in this blog post, Taiyaki. Taiyaki is one of the most nostalgic treats in all of Japan, it’s a fish-shaped pancake pastry that’s crispy on the outside and filled with something sweet (or sometimes savory) on the inside.

Traditionally, Taiyaki is made fresh using a special moulded griddle and the filling is red bean paste, which gives you that earthy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the slightly chewy and sweet pancake batter. But in Osaka you’ll also find plenty of modern versions: creamy custard, chocolate, sweet potato, matcha, even cheese or sausage for those who like something more savory. Oh and if you’re still wondering, no there is no fish involved in Taiyaki.

Here are some good spots I recommend for trying really good Taiyaki in Osaka:

Naruto Taiyaki Honpo - Famous for its traditional red bean filling, this chain keeps it classic and satisfying.
Osaka Naniwaya - A cozy Kansai favorite serving freshly made Taiyaki with red bean and custard options that are just as addictive.

Tips for Eating Street Food in Osaka

osaka street food king crab — *Open your mouth wide, this is a big piece of king crab!*

If you’re planning to dive into Osaka’s street food scene, it’s worth knowing a few local customs so you can enjoy your food without looking like an obnoxious Baka Gaijin (stupid foreigner). Even if you’re joining one of my recommended Osaka food tours, these little tips will make your street food adventure smoother and a lot more fun.

Don’t walk and eat - In Japan, eating while walking is seen as impolite. Plus, it’s easier to actually savor your takoyaki or okonomiyaki if you pause for a moment.
Carry cash - Most street food stalls won’t take cards, so make sure you have coins and small bills ready, also paying fully in coins is annoying.
Be ready to queue - Japanese people love to wait in long queues and often the best stalls in places like Dotonbori and Kuromon Market often have long lines. Good food in Osaka is worth the wait!
Dispose of trash properly - Public bins are rare, and not every stall provides one. Keep an eye out for disposal spots and avoid littering like an a**hole.

Looking for Things to Do in Osaka?

osaka namba shrine temple — *What a friendly looking fellow here at the Namba Yasaka Shrine*

Osaka Amazing Pass - Enjoy must visit spots in Osaka hassle free
Universal Studios Japan Express Pass - Skip through long wait times at major attractions
Street Go Kart Experience - Ever wanted to play Mario Kart in real life?
Discounted Tickets - Browse a variety of attractions, tours, and transports all for a great price

Useful Resources for Traveling in Japan

Tourism Information - All the information you need when traveling in Japan
Pocket Wi-Fi - Important for staying connected on the go
JR Rail Pass (Whole of Japan) - Easy , cheap, and unlimited access to JR transports