Best Foods to Try in Osaka During Expo 2025
Osaka is known as “Japan’s Kitchen”, and no visit to the city is complete without trying its famous local dishes. During Expo 2025, millions of visitors will have the opportunity to experience Osaka’s vibrant food scene. Whether you’re looking for street food, fine dining, or traditional Japanese cuisine, here are the must-try dishes in Osaka!
1. Takoyaki (Octopus Balls) 🐙
One of Osaka’s most famous street foods, takoyaki are crispy, golden-brown balls filled with diced octopus, batter, and green onions, then topped with takoyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes.
📍 Where to Try:
- Takoyaki Wanaka (Dotonbori) – A local favorite with a crispy outer layer
- Kukuru (Shinsaibashi) – Famous for its soft and flavorful takoyaki
2. Okonomiyaki (Japanese Savory Pancake) 🥞
Often called “Japanese pizza”, okonomiyaki is a thick, savory pancake made with cabbage, meat, seafood, and a special okonomiyaki sauce.
📍 Where to Try:
- Mizuno (Dotonbori) – A Michelin-recommended spot
- Chibo (Namba) – A long-established okonomiyaki restaurant with a variety of options
3. Kushikatsu (Deep-Fried Skewers) 🍢
Kushikatsu consists of skewered meat, seafood, and vegetables, coated in crispy batter and deep-fried to perfection. It’s best enjoyed dipped in special tonkatsu sauce (but remember: no double dipping!).
📍 Where to Try:
- Daruma (Shinsekai) – The birthplace of kushikatsu
- Yaekatsu (Shinsekai) – A local favorite with a lively atmosphere
4. Sushi & Sashimi 🍣
While sushi is available all over Japan, Osaka’s sushi scene is unique, offering fresh and high-quality seafood at reasonable prices.
📍 Where to Try:
- Harukoma (Tenjinbashi) – Famous for large sushi portions at affordable prices
- Endo Sushi (Osaka Central Market) – Over 100 years of history, known for melt-in-your-mouth tuna
5. Yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) 🥩
Osaka is one of Japan’s top cities for yakiniku, where diners grill their own high-quality beef at the table.
📍 Where to Try:
- Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M – Serves premium Matsusaka beef
- Joujou-en (Umeda) – An upscale yakiniku experience
6. Ramen & Udon 🍜
Osaka offers a variety of noodle dishes, from rich and creamy ramen to thick and chewy udon.
📍 Where to Try:
- Ichiran Ramen (Dotonbori) – Famous for its customizable tonkotsu ramen
- Kamatake Udon (Shinsaibashi) – Specializes in Osaka-style udon
7. Horumon (Grilled Offal) 🔥
A must-try for adventurous eaters, horumon (grilled beef or pork intestines) is packed with rich umami flavors and grilled over an open flame.
📍 Where to Try:
- Yakiniku Rikimaru (Namba) – Specializes in horumon dishes
- Tsuruhashi Fugetsu (Tsuruhashi) – Located in Osaka’s famous Korean Town
8. Desserts: Taiyaki & Japanese Sweets 🍡
After indulging in savory dishes, don’t forget to try Osaka’s sweet treats like taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes filled with red bean paste) and warabi mochi (chewy bracken starch jelly coated with kinako powder).
📍 Where to Try:
- Naruto Taiyaki (Namba) – A crispy and sweet snack
- Toraya (Umeda) – Famous for traditional wagashi (Japanese sweets)
Final Thoughts
Osaka’s food culture is an essential part of its identity, and Expo 2025 is the perfect time to explore it. From street food to high-end dining, there’s something for every taste.
🍽️ Looking for a place to stay while enjoying Osaka’s food scene? Check out our recommended hotels for Expo 2025 visitors here!
🏨 Need a comfortable stay near Osaka Expo 2025? Explore our top hotel picks here!
