What is Kuidaore: A Trip with Osaka’s Street Food!

Osaka’s street food isn’t world-famous for nothing! Something is exciting and comforting about the street food scene here. Think soul food cooked fresh to order right in front of you. However, it has been said that the people of Osaka spend more on food than on anything else. Osakans love to splurge on food and have a word for it: kuidaore (eat until you drop). 

From ramen, takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savory pancake), and yakisoba (stir-fried noodles), the choices are endless! Here is everything you need to know about kuidaore and the best spots to enjoy street food in Osaka!

What is “kuidaore”?

Kuidaore, meaning “to eat oneself bankrupt,” describes Osakans’ obsession with food. It is so synonymous with this city that it even has its own clown as a mascot. This eat-till-you-drop custom just shows how much good food there is in Osaka!

The city is tenka no daidokoro (the nation’s kitchen). Eating is Osakans’ number one pastime, and their passion for food is an obsession. Of course, any of the world’s great food cities could probably relate, but Osaka truly owns it. Hundreds of shops and vendors are perfecting the city’s famed street foods. 

Where can I enjoy street food in Osaka?

You’ll find all sorts of street food everywhere while walking through Osaka’s streets, whether in the famous districts of Dotonbori, Shinsekai, or anywhere else.

The best place to experience Osaka’s food culture is the neon-laden Dotonbori district near Namba Station. Dotonbori is home to a major shopping street and plenty of back alleys where you can find exclusive street food. Roam the vibrant Dotonbori market and sample its countless small food stalls. Everywhere you turn, the streets are abuzz with vendors serving ramen, takoyaki, and much more.

For a nostalgic atmosphere of past decades, the Shinsekai district cannot be beaten. The retro Shinsekai district in Osaka is a colorful wonderland of street food. You can find some of Osaka’s famous street food specialties here, like kushikatsu (vegetables and meat skewers) and takoyaki, at restaurants and shops that operate 24 hours a day. 

Janjan Yokocho

A semi-hidden, narrow shopping street is deep in downtown Osaka, under the unmistakable shape of an old-fashioned tower. Janjan Yokocho is a covered shopping alley packed with wonders of the past and cheap Osaka food. Many tiny establishments are crammed next to each other. Standing bars, restaurants, arcades, a little bit of everything. 

You can’t leave Janjan Yokocho without trying some staples of the budget Osaka cuisine. From kushikatsu and sushi to coffee shops and tiny bars, this is the fun experience you’ll want to have in Japan! You’ll love wandering around and sampling so many foods and drinks. Walk around retro Osaka, soak in the old-fashioned atmosphere, and feast on authentic cheap food. 

Can’t make it out here, but do you want to try some exclusive Japanese treats? Check out TokyoTreat! TokyoTreat delivers limited-edition Japanese noodles, drinks, snacks, and sweets right to your door so you can enjoy the latest Japanese treats directly from Japan!

Tenjinbashi Shopping Street

One of Japan’s longest-covered shopping arcades stretches 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles). It begins around Tenjinbashi-suji Rokuchome Subway Station and ends just before Tenjinbashi Bridge. More importantly, it has over 600 shops and restaurants to browse. 

It’s not all tourist tat, but you’ll find anything and everything here, from street food, groceries, old-fashioned tea shops, charming cafes, tiny restaurants, and more. At the very least, you’ll have a blast eating delicious street food and snacks as you wander down the street.

Kuromon Market 

Kuromon Market is a covered public market that stretches around 600 meters. In the Edo Period (1603–1867), Kuromon had around 150 shops. Today, it’s a fun place to stroll around and try delicious street foods. A few sell bargain clothes and homeware, but most shops are about fresh food.

Stalls of fresh fish and produce line the long, narrow alley of the Kuromon Ichiba.  Whatever you eat at Kuromon Ichiba Market, rest assured it will be fresh, great quality, and delicious!

What are some famous restaurants in Osaka? 

Here are some of the best spots to enjoy delicious street food in Osaka with style!

Abeno Takoyaki Yamachan 

One of Osaka’s most famous street foods is takoyaki, and Yamachan is probably one of the city’s favorite takoyaki spots. Their octopus balls are just some of the most delicious and must-visit when you’re in the area. It’s even been listed in the Michelin guide, so you can be sure you’re eating something tasty.

Takoyaki can be a hard sell for most first-time visitors to Japan, even on a kuidaore trip! But they’re surprisingly addictive, and you’re likely to be hooked after the first time. Be sure to let it cool down before you eat it so you don’t burn yourself!

They make the batter with an intensely flavored chicken, kelp, and bonito broth, which elevates it above your average takoyaki shop. Try it plain to enjoy its unique texture and taste – crisp on the outside and ultra creamy on the inside.

Kiji 

If you only have time for one okonomiyaki restaurant in the city, make it the Michelin-rated Kiji. Osaka has thousands of okonomiyaki restaurants, but Kiji remains a favorite with locals and tourists. It’s a popular hole-in-the-wall Okonomiyaki restaurant in Osaka. You can even hear the train sound, the smokiness, and the tight, narrow seating; the vibe is there. 

One of the secrets to Kiji-style okonomiyaki is the addition of perilla leaf, which gives it a refreshing flavor. Okonomiyaki can be hearty and heavy, and using this herb gives it an incredible lightness. You can also enjoy many different varieties, some with noodles and some without. Yakisoba is also a must-try here. Watch the chef prepare it all for you at your table, or get involved in the cooking action yourself!

Bon 

Deep-fried and refined are not two words that usually go together. But this underground Michelin-star restaurant will take your taste buds on a flavorful ride! 

The ingredients are all top-class. Your average kushikatsu restaurant will not fry wagyu beef, caviar, or sea urchin on its skewers. Even if the oil is unique, frying the skewers in a mix of lard and cottonseed oil for some extra flavor. 

They won’t stop giving you food until you tell them to stop. It’s not unusual for a single meal to last for 20 to 30 skewers, which doesn’t sound like a lot until you start eating them! There’s an English menu here, and lunch is much better value for money. 

Why should I try kuidaore in Osaka?

People love street food in Osaka because it tastes like Japan’s best food while being wallet-friendly. Known for its vibrant culture and drool-worthy food, it’s no surprise that Osaka is a top destination for gourmands. 

Indeed, stopping eating in Osaka is not easy. The more time you spend in the city, the more you will eat. Takoyaki balls, savory okonomiyaki pancakes, deep-fried kushikatsu skewers— you’ll see this is the place to eat yourself broke, Osaka-style. When you go to Osaka, don’t miss the endless traditional street food as you enjoy kuidaore culture!

We hope you enjoyed our take on some excellent street food in Osaka! Which one are you most excited to visit? Do you have a favorite street food in Osaka? Let us know in the comments below!