Around GMA

Article Inside Page

Widely regarded as Japan's kitchen, Osaka boasts a variety of delicious foods that began as early as the Edo period. Fast forward to the 21st century, Osaka is now known as the center of Japanese culture and is divided into two sections: “Minami” and “Kita.”

“Kita” (uptown) is home to the Umeda district which is composed of major businesses and retail hubs including the very famous Umeda Sky Building. Meanwhile, “Minami” (downtown) houses the arts and fashion culture districts like Dotonbori and Nipponbashi.

Despite this segregation, there's one thing that unites the two towns and that's food!

There are many local specialties in Osaka and the episode of Biyahe ni Drew found below, host Drew Arellano embarked on a culinary adventure to try the many delicacies you must try in the area.

Here we list his five most recommended dishes found in Dotonbori, Osaka:

1 Melon Pan Ice Cream

Source: Daniel's Food Diary

A melon pan (メロンパン) is a type of sweet bun housing a vanilla-melon ice cream with the outer layer covered in a crisp cookie-like dough.

If you're in the Dotonbori area, you can try visiting the “World's Second Best Freshly Baked Melon Pan Ice Cream.” Yep, that's the name of the store. If you're wondering why it's called that way, it's because, for the owners, they believe that the “best” has to be the master's version.

2 Skewers

Source: Tripadvisor

In Japan, there's a term called kushiyaki (串焼き) which is a formal term for skewered or grilled poultry and non-poultry items like beef and pork.

There are so many varieties of kushiyaki in Japan but the formula is quite the same: ingredients must be cut into small, roughly uniform shapes. So whether the chef uses meat, seafood, or vegetable, all must be rectangular and are skewered in a small bamboo stick.

3 Takoyaki

Source: Mamaloli

Takoyaki (たこ焼き) is a classic Osaka snack because it's easy to make. It's made of simple ingredients, and it's extremely tasty.

The standard recipe for these ball-shaped dumplings is a batter or eggs and flour filled with sliced octopus, ginger, spring onions, and tempura crumbs.

In Dotonbori, you can try one of their more famous takoyaki stores named “Dotonbori Konamon Museum” which is characterized by a giant red octopus on the shop's front.

4. Okonomiyaki

Source: Where Is My Spoon

Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き) is a savory pancake made from eggs, flour, grated yam, and shredded cabbage. With this foundation, you can also add other ingredients like pork, squid, shrimp, tomato and so much more.

If you're in the area, you can visit Mizuno in Dotonbori wherein they produce their very own version of the okonomiyaki called “Mizuno-yaki.”

5 Ramen

Source: Tsunagu Japan

Probably the most common of all, ramen (ラーメン) is a Japanese dish that means “pulled noodles.” It consists of Chinese wheat noodles served in either meat or fish-based broth, flavored with soy sauce or miso.

In Dotonbori you can try visiting “Kinryu Ramen” which is famous for its huge dragon sign in the district. It's one of Osaka's biggest ramen chains and has two types of ramen on the menu: Tokotsu and Chashu ramen.

Need more food ideas for your next visit? Watch this delectable video from Biyahe Ni Drew. (Warning: Never watch on an empty stomach)

'Biyahe Ni Drew' tips: Five things to do in Okinawa Japan

'Biyahe Ni Drew' tips: Five more things to do in Okinawa