Tons of print and online magazines across the globe are always on the search for the “best” of something – or in this case on this page: the world’s best food city. From Bologna as the popularly-voted choice in Condé Nast Traveller to Rome as the most celebrated pick in TripAdvisor, author and blogger Michael Booth deemed otherwise. His years of extensive experience and palate have led him to rate Osaka as the greatest city in the world for gourmet great. Why? Let’s find out here at NeedThat.

According to Booth, Osaka is the city that fulfills what culinary global cities lack. London isn’t quite there in street food but Osaka is. Well-known Asian cities like Hanoi, Bangkok, and Hong Kong may have indigenous food but have they achieved refinement? Speaking of indigenous food, New York seems to be out of the equation because its biggest strength is its immigrant cuisines. And so on and so forth… 

Then, there’s Osaka. “[I] found a city fit to burst with incredible places to eat,” Booth wrote. It has a deep-rooted culinary identity that’s receptive to foreign influences, several highly addictive indigenous dishes, a wide range of quality dining establishments that are flexible to your budget (hello, Dotonbori!), and a population that exhibits an admirable gluttony for life literally translated as “kuidaore”.

What to eat in Osaka

Local dishes are what make Osaka a culinary haven and missing out on just one or two of them is regarded as a sin against the blossomed tradition of gastronomy. Here are some of the most popular and unrivaled good eats to try in the city:

1. Okonomiyaki

Booth also shared that Osaka has an “irresistible triumvirate” of indigenous fast foods and they were okonomiyaki, takoyaki, and kushikatsu. Okonomiyaki, which literally means “whatever you want”, is a Japanese Teppanyaki of a thick savory pancake of mixed ingredients. It’s of historic importance that began during the postwar era when food was scarce, hence the said translation.

Using a simple wheat flour batter, it’s mixed with whatever ingredients are available. Today, common items added are thinly sliced pork belly and cabbage, then topped with a refined rich okonomiyaki sauce, Japanese mayonnaise, and dried bonito savings.

2. Takoyaki

Takoyaki enriches the Japanese street food scene, and it’s the heart and soul of Osaka’s street snack/good cheap eats. In fact, you won’t have trouble finding it in Dotonbori because the district is filled with stalls and restaurants including it in their menu. Literally means “grilled octopus,” it’s a small fried dough ball usually filled with minced or diced octopus, tempura scraps, pickled ginger, and green onion.

But because of its long history and widespread appreciation, regional tastes have been incorporated into different versions, such as the addition of cheese and bacon as toppings and mayonnaise and green laver as condiments. 

3. Kushikatsu

Last on Booth’s “irresistible triumvirate” is the local downtown specialty kushikatsu or kushiage. They’re deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables that are best served and eaten hot and fresh out of the fryer. It’s optional to dip them in a thick sauce to acquire more flavor. In case you like them with a sauce, we recommend that you request a separate sauce container because many kushikatsu stalls and restaurants have developed a general rule called “no double dipping” in the communal container.

4. Tecchiri

Something you’ll find in a mid-range to luxurious Osaka restaurant is pufferfish-based cuisine, where the two most popular consumed dishes are pufferfish sashimi called tessa and pufferfish hotpot called tecchiri.

Since the fish (fugu) is infamously known for its lethal poisonous effects on humans, it must always be prepared by a specially trained chef. Once toxins are removed and it’s safe to eat, it actually features a mild and delicate flavor, especially when eaten in tecchiri because it goes wonderfully with vegetables simmered in broth. 

5. Kitsune Udon

Umami, commonly described as “complex” or plain “deliciousness”, is a key element of Japanese cuisine, and the perfect dish to acquire this taste is the popular udon dish in Osaka, particularly the kitsune udon variation. It originated in the city, and it’s topped with aburaage (fried tofu) that has been simmered in a sweetened soy sauce. It’s rich in flavor and the ultimate budget-friendly meal.