While in Japan, you should take every opportunity to explore various tastes. Beyond the usual sushi, okonomiyaki, and Japanese ice cream, you might want to indulge yourself in kushikatsu.
For those who don’t know, kushikatsu, or kushiage, is a Japanese dish consisting of deep-fried skewered meat and veggies. The first impression of a serving of kushiage is that it looks like Korean street skewers.
Moreover, there’s no better place to experience authentic kushikatsu than in Osaka! The Shinsekai district is the birthplace of kushikatsu. In the 1920s, these skewers were introduced as quick and affordable meals for workers. Where to eat the best here? Let’s find out.
1. Kitashinchi Kushikatsu Bon
There are literally several restaurants in Osaka that offer kushikatsu, so it won’t be difficult to find what suits your preferences. One of them is Kitashinchi Kushikatsu Bon, a Michelin-starred restaurant that serves not just delicious kushikatsu but also French faves, such as chateaubriand and foie gras.
Price: From 10,000 yen
Hours: 5-11 PM
Contact: +81 6-6344-0400
Address: B1 Merry Center Building, 1 Chome-3-16 Dojima, Kita Ward, Osaka 530-0003, Japan
2. Kushikatsu Daruma
With many kushikatsu restaurants in Osaka, the competition is tough. But, Kushikatsu Daruma stands out. Founded in 1929, this restaurant offers kushikatsu that’s distinct for its crispy texture but gives a chewy sensation. Moreover, just as KFC has secret herbs and spices, their kushikatsu has a secret flavor that lies in the special original oil that’s light and easy to digest.
Price: From 2,000 yen
Hours: 11:30 AM-10:30 PM
Contact: +81 6-6213-8101
Address: 1-6-8 Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, Japan
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3. Tengu
Yes, that’s the name, plain and simple. But it’s actually the name of a Japanese red-nosed demon, whose statue of their face is displayed above the door. If the queues at Kushikatsu Daruma are a bit stressful for you, head over to Tengu, which also serves equally tasty kushikatsu. Be sure to mix and match, such as with doteyaki or beef tendons stewed in a sweet miso sauce.
Price: From 1,000 yen
Hours: 10:30 AM-8:30 PM (closed on Monday)
Contact: +81 6-6641-3577
Address: 3 Chome-4-12 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka 556-0002, Japan
4. Yakko
Another kushikatsu restaurant in Osaka that’s very easy to recall, Yakko, is downtown. As you get seated, you’ll experience local charm. It’s very intimate here, with only about ten counter-seats. Its friendly staff serves traditional deep-fried kushikatsu. Their choices are also affordable.
Price: From 1,000 yen
Hours: 12-6 PM (closed on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday)
Contact: +81 6-6643-6954
Address: 2 Chome-3-10 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka 556-0002, Japan
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5. Kushi Katsu Benkei
Located in the vibrant Shinsekai area, Kushi Katsu Benkei specializes in meticulous handcrafting skewers. It uses only thin batter to ensure a crispy texture without obliterating the meat, seafood, and vegetable quality. Many foreign tourists crave their kushikatsu.
Price: From 2,000 yen
Hours: 11 AM - last order (weekdays), 10:30 AM - last order (Saturdays), 10:00 AM - last order (Sundays)
Contact: +81 6-6649-6644
Address: 1F South, Sunny Court Ebisu, 2-2-8 Ebisu Higashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka 556-0002, Osaka Prefecture, Japan
6. Yaekatsu
At Yaekatsu, it’s greasy kushikatsu, but in a good way. They have been perfecting the art of cooking deep-fried Japanese skewers since 1949! Eating kushikatsu is a part of the daily lives of the people in Osaka, and Yaekatsu allows you to experience what this feels like.
Price: From 2,000 yen
Hours: 10:30 AM-8:30 PM (closed on Thursday)
Contact: +81 6-6643-6332
Address: 3 Chome-4-13 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka 556-0002, Japan
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7. Kushikatsu Shichifukujin
Situated in the Tenma neighborhood, Kushikatsu Shichifukujin is also a counter-seated-only kushikatsu restaurant highly recommended by locals. Their deep-fried skewers are so popular that you’d want to get yourself some beer for the complete experience.
Price: From 1,000 yen
Hours: 11:30 AM-10 PM (closed on Monday)
Contact: +81 6-6881-0889
Address: 5 Chome-7-29 Tenjinbashi, Kita Ward, Osaka 530-0041, Japan
The “kushi” in “kushikatsu” means “skewers,” while “katsu,” means deep-fried cutlet of meat. Kushikatsu tastes best when freshly fried and with sauce, of course. Its batter’s crispiness grooves with the flavors of the sauce, making it unforgettable. By the way, kushikatsu also has fillings, such as beef, pork, lotus root, cheese, quail eggs, and more, even mochi!
Want to discover more of Osaka with a local? Join our Osaka Free Walking Tour and experience Osaka’s rich food, culture, and history.
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