THIS IS FOR THE STREET FOOD LOVERS
TAKOYAKI JUHACHIBAN SAN - PHOTO LINKED: GOOGLE MAPS
THE ICONIC JUHACHIBAN SHOP
YAKOTAKI STANDS ARE EVERYWHERE
HOME OF TAKOYAKI AND OKONOMIYAKI
Living in LA, I feel like takoyaki is consumed as an appetizer quite often. Whether or not it’s authentic or identical to the ones from Osaka is a different story. As for okonomoyaki, we have one specialty shop in Little Tokyo LA that specializes in it although it may not be the most authentic. But here in Osaka, you’ll find both at food stands everywhere to the point where I think they out number the amount of Starbucks nearby.
The most popular takoyaki shop is TAKOYAKI JUHACHIBAN SON. The iconic building has the takoyaki sticking out of it that can be seen from far away! An okonomoyaki spot that is popular is famed OKONOMIYAKI MIZUNO. This spot is quite revered and has been on the Michelin Guide many times. Click on the photo below of Mizuno for the Google Map link!
OKONOMIYAKI MIZUNO - PHOTO LINKED: GOOGLE MAPS
DOTONBORI SUMIBI YAKINIKU MITSURU - PHOTO LINK : GOOGLE MAPS
it’s still moo-ing
There are 3 loves I have when it comes to Japanese food: sushi, ramen and yakiniku. Yakiniku is translated as “grilled meat” hence bbq’d/grilled meats on the grill. I prefer going to places that utilize coal though it can get smokey but adds SO much flavor. Of course consuming too much can’t be good for you but splurging occasionally is always nice!
There was one we went to called SUMIBI YAKINIKU MITSURU that was really good and wasn’t insanely expensive. It’s located in the ever touristy Dontonbori area but once you find it, you will be in meat heaven. My favorite cuts is usually beef tongue and kalbi but you should get what you desire as well!
SOMETHING FOR YOUR SWEET TOOTH
RIKURO CHEESECAKE NAMBA - PHOTO LINK: GOOGLE MAPS
SAY CHEESE
Eventually eating all that savory takoyaki and okonomoyaki will have you craving some sweets! luckily you’ve got two cheesecake spots near you! Both are very different styles of cheesecake and good in their own way. RIKURO is quite similar to Uncle Tetsu worldwide which is also from Japan. The “jiggly” cheesecake has a light and airy texture with every bite. CHEESE TART PABLO texturally resembles more of the traditional cheesecake plus the Rikuro cheesecake. Light, airy but with a slight custardy texture. I do prefer their cheesecake more but also want to note that you should get the bigger cheesecake (pictured below) vs the smaller mini tarts. Texture of the cheesecake filling tastes better with a flakey out crust vs the smaller mini which felt more like a dried out pie crust. DON’T MISS THE INSTAGRAM REEL WITH THE LINK BELOW!
CHEESECAKE FROM CHEESE TART PABLO - PHOTO LINK: GOOGLE MAPS
MINI CHEESE TARTS FROM PABLO