The Best Street Food In Osaka

Okonomiyaki

Okonomiyaki was born and perfected in the streets of Osaka, so needless to say, a trip to this foodie city just wouldn’t be complete without gorging on this filling dish.

Imagine a thick pancake made with a hearty mixture of egg, finely diced veggies and your choice of meaty topping, ranging from bacon to seafood delights. Or just say “niku nashi de onegaishimasu“ for a vegetarian-friendly meal.

Foods with “yaki” in the name means “grilled,” and okonomiyaki is grilled to perfection on an iron griddle before it's smothered in a sweet ‘n savoury sauce or four. Have it on the go as true-to-form street food, but if you have some time for a sit, the best places will serve it up on your own personal griddle right at your table. 

Yakisoba

Nothing quite says Asian street food like stir-fried noodles, and Japan does not disappoint.

Don’t be tricked by “soba” in the name, these are your run of the mill wheat noodles, much like China’s chow mein that this dish was inspired by. They’re usually tossed with cabbage and veggies along with your choice of meat before getting thrown onto a sizzling iron griddle. Finished off with oyster sauce, it transforms into the most commonly consumed inexpensive meals-for-one. Yum! 

Mitarashi Dango Dumplings

Keep an eye out for these tiny glutinous rice balls on a stick toasting over a real fire grill. They get cooked until they're tender, then are coated with a generous helping of a sugar and soy sauce glaze.

The warm, chewy texture paired with the unique sweet ‘n salty flavour will be a dessert you won’t forget. Recently, the convenience store chain “Mini-Stop” has been serving up a soft-serve ice cream sundae topped with delectable mitarashi dumplings that brings the dessert to a whole new level. 

Honourable Mention – Oden

This is the true grandfather of Japanese street food. But unlike its cousin “odeng” which is so popular in Korea, oden is gradually disappearing from the modern Japanese street food scene.

If you’re lucky enough to find it, be sure to help yourself to a sampling of a tender fish cake, radish, eggs and edible roots that have been slow-cooked and stewed in a flavorful broth all day. The perfect warming snack for a chilly day.