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Osaka, often called the "Kitchen of Japan," is renowned for its vibrant street food culture and delicious local specialties. Here are ten must-try dishes when visiting Osaka:
1. Takoyaki
- Description: These are small, round balls of batter filled with diced octopus, tempura scraps, pickled ginger, and green onions, cooked in a special takoyaki pan.
- Highlight: Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, typically topped with takoyaki sauce, mayonnaise, bonito flakes, and seaweed.
2. Okonomiyaki
- Description: Often referred to as a savory pancake, okonomiyaki is made from batter and cabbage, with a variety of fillings like pork, shrimp, and cheese.
- Highlight: Cooked on a griddle and topped with okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, bonito flakes, and seaweed.
3. Kitsune Udon
- Description: Udon noodles served in a hot broth with a piece of sweet, deep-fried tofu (aburaage) on top.
- Highlight: The combination of the thick, chewy noodles and the sweet tofu makes for a comforting and delicious meal.
4. Kushikatsu
- Description: Skewered and deep-fried meat, seafood, and vegetables, typically dipped in a special sauce before eating.
- Highlight: Served with a variety of dipping sauces and perfect for sharing.
5. Negiyaki
- Description: Similar to okonomiyaki but with a lot of green onions (negi) mixed into the batter.
- Highlight: Often lighter and crisper than okonomiyaki, with a strong flavor of green onions.
6. Unagi (Grilled Eel)
- Description: Freshwater eel that is grilled with a sweet and savory sauce.
- Highlight: Served over a bed of rice, unagi is known for its rich flavor and tender texture.
7. Fugu (Blowfish)
- Description: A delicacy that must be prepared by licensed chefs due to its potential toxicity.
- Highlight: Often served as sashimi (thinly sliced raw fish) or in hot pots (fugu nabe).
8. Horumon (Offal)
- Description: Grilled or stewed beef or pork offal, a popular dish in Osaka’s casual dining spots.
- Highlight: Often seasoned with rich, flavorful sauces and enjoyed with a cold beer.
9. Ikayaki
- Description: Grilled or pan-fried squid, sometimes served whole or as a pressed squid pancake.
- Highlight: Often enjoyed as a street food snack, seasoned with soy sauce or a sweet glaze.
10. Yakiniku
- Description: Japanese-style BBQ where diners grill their own pieces of meat at the table.
- Highlight: A variety of cuts of beef, pork, and sometimes chicken, marinated in different sauces, and grilled to perfection.
These dishes showcase the rich culinary diversity and vibrant food culture of Osaka, making them essential experiences for any food lover visiting the city.