Whether you’re craving a strong sugar hit or a succulent savory dish, Dotonbori has all your favorite street foods in one place!
1. Wagyu & Kobe Beef
Kicking off the list with the best in the business, wagyu and Kobe beef skewers are the pinnacles of street foods in Dotonbori.
You’ll find these meat skewer stalls everywhere across the Dotonbori area, typically serving Wagyu beef sticks and, if you’re lucky, Kobe beef too.
To put things in perspective, Kobe beef is the peak of premium quality meat in Japan, known for its unmatched tenderness, flavor, and texture.
As such, Kobe beef is typically several times more expensive than Wagyu beef, but it’s certainly worth trying for an unforgettable experience!
2. Takoyaki (Octopus Dumpling)
An absolute Osaka classic; these grilled octopus dumplings known as “takoyaki” are an absolute hit of sweet and savory flavors.
Made of octopus, flour, and egg, these piping hot dumplings are topped with fish flakes, sweet barbecue sauce, and Kewpie mayonnaise for a mouth-watering treat.
Perhaps the most iconic of all Osaka’s street foods, takoyaki is a delicious and unique treat that can be eaten on the go!
3. Fried Melon Pan
Melon pan is a common dessert item you’ll see everywhere in Japan, from combinis (convenience stores) to cafes and, in this case, street food stalls.
Consisting of a sweet sugary bun with a crispy exterior and a soft interior, the melon pan does not typically contain melon at all, but is named as such for the pattern design of the bread resembling that of a rock melon.
In Dotonbori, you can find a fried version of the melon pan that is stuffed with matcha ice cream at one of the stalls, offering a unique take on the iconic dessert that packs a stronger punch!
4. Taiyaki (Waffle Cake)
Another icon of the world of street foods, taiyaki is a certified classic in the same way takoyaki is, having its origins rooted in Osaka.
This waffle cake dessert is named after its fish-shaped design, specifically referring to the fishtail.
Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they are traditionally made with sweet red bean fillings, but can also include custard, chocolate, or vanilla fillings as preferred.
Like the melon pan, taiyaki can typically be purchased at participating combinis, but they taste a whole lot better when they’re made fresh!
5. Fried Soft Serve Bun
Last but certainly not least is this amazing fried soft serve bun sold at a little shop in Osaka’s Amerika-mura or “America Village.”
Located just on the outskirts of Dotonbori, this shop is run by a little old lady doing big things!
The sweet bread is fried to deliver a sugary crunch while the soft serve ice cream is super smooth for the ultimate fusion of flavors and textures.
I personally recommend the matcha green tea and vanilla combination (you’re in Japan after all!) but can attest the chocolate and vanilla combo is amazing too!
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