Osaka is packed with authentic and delicious eats! Travelers vote: Top 10 most popular food rankings in Osaka

▲ Osaka takoyaki. (Photo / Provided by Hotel Royal)

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With the growing popularity of low-cost carriers, Osaka has become one of the top Japanese cities for travelers from our country. Known as the "kitchen of Kansai," Osaka naturally boasts a diverse array of culinary delights. In addition to okonomiyaki and takoyaki, there are many other popular must-try foods,Rakuten Travel has released theTop 10 most popular food rankings in Osaka as voted by travelers—don’t miss out on trying these when you visit Osaka!

▲ Takoyaki. (Photo / From Rakuten Travel, the same below)

1. Takoyaki
The soul food of Osaka, takoyaki takes the top spot! Compared to about 160 shops in Tokyo, Osaka is a battleground with around 650 takoyaki stores. The southern part of Osaka is the frontline, offering everything from a novel summer style with crushed ice on top of takoyaki to long-established shops that let the flavor of the broth and octopus shine without any sauce—there’s a rich variety to choose from.

▲ Skewered fried food.

2. Skewered Fried Food
Centered around Shinsekai, where you can look up at Tsutenkaku Tower, numerous specialty skewered fried food shops line the streets. From long-established shops to trendy, modern ones, there's a colorful variety. The crispy texture from thick tempura batter paired with tender, chewy fillings gives each shop its own unique frying style. Dip it in sauce and take a big bite—you’ll definitely find yourself reaching for beer after beer!

▲ Okonomiyaki.

3. Okonomiyaki
Okonomiyaki secures third place in flour-food paradise Osaka. The aroma wafts the moment the batter hits the hot iron plate, and the savory-sweet sauce sizzling on top is simply mouthwatering. There are also yam-only okonomiyaki, healthy versions loaded with cabbage, and styles with crispy crusts and soft insides—each shop offers its own distinctive take, available only in Osaka.

▲ Pork bun.

4. Pork Bun
Fourth place goes to the pork bun—soft, fluffy dough wrapped around juicy pork. In Osaka, they’re generally called pork buns rather than meat buns. While most feature a rich flavor of pork and onion, there are also refreshing options made with dried scallops. Aim for total pork bun satisfaction and explore your favorite flavors!

▲ Scallion pancake.

5. Scallion Pancake
Coming in fifth is the scallion pancake, another big hit following takoyaki and okonomiyaki. Though similar to okonomiyaki, its defining feature is the generous use of green onions instead of cabbage, cooked with beef tendons and ??, then enjoyed with soy sauce. Originating from a certain okonomiyaki shop in the Jūsō area of Osaka City, it’s extremely popular, with many specialty shops across the city. At the most beloved spots, you can enjoy over 11 different varieties of scallion pancakes.

▲ Tofu skin udon.

6. Tofu Skin Udon
Hot udon noodles paired with deep-fried tofu skin—this well-known dish, tofu skin udon, actually originates from Osaka. The carefully simmered broth and the sweet-salty deep-fried tofu skin create a perfect match, while the udon itself is delightfully chewy and soft. Savor the rich umami of the broth and drink every last drop of the refreshing soup. Authentic Osaka shops compete behind the scenes with dashi broth based on katsuobushi, expertly seasoned.

▲ Udon hot pot.

7. Udon Hot Pot
A signature Osaka dish: an udon hot pot that combines the essence of land and sea flavors, served with udon noodles. Born from an old shop during the Edo period, this local favorite has gained a wide fanbase across Japan. The udon, simmered in a light broth and premium sauce that brings out the flavors of all the ingredients, is exceptionally delicious. The satisfying texture of the udon remains just as delightful even after cooking—it’s simply irresistible.

▲ Yakiniku (grilled meat).

8. Grilled Meat
Osaka is home to many delicious grilled meat restaurants. Among them, Tsuruhashi is known as a mecca for grilled meat, and the aroma of savory grilled meat wafts through the air as soon as you exit the station. Not only is it affordable and delicious, but you can also find rare cuts such as chuck flap meat and flat iron steak, which even gourmets rave about. Sampling the signature dishes from various shops is a luxurious experience unique to Osaka.

▲Pufferfish Sashimi.

9. Pufferfish Sashimi
Osaka accounts for about 60% of the nation’s pufferfish consumption, showing just how much people here love it. With so many shops available, you can enjoy this premium fish at relatively affordable prices—what a delight. The firm, elastic pufferfish meat is thinly sliced, allowing you to fully savor its exquisite texture and flavor. In addition to sashimi, specialty shops offer a wide variety of pufferfish dishes, so why not go all out and try the satisfying pufferfish “three-way” course?

▲Grilled Squid.

10. Grilled Squid
When it comes to Osaka street snacks, this one takes the cake—or rather, the skewer. Grilled squid ranks 10th on the list. Sliced squid is coated in a seasoned flour batter and cooked using a specialized press machine, making it a wildly popular B-grade delicacy. Prepared fresh after ordering, the hot grilled squid is a perfect harmony of sweet-salty sauce and chewy texture—it’s almost too easy to eat two or three. Often found in the food courts beneath department stores, it’s a fun and easy snack to try.