Osaka 17 Best Desserts & Local Foods: Ultimate Sweets & Gourmet Guide Beloved by Local !
Osaka has a long history of flourishing as a center of logistics and commerce, making it one of Japan's premier gourmet cities. In this vibrant city, you can enjoy a wide range of desserts spanning from traditional Japanese confections to the latest modern sweets, in addition to famous local specialties like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
Osaka offers an abundant variety of options, from uniquely beautiful traditional sweets that are as visually stunning as they are delicious, to long-lasting treats perfect for souvenirs. This time, we'll introduce a carefully selected collection of exquisite Osaka desserts and local gourmet treats that are absolutely essential when visiting Osaka.
If you want to experience Osaka's food culture and incredible cuisine, try joining a tour guided by locals who can show you their favorite dining spots. These local-guided tours have been gaining popularity recently, as visitors love exploring hidden gems that only residents know about.
Magical Trip's tours have become especially popular, and our high quality earned them the #1 ranking among all tours on TripAdvisor in 2024.
For those wanting to dive into Osaka's food culture, I recommend the "Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai." You'll get to experience must-try Osaka dishes while visiting restaurants beloved by locals.
If you're interested in bar-hopping and sampling fine sake in Osaka, join the "Osaka Bar Hopping Night Tour in Namba." It's one of my favorite tours because you can enjoy both Osaka's amazing food and Japan's drinking culture at the same time!
Osaka: A Gourmet Paradise with Traditional Local Dishes and Popular Sweets
Known as "Kuidaore no Machi" (The City of Extravagant Dining), Osaka is a gourmet paradise filled with traditional local dishes and sweets that are also popular on social media.
Osaka is particularly abundant in "konamon" (dishes made with flour) cuisine. From the popular takoyaki to kushikatsu, udon, and meat buns, the variety is rich. Osaka is truly like a theme park for flour-based dishes!
In recent years, sweets have also been gaining popularity, especially on social media. Sweets using flour, which are characteristic of Osaka, are particularly popular, with many people traveling from afar to buy them.
You're sure to fall in love with the many culinary delights! In Osaka, "The City of Extravagant Dining," you're certain to find your favorite dish.
Exquisite Desserts You Must Try When Visiting Osaka in 2025
From here, we'll introduce exceptional Osaka desserts that visitors to Osaka in 2025 should definitely experience, ranging from traditional Japanese confections to contemporary sweets.
Japanese Traditional Sweets
Osaka is home to many traditional Japanese confections made with mochi, matcha, and anko (sweet paste made from boiled and mashed azuki beans). The secret to the popularity of Osaka desserts lies not only in their taste but also in their beautiful appearance that showcases exceptional craftsmanship.
We'll introduce three recommended traditional sweet shops in Osaka, including cafes where you can enjoy Japanese confections in refined, modern Japanese spaces, and unique stores where you can savor sweets you've made yourself. Please use this as a reference for your Osaka dessert journey.
Japanese cafe MARUFUJI CAFE Tennoji Kitaguchi
Source:Tabelog
"Japanese cafe MARUFUJI CAFE Tennoji Kitaguchi" is a cafe where you can enjoy Japanese-style sweets in a contemporary, sophisticated space. This cafe offers a diverse range of uniquely Japanese desserts, including dango (Japanese confection made from rice flour kneaded and shaped into balls) and matcha-flavored pancakes.
The dessert I particularly recommend at this cafe is their signature "MARUFUJI Dango." The "MARUFUJI Dango" is a charming sweet featuring two dango on a skewer, and you can choose your favorite flavor from options like mitarashi (sweet soy syrup), matcha, and anko.
Additionally, the "Manmaru set," which allows you to enjoy desserts and Japanese tea, offers the unique experience of whisking your own matcha. This cafe is conveniently located about a 1-minute walk from the nearest station, making it perfect to visit alongside your Osaka sightseeing.
Information:
- Address: 8-11 Hidaincho, Tennoji-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
- Business Hours: 13:00-24:00 (L.O. 23:30)
- Closed: Year-end and New Year holidays
- Phone: 06-6773-0822
- Official Website: https://www.marufuji-dango.com/
Bashoan
Source:Tabelog
Bashoan is a long-established specialty shop for warabi mochi with over 150 years of history since its founding. Warabi mochi is a traditional Japanese confection made from warabi flour (starch extracted from bracken fern roots). It's characterized by its soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and is one of the highly popular traditional sweets among Japanese people.
At Bashoan, you can enjoy authentic warabi mochi made with carefully selected, high-quality ingredients, topped with anko, matcha, kinako (soybean flour), and other options. The warabi mochi, carefully crafted one by one using traditional methods, is an exquisite treat with a mellow sweetness and resilient texture that becomes addictive.
What I particularly recommend about this shop is the experience of grinding Japanese brand soybeans "Tamba black beans" yourself using a stone mill to make kinako. Please enjoy this unforgettable culinary experience while feeling the traditional manufacturing methods with your own hands, in addition to savoring the exceptional taste of high-quality warabi mochi.
Information:
- Address: 1-1-90-B100 Oyodonaka, Kita-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
- Business Hours: 11:00-20:00
- Closed: None
- Phone: 06-6440-5928
- Official Website: http://www.bashoudo.com/
Namiyoshian
Source:Official Facebook
Namiyoshian is a long-established traditional confectionery shop founded in 1858, characterized by its calm, modern Japanese atmosphere with jazz music playing in the background. At Namiyoshian, you can enjoy high-quality Japanese confections made with carefully selected, premium ingredients including rice grown on their own farm and kelp from Rishiri, famous for its kelp production.
What I particularly want you to taste at this traditional sweet shop is the "Aburi mitarashi" - freshly grilled, soft dango glazed with mitarashi (sweet soy syrup). The warm dango with its natural rice sweetness and the fragrant, rich mitarashi melt together in your mouth, creating an exquisite harmony.
At Namiyoshian, you can also enjoy exceptional Japanese teas sourced from specialized tea shops, including matcha, hojicha, and genmaicha. Please savor Japan's traditional mitarashi dango together with their excellent Japanese tea for the complete Osaka dessert experience.
Information:
- Address: 1-7-31 Shikitsuhigashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka City
- Business Hours:
Cafe 1F: Weekdays 11:00-18:15 / Weekends & Holidays 11:00-18:45 ※Reservation required
Cafe 2F: Weekdays 12:30(Final departure 17:00) / Weekends & Holidays 12:30(Final departure 17:30)
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 06-6641-5886
- Official Website: https://namiyoshian.jp/
Representative Osaka Desserts Beloved by Both Tourists and Locals
Osaka boasts numerous signature desserts loved by people of all ages, ranging from traditional Japanese sweets with long histories to the latest trendy treats that go viral on social media. These desserts are enjoyed not only by tourists but also cherished in the daily lives of local residents, making them perfect for those who want to experience Osaka's food culture.
Below, we'll introduce four carefully selected representative Osaka desserts that we highly recommend.
Rikuro's Freshly Baked Cheese Cake
Source:Official website
"Rikuro Ojisan no Mise" (Uncle Rikuro's Shop) is a popular cheesecake store that always has long lines of customers. It has become a social media sensation nationwide, attracting customers from all over Japan seeking their cheesecake.
The cheesecake from Uncle Rikuro's shop is characterized by its jiggly and fluffy texture. When you put it in your mouth, you can enjoy a fluffy and melts texture.
The batter contains raisins that add an accent and stimulate the appetite. Only whole-size cakes are sold.
Some people might think this seems like a lot, but since it's not too sweet, it's perfectly manageable for one person to finish. As a food lover myself, I find it so deliciously appealing that I can eat an entire whole cake in one sitting.
Since they serve freshly made cakes, you can also watch the cheesecake baking process right at the storefront.
The impressive sight of the cake's jiggly texture when the symbolic logo is stamped on it creates a jiggling effect that's so captivating you could watch it forever.
Rikuro's Namba Main Branch
- Address: 3-2-28 Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka-fu (Osaka-fu Osaka-shi Cyuuou-ku Nanba 3-2-28)
- Business Hours: 9:00～20:00
- Closed: None
- Phone: 0120-57-2132
- URL: https://www.rikuro.co.jp/
Rikuro's Cheesecake JR Shin-Ōsaka Station Central Gate
- Address: 5-16-1 Nishinakajima, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka-fu (Inside the waiting room in front of JR Shin-Osaka Station Shinkansen Central Gate)
- Business Hours: 9:00～20:00
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 0120-57-2132
- Official Website: https://www.rikuro.co.jp/shoplist/140.html
Mitarashi Dango (Sweet and Salty Glazed Rice Dumplings)
Source:Tabelog
"Mitarashi dango" with its sweet and salty glaze is one of my favorites and is among the Japanese sweets popular across all generations in Japan.
The dango from Kiyasu Sohonpo, made from rice flour and glutinous rice flour, has elasticity and is chewy. They are grilled on a net until charred, then dipped in a special soy sauce-based syrup made with kelp dashi.
Since mitarashi dango are grilled at the storefront, the shop is always filled with a wonderful roasting aroma. They serve freshly made ones, so you can fully experience the roasting aroma that comes from the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Kiyasu Sohonpo Main Store
<Information>
- Address: 1-4-2 Juso Honmachi, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka-fu (Osaka-fu Osaka-shi Yodogawa-ku Jyuusou honmachi1-4-2)
- Business Hours: 10:00～20:00
Closed: Tuesdays
- Phone: 06-6301-0001
- URL: http://www.kiyasu.jp/
Kiyasu Sohonpo Umeda Daimaru
<Information>
- Address: Umeda Daimaru B1, 3-chome Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka-fu
- Business Hours: 10:00～20:00
- Closed: January 1st, 2nd
- Phone: 06-6343-0164
- Official Website: http://www.kiyasu.jp/
Kintsuba is Also Famous at Kiyasu Sohonpo
Source:Tabelog
At Kiyasu Sohonpo, in addition to mitarashi dango, Kintsuba is also one of their popular products. Kintsuba is a traditional Japanese sweet made by setting chunky anko (red bean paste) with agar and wrapping it in thin wheat flour batter.
Kiyasu Sohonpo's Kintsuba features carefully selected Hokkaido azuki beans with a refined taste that's moderately sweet. The Kintsuba, with each of its six sides carefully grilled by skilled craftsmen, is an exquisite piece where premium anko pairs perfectly with the moderately chewy texture of the batter.
Another favorite point of mine is that this shop's Kintsuba are large in size, providing satisfying substance even with just one piece. The Umeda Daimaru store is particularly accessible, being about a 1-minute walk from JR Osaka Station, so please stop by during your Osaka sightseeing to taste their delicious Kintsuba.
Awa-okoshi
Awa-okoshi is a traditional Japanese sweet representative of Osaka, made by hardening steamed and dried grains such as glutinous rice and millet with mizuame (starch syrup). You can enjoy the refined sweetness and roasted aroma of the mizuame.
Due to its auspicious name meaning "calling in good fortune" in Japanese, Awa-okoshi has become a standard gift in Osaka for celebrations and expressing gratitude.
At "Amidaike Daikoku," a long-established Awa-okoshi specialty shop that has been in business for about 200 years, you can taste refined Awa-okoshi made with carefully selected domestic ingredients. Also, at "Awagen," which gained attention for providing Awa-okoshi as souvenirs for the G20 Osaka Summit, you can enjoy unique matcha-flavored Awa-okoshi.
Since Awa-okoshi has a long shelf life, why not take some back to your home country as souvenirs to enjoy the traditional taste of Osaka with family and friends?
Amidaike Daikoku
<Information>
- Address: 3-11-26 Kitahorie, Nishi-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka-fu
- Business Hours: 9:00～18:30
- Closed: Year-end and New Year holidays
- Phone: 06-6538-2987
- Official Website: https://www.daikoku.ne.jp/store_list/headstore/
Awagen
<Information>
- Address: 1-2-3 Kamisumiyoshi, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka-fu
- Business Hours: 9:30～16:30
- Closed: Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays
- Phone: 06-6671-0246
- Official Website: https://awagen.jp/ipad.htm
Author's Recommendations! Desserts You Can Enjoy Visually
Osaka has numerous shops where you can enjoy desserts that are not only delicious but also visually beautiful. These establishments offer high-quality desserts with attention to both taste and ingredients, featuring adorable appearances that make you want to take photos. They are beloved not only by tourists but also by local sweets enthusiasts.
Here, we introduce 3 recommended shops where you can enjoy visually appealing desserts, including innovative sweets created by young patissiers and unique desserts using Japan-originated sweet bread.
Hannoc
Source:Official website
Hannoc is an innovative patisserie & café operated by a team of young patissiers. At Hannoc, under the concept "Make patissier more creative," you can savor diverse Western confections that each patissier expresses with their natural sensibility, creating visually enjoyable treats.
What I particularly recommend at Hannoc are the cakes that are beautiful like art pieces. You must see the Instagram-worthy cakes, such as those topped with green pistachio cream arranged like a flower field, or those wrapped in pure white cheese cream as if snow has fallen and accumulated.
Additionally, at Hannoc, unique flavors such as coffee paired with pistachio cream and ginger used as a secret ingredient in carrot cake are also popular secrets. Since cakes are sold for limited periods and quantities, this is recommended for those who want to enjoy special desserts that can only be tasted here.
<Information>
- Address: 1F Naniwa Building, 4-12 Banzai-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
- Business Hours: [Sunday-Thursday] 11:00-21:00 [Friday, Saturday, Day before holidays] 11:00-22:00
- Closed: None
- Phone: 06-4792-8069
- Official Homepage: https://hannoc.jp/
Ruggeri
Source:Tabelog
Ruggeri is an authentic Italian gelato specialty shop where you can enjoy diverse flavors using seasonal ingredients. At Ruggeri, you can also taste gelato made with uniquely Japanese fruits such as "Amaou," a representative brand strawberry of Japan, and "Dekopon," known as high-quality mandarin oranges.
Among Ruggeri's offerings where you can enjoy various flavors according to the season, my particular favorite is the gelato made with the finest Sicilian pistachios. The elegant aroma and rich flavor of pistachios are exquisite, allowing you to directly experience the authentic taste of pistachios.
At Ruggeri, an attractive point is that you can freely combine and choose 1-3 types from 13-16 flavors that are always available. Please try their carefully crafted gelato that brings out the taste of ingredients during your Osaka sightseeing break.
<Information>
- Address: 2-8-93 Namba-naka, Naniwa-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
- Business Hours: 11:00-20:00
- Closed: Wednesday
- Phone: 06-6586-9268
- Official Homepage: http://www.ruggeri.jp/
Melon Bread
Source:Google Maps
"Melon Bread" is a Melon Bread specialty sweets stand located in Dotonbori Shopping Street, a popular tourist destination that symbolizes Osaka. Melon Bread is a Japan-originated sweet bread made by placing sweet biscuit dough on soft round bread and baking it, enjoyed daily throughout Japan.
At "Melon Bread," you can taste unique desserts where colorful ice cream is sandwiched inside Melon Bread cut in half horizontally. The freshly baked warm bread and cold vanilla or strawberry ice cream melt together, allowing you to enjoy various textures in your mouth.
Also, the reason I recommend this shop is that you can choose ice cream flavors that are uniquely Japanese, such as matcha and sakura. Please fully enjoy this exquisite dessert where Japan-born sweet bread fuses with uniquely Japanese flavors, both in taste and appearance.
<Information>
- Address: Shibata Building, 1-5-8 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
- Business Hours: No information available
- Closed: No information available
- Phone: No information available
- Official Homepage: https://maps.app.goo.gl/T9q6AvHPsE2gYXqL8
If You Want to Fully Enjoy Osaka's Food, "Kuromon Market," the City's Famous Treasure Trove of Ingredients, is Recommended!
Kuromon Market is a treasure trove of ingredients beloved as "Osaka's Kitchen." Kuromon Market offers diverse gourmet experiences where you can experience Osaka's food culture, from fresh seafood to local specialty gourmet foods.
The "Kuromon Market Walking Street Food Tour in Osaka" guided by local guides allows you to experience 5-6 types of Osaka specialties, including takoyaki originating from Osaka. While strolling through Kuromon Market with over 130 shops, you can fully enjoy local guide-recommended Osaka gourmet foods.
Additionally, this tour allows you to enjoy food walking in the Dotonbori area, Osaka's symbolic glittering entertainment district. Since this 2-hour tour involves a lot of outdoor food walking time, please participate in comfortable clothing suitable for the season.
<Information>
- Meeting point: In front of the SMBC ATM at Nippon-bashi 1chome near Kintetsu Nippon-bashi Station
- Tour Areas: Kuromon Market, Doguyasuji Shopping Street, Dotonbori
- Start Times: 10:00/11:00
Click here for more details
Introducing Osaka's Exquisite Traditional Foods with Recommended Restaurants
Takoyaki
Takoyaki is a local dish originating from Osaka. It's a food made by adding dashi (soup stock) to wheat flour, adding octopus, and baking it into a ball shape. It was first sold to the public in 1935.
Takoyaki, cooked on a piping hot iron plate, is characterized by its crispy exterior and creamy interior. The addition of tender octopus creates an exceptional harmony of textures.
Initially, it was eaten simply without sauce, but as time passed, it began to be eaten with sauce and mayonnaise. The contents of the batter also vary depending on the shop, with some adding red ginger, green onions, and tempura scraps, allowing you to enjoy various types of takoyaki today.
Hanadako
Source: Tabelog
"Hanadako" is a popular shop located in the Osaka Shin Umeda Shokudogai (Osaka New Umeda Food Street) near Umeda Station, always with a long queue.
The characteristic of Hanadako's takoyaki is the large octopus inside. The large cut boiled octopus is satisfying to eat.
The menu has two types: "Takoyaki" with only sauce, and "Negi Mayo" which is luxuriously topped with green onions and mayonnaise. There are five types of sauces: sauce, ponzu, dashi soy sauce, salt, and shio-dare. Be sure to try and compare different flavors!
<Basic Information>
- Address: Osaka ShinUmeda Shokudogai 1F, 9-26 Kakuda-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka-fu
- Business Hours: 10:00-22:00
- Closed: None
- Phone Number: 06-6372-0313
- URL: https://shinume.com/shop/%E3%81%AF%E3%81%AA%E3%81%A0%E3%81%93/
If you are interested in Hanadako, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
Takohachi
Source: Official website
The characteristic of "Takohachi" is takoyaki that is crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
Using carefully selected ingredients for wheat flour, dashi, and octopus, each takoyaki is packed with condensed savory flavors.
The takoyaki, with its strong dashi flavor and a hint of soy sauce aroma, is delicious enough without sauce. I recommend trying it as is, without any toppings.
At the Dotonbori main store, in addition to takoyaki, you can casually enjoy other Osaka specialties such as yakisoba, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu while drinking sake.
<Basic Information>
Dotonbori Main Store
- Address: 1-5-10 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka-fu
- Business Hours: 10:00-21:00
- Closed: None
- Phone Number: 06-6211-4684
- URL: https://www.takohachi.jp/menu/
If you are interested in Takoyaki, check the article below! I summarized Takoyaki Restaurants in Osaka I recommend and how I felt each Takoyaki Restaurant.
Kushikatsu
In 1929, many manual laborers gathered in Osaka for the city's development. The proprietress of "Daruma," the founding store of kushikatsu, created it with the thought that "workers should be able to eat quickly and feel full with just one bite."
At that time, kushikatsu was only beef cut into bite-sized pieces, wrapped in wheat flour batter, coated with breadcrumbs, and deep-fried. However, in recent years, you can find kushikatsu with a variety of ingredients, from seafood like shrimp and scallops to vegetables like onions and eggplants, and even sausages and cheese. The Osaka way is to dip it in low-viscosity Worcestershire sauce.
In kushikatsu specialty stores, cabbage is often served as an appetizer. In the past, the sauce containers placed at the seats were shared with other customers, and double-dipping was prohibited. When people wanted more sauce, they would scoop it up with the cabbage appetizer and put it on their kushikatsu.
Currently, the trend is shifting towards pour-type sauces or personal sauces that can be used multiple times.
Kushikatsu Daruma Shinsekai Main Store
Source: Official website
"Kushikatsu Daruma" is the birthplace of kushikatsu. It's a famous shop among Japanese tourists and always has a long queue.
They use oil that contains beef fat, resulting in a crispy texture of the batter that's not greasy.
The rich, smooth sauce pairs exceptionally well with the kushikatsu. My recommendation is the personal sauce that you can order. You get a container with a single serving of sauce, allowing you to dip your kushikatsu as much as you like. You can enjoy both the traditional flavor and a sauce-lover's dream way of eating.
Daruma's kushikatsu also has a wide variety, from the standard beef to seafood, vegetables, and unique options like cheese.
<Basic Information>
- Address: 2-3-9 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka-fu
- Business Hours: 11:30-22:30
- Closed: None
- Phone Number: 06-6645-7056
- URL: https://www.kushikatu-daruma.com/
If you are interested in Kushikatsu Daruma, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
Kushikatsu Bon
Source: Official website
At "Kushikatsu Bon," you can enjoy kushikatsu made with high-end ingredients like truffles, caviar, and Chateaubriand. Each skewer is carefully made, offering a sophisticated flavor.
The menu consists only of courses. Although each course includes more than 10 skewers, the kushikatsu, coated with special breadcrumbs and fried in high-quality oil, has a crusty and light texture that allows you to eat many.
The restaurant atmosphere is not casual but luxurious and calm. It's recommended for dates and special occasions.
<Basic Information>
- Address: Dojima Merry Center Building B1F, 1-3-16 Dojima, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka-fu
- Business Hours: 18:00-24:30
- Closed: 12/31-1/4
- Phone Number: 06-6344-0400
- URL: http://www.kitchen-dan.jp/bon/
If you are interested in Kushikatsu Bon, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
If you are interested in Kushiage in Osaka, check the article below! I summarized Kushiage Restaurants in Osaka I recommend and how I felt each Restaurant.
Okonomiyaki
Okonomiyaki is a pancake-like food made by mixing wheat flour dissolved in chicken eggs and dashi with cabbage, meat, and seafood, then cooking it on an iron plate. It's eaten with sauce, mayonnaise, bonito flakes, and dried seaweed flakes.
In the Kansai region, there was a dish of wheat flour batter with green onions cooked on a griddle for a long time. However, during the early 1900s, during wartime, cabbage was used instead of green onions to create something cheap and filling, which spread as okonomiyaki. After the war, it became widely popular as a snack for children and as an accompaniment to drinks, and the fillings became more luxurious with pork and shrimp.
Currently, there are many variations, and you can enjoy various flavors depending on the shop, such as corn, cheese, and beef tendon.
Also, many shops that serve okonomiyaki also offer other iron plate dishes like steak and yakisoba.
Jibundoki
Source: MICHELIN
"Jibundoki" is a popular okonomiyaki shop run by a married couple. In addition to okonomiyaki, you can also enjoy iron plate dishes such as steak and seafood like oysters.
The okonomiyaki, which has a substantial thickness, might look firm, but it has a very fluffy and light texture. It's a popular okonomiyaki that many customers return for.
"Jibundoki" is also famous for being one of the hardest restaurants in Japan to make a reservation. Often, the next available reservation is more than six months away. If you want to go, it's recommended to make a reservation right away!
<Basic Information>
- Address: 4-5-11 Minami Kyuhojimachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka-fu
- Business Hours: 17:00-23:00
- Closed: Mondays, Sundays, and public holidays
- Phone Number: 06-6253-1661
- URL: https://tabelog.com/osaka/A2701/A270106/27001808/
If you are interested in Jibundoki, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
Tanpopo
Source: Tabelog
"Tanpopo" is a teppanyaki restaurant with a luxurious atmosphere. You can enjoy a variety of iron plate dishes from steak to creative dishes and yakisoba.
Among these, the most popular is okonomiyaki. Tanpopo's okonomiyaki features a perfect combination of fluffy and soft batter, finely shredded crispy cabbage, and crunchy fried pork.
The okonomiyaki pairs excellently with Tanpopo's pride - their extensive wine selection.
For health-conscious individuals, they also offer okonomiyaki made with gluten-free ingredients.
<Basic Information>
Tanpopo Kitashinchi Main Store
- Address: Eiraku Building 6F, 1-10-16 Sonezaki Shinchi, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka-fu
- Business Hours: Monday-Saturday & Holidays 18:00-22:00
- Closed: Sundays
- Phone Number: 050-5595-6631
- URL: https://tabelog.com/osaka/A2701/A270101/27101683/
If you are interested in Tanpopo, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
If you are interested in Okonamiyaki in Osaka, check the article below! I summarized Okonomiyaki Restaurants in Osaka I recommend and how I felt each Restaurant.
Butaman (Steamed Pork Buns)
"Butaman" is a steamed bun filled with a mixture of seasoned pork, bamboo shoots, onions, and other ingredients, wrapped in a wheat flour skin.
The umami of the meat juice that overflows from the inside is a deliciousness that can only be experienced with this cooking method of steaming in a wheat flour wrapper.
In most parts of Japan, these are called "nikuman" (meat buns). However, in Osaka, the word "niku" (meat) only refers to beef, so buns filled with pork are uniformly called "butaman" in Osaka.
Palm-sized butaman are substantial and satisfying. They're just right for a snack or light meal. They're so popular that you can buy them at the front of any convenience store, indicating their high market share in Japan.
In Osaka, there are many specialty stores for butaman where you can enjoy unique flavors.
551 Horai
Source: Official website
"551 Horai" is so famous that when people think of meat buns, they think of this shop. When you bite into the plump and chewy skin, bursting meat juice overflows.
The filling, packed with juicy meat, is exceptionally satisfying. There are 551 Horai meat bun shops in many stations around Osaka city, so I always buy them as souvenirs.
The main store also has a restaurant where you can enjoy Chinese cuisine in addition to meat buns. If you're interested, please visit.
<Basic Information>
551 HORAI Main Store
- Address: 3-6-3 Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka-fu
- Business Hours: Shop 10:00-21:30 / Restaurant 11:00-21:30
- Closed: 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month
- Phone Number: 06-6641-0551
- URL: https://www.551horai.co.jp/
Kitsune Udon
Kitsune udon is a dish where sweet and salty seasoned deep-fried tofu (aburaage) is placed on top of udon noodles.
Aburaage is thinly sliced tofu that's deep-fried, and it's commonly used in Japanese cuisine, often added to miso soup. It's high in protein and other nutrients, often serving as a meat substitute in cooking.
It's also rich in dietary fiber, making it a healthy option and recommended for health-conscious individuals as it's plant-based.
By the way, the reason why aburaage is called "kitsune" (fox) is because foxes are said to love aburaage (though there are various theories about this).
The aburaage on top of the udon is thick and juicy. It's well-soaked in dashi broth and pairs perfectly with the udon. The garnish of green onions and shichimi togarashi (seven-flavor chili pepper) with yuzu adds a nice accent.
Dotonbori Imai
Source: Official website
"Dotonbori Imai," located in the Dotonbori shopping street, has a distinctive exterior that exudes Japanese charm. It's a restaurant where you can enjoy Japanese cuisine centered around udon.
The udon soup at "Dotonbori Imai" uses dashi extracted from carefully selected ingredients such as kelp and mackerel. The soup has a subtle sweetness and a mild, gentle flavor that warms your heart when you drink it.
Among the udon dishes, the most popular is "Kitsune Udon." With the meticulously prepared dashi soup, chewy udon noodles, and aburaage that spreads its flavor throughout your mouth with one bite, it's a supreme delicacy.
The combination of aburaage and udon is truly the pinnacle of deliciousness. Among these, I confidently recommend Imai's kitsune udon as one of the best.
<Basic Information>
- Address: 1-7-22 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka-fu
- Business Hours: 11:30-21:30
- Closed: Wednesdays & 4th Tuesday of the month
- Phone Number: 06-6211-0319
- URL: https://www.d-imai.com/
Ikayaki (Grilled Squid)
Ikayaki has been a popular snack for people of all ages in Osaka since around 1950, and it's considered one of Osaka's soul foods.
In most parts of Japan, "ikayaki" typically refers to grilled whole squid. However, in Osaka, "ikayaki" is a dish made by mixing finely chopped squid into water-dissolved wheat flour, grilling it, and seasoning it with a sweet and savory sauce.
The process of grilling the flour-based batter on an iron plate is similar to okonomiyaki, but the major difference is in the cooking method. Unlike okonomiyaki, which is cooked to be fluffy, ikayaki is pressed down with a spatula while cooking, resulting in a chewy texture. If okonomiyaki is compared to a pancake, ikayaki could be compared to a crepe due to the similar chewy texture of the batter.
It's a perfect snack for eating on the go, as you can quickly enjoy it with one hand.
Hanshin Meibutsu Ikayaki
Source: Tabelog
"Hanshin Meibutsu Ikayaki," located in the basement of Hanshin Umeda Main Store, is always crowded with long queues.
The menu is very simple with only four options. You can choose from simple ikayaki, one with green onions, one with egg called "Delavan," and "Wafu Dela" which includes green onions, egg, and squid.
The prices are very attractive, with the cheapest option being under 200 yen. Although it's quite filling, it's light enough that you might want to order seconds or thirds.
It pairs excellently with beer and is popular among salarymen on their way home from work. Being close to the station, many people also buy them as souvenirs to take home.
<Basic Information>
- Address: Hanshin Umeda Main Store B1F Snack Park, 1-13-13 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka-fu
- Business Hours: 10:00-22:00
- Closed: None
- Phone Number: 06-6345-1201
- URL: https://catalog.hankyu-hanshin-dept.co.jp/hankyu/brand/?bd=hsb_ikayaki&btm=0&cp=snack15
Discover Osaka's Traditional Sweets! 5 Shops to Enjoy Exquisite Desserts
Mukashin
Source: Official website
Mukashin, established in 1892, is a long-standing confectionery shop. They offer a wide variety of sweets, from traditional Japanese confections to Western-style pastries made with wheat flour.
Their most popular item is the "Kogashi Butter Cake." This palm-sized cute cake, reminiscent of a madeleine, has a crispy exterior. When you take a bite, the rich buttery flavor spreads throughout your mouth, showcasing Osaka's traditional culinary craftsmanship.
The secret ingredient is brown sugar, which, along with butter, adds depth to the flavor, making it a truly special treat.
The Sakai main store has an eat-in space where you can enjoy your purchased sweets with coffee, immersing yourself in the authentic taste of Osaka.
<Basic Information>
Sakai Main Store (Sakai Honten)
- Address: 1-1-10 Kushiya-cho Higashi, Sakai-ku, Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture
- Business Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Closed: Wednesdays
- Phone Number: 072-227-0330
- URL: https://www.mukashin.com/
Saryou Tsuboichi
Source: Official Instagram
Saryou Tsuboichi, established in 1850, is a traditional tea shop. The attached cafe offers sweets and dishes made from carefully selected tea leaves, showcasing Osaka's rich tea culture.
My recommendation is the "Special Parfait." It's a luxurious dish where you can taste jelly and ice cream made from tea all at once. The accompanying anko (sweet red bean paste) and cream perfectly complement the rich tea sweets, balancing sweetness and astringency.
Roll cakes and, in summer, shaved ice generously flavored with matcha are also popular menu items, offering a taste of Osaka's seasonal sweets.
They also have a wide range of tea-based drinks like matcha latte, making it a perfect spot to take a little break and indulge in Osaka's traditional tea culture.
<Basic Information>
Sakai Main Store
- Address: 1-1-2 Kukencho Higashi, Sakai-ku, Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture
- Business Hours: 10:30 AM - 6:00 PM
- Closed: Tuesdays (open on public holidays), New Year's holidays
- Phone Number: 072-227-7809
- URL: https://tsuboichi.co.jp/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saryo.tsuboichi/
Kiyasu Souhonpo
Source: FASHION PRESS
The popular shop "Kiyasu Souhonpo" always has a queue, and its signature dish is "Mitarashi Dango." These sweet and savory dango (rice dumplings) covered in a glossy sauce are my favorite and are popular among all generations in Japan, representing one of Osaka's traditional foods.
The dango at Kiyasu Souhonpo, made from rice flour and glutinous rice flour, are elastic and chewy. They're grilled on a net until slightly charred, then dipped in a special sauce made from a dashi broth using kombu and other ingredients, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
You can watch the mitarashi dango being grilled at the storefront, which is always enveloped in a fragrant aroma. They serve them fresh off the grill, allowing you to fully experience the savory aroma from the high-quality ingredients.
<Basic Information>
- Address: 1-4-2 Juso Honmachi, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
- Business Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Closed: Tuesdays
- Phone Number: 06-6301-0001
- URL: http://www.kiyasu.jp/
Kokyuan
Source: Retty
Kokyuan is a popular shop known for its baked goods like Baumkuchen and Dorayaki. Their most popular item is the castella cake called "Ougon no Tetsugaku" (Golden Philosophy).
This castella cake, adorned with shimmering gold leaf, is truly gorgeous. Made only with eggs, sugar, flour, starch syrup, and honey, it offers a gentle taste that highlights the flavors of its ingredients, embodying Osaka's traditional craftsmanship.
At their cafe, you can enjoy Japanese-style lunches and sweets. You can even taste freshly made "Ougon no Tetsugaku."
The castella served in a wooden box exudes elegance. It comes with butter and whipped cream on the side, allowing you to enjoy various flavor combinations.
Mitarashi dango and, in summer, original syrup-flavored shaved ice are also popular menu items, offering a taste of Osaka's seasonal treats.
<Basic Information>
- Address: 1-2-36 Kita Mikunigaoka-cho, Sakai-ku, Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture
- Business Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM
- Closed: Thursdays
- Phone Number: 072-222-2411
- URL: http://www.kokyuan.jp/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koukyuan_official/
Rikuro Ojisan no Mise
Source: Official website
"Rikuro Ojisan no Mise" is a popular cheesecake shop that always has a queue. It has gained fame on social media within Japan, attracting customers from all over the country seeking its cheesecakes.
The cheesecake from Rikuro Ojisan no Mise is characterized by its jiggly and fluffy texture. It melts in your mouth with a light, airy consistency.
The cake contains raisins, which add an appetizing accent. It's only sold in whole sizes.
Although it might seem like a lot, it's not overly sweet, making it easy for one person to finish. As a food lover myself, I can eat a whole cake in one sitting because it's so delightfully tasty.
They serve freshly baked cakes, so you can even watch the baking process at the storefront.
The sight of the cake jiggling when the symbolic logo is stamped on it is impressive and mesmerizing, showcasing the unique texture of this Osaka specialty.
<Basic Information>
Namba Main Store
- Address: 3-2-28 Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
- Business Hours: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Closed: None
- Phone Number: 0120-57-2132
- URL: https://www.rikuro.co.jp/
5 Recommended Souvenirs to Enjoy Osaka's Traditional Foods at Home
Takopatie
Source: Official website
"Takopatie" is a pastry inspired by takoyaki, one of Osaka's most famous street foods.
It's a product born from the unique Osaka humor of combining the deliciousness of takoyaki with the goodness of pie, resulting in an exquisite treat.
The crunchy pie is topped with sauce, bonito flakes, and mayonnaise. Unlike takoyaki, it contains walnuts and caramel, giving it an authentic dessert flavor.
The taste is a perfect balance of sweet and savory, with various flavors mingling in your mouth. When I first tried it, I was shocked by its innovative taste. You should definitely give it a try!
Its bite-sized shape makes it easy to eat, and the luxurious packaging makes it an ideal souvenir for women.
Pringles Takoyaki Flavor
Source: Official website
Pringles, enjoyed in over 40 countries worldwide, offers a takoyaki flavor that can only be purchased in Osaka.
With sauce, plenty of mayonnaise, and a hint of pickled ginger kneaded in, it tastes just like takoyaki transformed into a snack.
The flavor accurately recreates the taste of takoyaki, allowing you to enjoy the flavor of this Osaka specialty even after returning home.
As a traditional potato chip, it's a crowd-pleaser. Its rarity, being sold only in Osaka, makes it popular among foreign tourists as well.
Each box contains three cans, so you can share them with friends.
Okonomiyaki Senbei
Source: Rakuten Ichiba
"Okonomiyaki Senbei" is one of the popular Osaka souvenirs. It's a staple that I always buy when bringing back souvenirs from Osaka.
The appearance of Okonomiyaki Senbei is just like a miniature okonomiyaki. Freeze-dried ingredients like pickled ginger and cabbage, similar to those used in real okonomiyaki, are topping a rice cracker infused with bonito dashi.
One box contains two flavors: a crunchy cabbage flavor and a creamy mayonnaise flavor, making it fun to compare tastes.
As a unique product from Osaka, it's also a great conversation starter. With many pieces individually wrapped in each box, it's perfect for distributing to many people as a souvenir.
Dojima Roll
Source: Official website
When it comes to popular fresh confections in Osaka, "Dojima Roll" is a must-try. Dojima Roll is a roll cake meticulously handmade one by one in the store.
The springy sponge cake is generously filled with whipped cream. Each roll is substantial and satisfying, offering a true taste of Osaka's confectionery craftsmanship.
The whipped cream used in Dojima Roll is made from Hokkaido fresh milk, giving it a flavor that's almost like eating fresh milk itself. Although it looks voluminous, it has a light texture and isn't too sweet, making it easy to finish in one sitting.
There are also pre-cut versions available, which are perfect for travelers who want to enjoy this Osaka specialty in their hotel rooms.
Mitarashi Komochi
Source: Official website
As you walk around Osaka city, you'll often see mitarashi dango being grilled at storefronts, including at "Kiyasu Souhonpo" which we introduced earlier.
"Mitarashi Komochi" was created with the idea of allowing people to enjoy mitarashi dango at home and making it easy for anyone to eat.
The sweet soy sauce glaze is inside the dango, so it's not sticky and easy to eat. You don't have to worry about the sauce leaking when carrying it in your bag.
The soft and squishy Mitarashi Komochi are cute in appearance. One bite fills your mouth with the sweet and savory flavor of the glaze, offering a authentic taste of Osaka's traditional sweets.
With minimal use of additives, it has a gentle flavor that lets the natural taste of the ingredients shine through. As it's not skewered, it's also a recommended treat for small children to enjoy safely.
If you are interested in Souvenirs of Osaka, check the article below! I summarized Souvenirs of Osaka I recommend and how I felt each Souvenir.
Two Recommended Tours to Fully Experience Osaka
Discover Osaka's vibrant culture through these carefully selected tours by MagicalTrip, guided by locals who will help you explore the city's culinary delights.
Osaka Bar Hopping Night Tour in Namba
A 3-hour evening tour visiting three izakayas with an English-speaking guide. Explore historic Namba's hidden alleys like Hozenji Yokocho and Dotonbori while sampling Osaka specialties such as kushikatsu, takoyaki, and okonomiyaki. Priced at $95.44, the tour includes meals and 3-4 drinks.
The small-group experience offers local interactions and a photo service. Open to participants aged 15 and up, with alcoholic beverages for those 20 and older. Vegetarian options are available, though vegan and gluten-free meals are not. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before, with bookings possible up to 15 months in advance.
For more details: Osaka Bar Hopping Night Tour in Namba
Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai
A 3-hour walking food tour through Shinsekai and Dotonbori, featuring 8 local specialty tastings including takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu. Priced at $93.44 with food and 3 drinks included.
English-speaking guides share local history and reveal hidden backstreet locations. This popular tour, experienced by over 4,700 people, appeals to various groups. Vegetarian options available with advance notice, though gluten-free options are not.
The tour starts at Imamiya-Ebisu Station and concludes at Namba Station, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
For more details: Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai
Both tours offer unique insights into Osaka's authentic local experience – choose between a nighttime bar hopping adventure or a daytime culinary exploration.