Eat like a local in Osaka – think gyoza hot dogs and marinated ovum
Instagram-favourite strawberry parfait’s strawberries, chocolate mousse and granola, is another of the city’s delicious delights
Osaka is a treasure trove when it comes to food, with enough options to last a lifetime. Hungry tourists flock to the Japanese city to try its famous dishes such as takoyaki – octopus-filled fried dough balls – or okonomiyaki – Japanese pancakes – but these dishes aren’t all the city has to offer.
Check out the top five local and fusion foods that the locals love – and you probably will, too.
Gyoza hot dogs
Hot dogs are generally pretty versatile, but Osaka has taken them to another level by adding gyoza – or fried dumplings. One of those things that shouldn’t work but does, gyoza hot dogs are the proud creation of the Osaka Ohsho.
This unique combo is available only at the branch at Dotonbori – the city’s popular tourist district – but the restaurant is easy to find with a giant gyoza sign hanging outside.
This hot dog is more akin to a Vietnamese banh mi sandwich, with a toasted French baguette filled with half a dozen gyoza. You can choose a selection of different sauces, including plain, Dotonbori and cheese, Dotonbori with wasabi, and wasabi with cheese.
One of these will cost you 1,000 yen (US$9), but since it contains six gyoza, you can share it with friends, or order a half size for 600 yen.
Strawberry parfait