Recommended sushi restaurants in Osaka, Japan

Recommended sushi restaurants in Osaka, Japan

Recommended conveyor belt sushi restaurants in Osaka, Japan

Characteristics of Osaka’s Cuisine

The Rich Food Culture of Osaka, Born from a Merchant City
Osaka has thrived as a commercial city since ancient times, and during the Edo period, it was known as the “nation’s kitchen.” Various ingredients from all over the country gathered here, and a rich food culture developed among the common people.
One of the characteristics of Osaka’s food culture is the emphasis on “dashi” (stock). Dashi made from kelp and bonito flakes forms the flavor base common to many of Osaka’s dishes.
Moreover, Osaka is also famous as a city of “flour-based foods.” Okonomiyaki and takoyaki, made from wheat flour, are soul foods representing Osaka. These flour-based dishes often use batter and sauces flavored with dashi, reflecting the characteristics of Osaka’s food culture.
Additionally, Osaka is known as a city of “kuidaore” (eating oneself into ruin), brimming with lively food scenes. There are numerous spots to enjoy food, such as Dotonbori and Kuromon Market.

Sushi and Osaka
Osaka has nurtured a rich food culture as the “nation’s kitchen” since ancient times. Among its culinary offerings, sushi holds an indispensable place in Osaka’s food culture.
While Edo-style sushi is mainstream, Osaka has its unique “Osaka sushi” culture. Osaka sushi is characterized by less vinegared rice and larger cuts of ingredients than Edo-style sushi. It often uses relatively affordable seafood, such as mackerel and sardine, making it a popular part of the common people’s food culture.
In recent years, there has been an increase in Osaka sushi shops offering Edo-style sushi, but the tradition of Osaka sushi continues. At long-established sushi restaurants, you can taste traditional Osaka sushi. New-style sushi restaurants offer creative sushi and modern spaces to enjoy sushi.
Osaka, blessed with both sea and land, has an abundance of various ingredients. In terms of seafood, octopus, squid, and shrimp are famous. For vegetables, Senshu cabbages and Osaka eggplants are well-known. These ingredients are also widely used in Osaka’s sushi.
Osaka, with its rich food culture, will continue to offer various culinary delights. By preserving traditional food culture while also embracing new culinary creations, the future of Osaka’s cuisine will continue to develop.
Sushi symbolizes Osaka’s food culture and will continue to be loved by many.

Famous Sushi Restaurants in Osaka
Osaka hosts numerous renowned sushi restaurants, from long-established ones to those with new styles.
At long-established sushi restaurants, you can taste traditional Osaka sushi. The sushi, prepared by experienced chefs using select fresh seafood and Osaka’s unique techniques, offers a unique flavor.
Recently, younger generations of sushi chefs have been opening new-style sushi restaurants. These offer various styles of sushi, from traditional techniques with contemporary twists to creative sushi enjoyed in modern settings.
Each restaurant is committed to providing the best sushi using carefully selected fresh ingredients. When visiting Osaka, be sure to taste Osaka sushi at one of these famous establishments.

Osaka’s Ingredients
Osaka is known for its diverse and abundant ingredients, blessed with both sea and land. The seafood from Osaka Bay, such as octopus, squid, and shrimp, is famous. Especially, the “Izumi octopus” caught in Izumisano City is known for its tenderness and flavor, making it a popular ingredient in Osaka sushi.
For terrestrial ingredients, the “Osaka eggplant,” cultivated throughout Osaka Prefecture, is well-known. Its thin, soft skin makes it versatile for various dishes, from stews to fried foods. The “Kyoyasai” (Kyoto vegetables) cultivated in Hirakata City are also indispensable on Osaka’s dining tables.
In recent years, agriculture has become more active even within Osaka city, making it easy to access fresh vegetables. These ingredients are widely used in Osaka sushi, such as Izumi octopus, Osaka eggplant, and Kyoyasai. Sushi using seafood from Osaka Bay is also popular.
Thus, Osaka is a treasure trove of ingredients, and these rich ingredients support Osaka’s food culture.

Efforts Toward Food Safety
Osaka actively undertakes initiatives for food safety.
For example, Osaka City has formulated the “Osaka City Food Safety and Security Promotion Plan” to implement various measures to ensure food safety.
Osaka Prefecture has also enacted the “Osaka Prefectural Food Safety and Security Ordinance” to strengthen guidance and supervision of food businesses.

The Future of Food in Osaka
Osaka, with its rich food culture, will continue to offer various culinary delights.
By preserving traditional food culture while also embracing new culinary creations, the future of Osaka’s cuisine will continue to develop.

In summary, Osaka’s food culture, born from its history as a merchant city, features an emphasis on dashi and flour-based dishes like okonomiyaki and takoyaki. Osaka sushi, distinct from Edo-style sushi, has evolved and continues to be prevalent with numerous sushi restaurants. Blessed with abundant ingredients and actively engaging in food safety efforts, Osaka’s food culture will continue to evolve, blending tradition and innovation.