Eat pufferfish at Osaka’s kitchen of cuisine — Discover 3 must-try foods at “Kuromon Ichiba Market”

▲ Kuromon Ichiba Market is known as the “Kitchen of Osaka.” (Photo / Reporter Tsai Wen-jun, the same below)

Reported and photographed by Reporter Tsai Wen-jun, Osaka, Japan

If you want to understand the local lifestyle in Japan, a visit to a traditional market might give you some insight.Kuromon Ichiba Marketnot only offers fresh fruits and vegetables from all over Japan but also hides many affordable snacks recommended by locals. As a result, it’s totally normal to eat as you stroll through — making it a go-to spot praised by many netizens for being fun to explore, shop, and dine.

▲ Nowadays, many tourists come to Kuromon Ichiba Market to find seafood and enjoy delicious food.

▲ Fresh seafood can be found everywhere in Kuromon Ichiba Market.

Hirohisa Ishii, Director of the Overseas Promotion Division of the Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau, stated that Kuromon Ichiba Market has a history of nearly 200 years. The market originally started near Enmachi Temple, where many fish vendors gathered outside the temple gate to sell their catch. Because the gate was black in color, it was named “Kuromon Market.” As more fishmongers and shops from various regions gathered, it gradually evolved into what it is today.

Ishii pointed out that Kuromon Ichiba Market is about 580 meters long and has approximately 191 stores. The oldest shop in the market is Iseya Honpo, which mainly sells mochi and has a history of nearly 120 years. With so many shops, ranging from seafood and meat to fruits and daily necessities, you can find almost anything here — hence another saying: “If you go to Kuromon Ichiba Market, you can find anything!”

In addition to fresh produce and groceries, street food is another highlight. Ishii also recommends three must-try foods here:

▲ Grilled pufferfish skewers.

▲ Seafood shop: Name Naki Uo-ya (Nameless Fish Shop).

1. Name Naki Uo-ya – Pufferfish Skewers
Besides takoyaki and taiyaki, the most famous dish at Kuromon Ichiba Market is pufferfish cuisine, so it’s common to see fresh pufferfish vendors throughout the market.

Name Naki Uo-ya not only sells seafood but also serves grilled pufferfish skewers on the spot. The grilled pufferfish skin is slightly charred, and when brushed with sauce and bitten into, it tastes similar to regular fish — perfect for trying a skewer.

▲ A must-try red octopus skewer at Kuromon Ichiba Market!

▲ It contains a whole quail egg inside.

2. Yoshimura – Red Octopus Skewers
The menu at the skewer shop Yoshimura is very simple, featuring only scallop skewers and red octopus skewers — with the latter being an absolute must-try at Kuromon Ichiba Market. The highlight of the red octopus skewers is the whole quail egg hidden inside the octopus head. A single bite lets you enjoy two different textures, and the vibrant red appearance is another eye-catching feature.

▲ When visiting Kuromon Ichiba Market during strawberry season, you can find precious varieties from various regions across Japan. On the left is the large, deep-red “Marihime” strawberry from Wakayama Prefecture, and on the right is the “Tansetsu” strawberry from Nara.

▲ Vegetable and fruit shop: Nabéji.

3. Nabéji Fruit Shop – Wakayama’s “Marihime” Strawberry and Nara’s “Tansetsu” Strawberry
During our visit, it was strawberry season, and boxes of bright, juicy strawberries could often be seen for sale. If you visit during this time, don’t miss the large, slender, and sweet “Marihime” strawberries from Wakayama. Their premium quality makes them highly sought after despite their higher price.

Another option is the Nara-grown “Tansetsu” strawberry, which isn’t cheap either — priced at around 500 yen (about NT$138) per strawberry. Its size is similar to regular strawberries, but its pale orange color and sweet-tart flavor are its standout traits. Strawberry lovers should definitely give it a try.

Kuromon Ichiba Market
Transportation: Exit 10 of “Nippombashi Station” on the Midosuji Line or Senba Line subway lines

More detailed experiences ———Eastern Media Travel — Osaka + Awaji Island Tour Package

More Japan travel <<<<<<<<<<<<请前往《东森旅游玩乐志》