The Best 6 Top-Rated Food Tours in Osaka: Taste Japanese Cuisine

The best top-rated food tours in Osaka! Osaka is all about food! As soon as you step into Dotonbori, you’ll see and smell the abundance of street food, but I found it a little overwhelming, too! Japan has delicious dishes and Osaka is the place to be for food!

There’s so much to try, so many food stalls and so many fantastic food workshops! Taking a food tour with a local Osaka food guide is the best way to try the best in Osaka or to learn from the best!

Imagine a great tempura workshop with sake tasting from a local who can tell you great stories! There are plenty of tours that will satisfy your cravings, and I’ll go over them in this post!

Let’s kick off with the best food tours in Osaka post with a quick introduction to these specific Osaka must-try dishes that will tantalize your taste buds!

What food is Osaka best known for

Okonomiyaki

Imagine a crispy, golden-brown pancake packed with cabbage, green onions, meat or seafood, all grilled to perfection. That’s okonomiyaki! Topped with a sweet and tangy sauce, mayo, seaweed and bonito flakes, this savoury pancake is specific for Osaka.

Takoyaki

Next, we have takoyaki—little round balls filled with diced octopus, green onions, and pickled ginger. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and drizzled with savoury sauce and creamy mayo, takoyaki is a flavour explosion that you won’t want to miss!

Rikuro’s cheesecake

Indulge in the famous Japanese jiggly cheesecake from Rikuro’s, a heavenly treat as light as a cloud. Made with cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and a hint of flour, this fluffy dessert melts in your mouth and leaves you craving another bite.

Kushi Katsu

For a crunchy, flavorful snack, try kushi katsu – skewered pork or shrimp, breaded and deep-fried to golden perfection.

Kitsune Udon

Thick udon noodles in a flavorful broth are topped with sweet and savoury seasoned tofu. Warm and satisfying, this noodle dish is perfect for chilly days or any time you need a savoury meal.

Get ready for a culinary adventure through Osaka’s delicious food scene!

Where is the Famous food street in Osaka?

You’re probably thinking about Dotonbori Night Market! It’s like a foodie wonderland with neon lights everywhere. You’ll recognise the giant puppets on the buildings, like a giant crab or a statue of a giant corn dog. If you’re craving a taste of Osaka’s food scene, Dotonbori is the place to be!

To me, Osaka is all about food! Dotonbori, Namba, and Shinsekai are all good for food and offer many of the same dishes! These areas are super crowded all day, especially in the evenings!

Be prepared to line up and elbow your way through the crowd! Nevertheless, it’s a must to explore these areas and try as much of the food Osaka has to offer! Trust me, you won’t leave hungry!

Oh, and don’t forget about Kuromon Market, where you can find fresh sushi and more!

The best top-rated food tours in Osaka

1. Osaka: Hungry Food Tour of Shinsekai with 15 Dishes

This walking food tour takes you to Shinsekai and covers 15 dishes for you to try out! You’ll visit around 5 places with the knowledge of an Osaka local!

This tour is perfect for your first day in Osaka, and you would like to get taken by the hand to try Osaka’s best! The tour includes takoyaki, karaage, kushi katsu, udon and more.

You will also have the chance to sample local drinks like sake. This tour will make your night unforgettable!

2. Osaka: Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai

This walking food will take about 3 hours and will take you to Shinsekai and Dotonbori! You will get to try 8 dishes. During the tour, you’ll get to visit the main popular tourist attractions, but your guide will also take you to the less touristy spots.

The tour will start at the Shinto Shrine, where you can learn more about Shinto. You’ll end up in the busy Dotonbori.

3. Osaka: Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class in Dotonbori

When you hit up a ramen joint in Japan, it’s pretty much a given to pair your ramen with some delicious gyoza. In this cooking class, you’re going to make both!

We’re talking homemade ramen crafted from scratch, using wheat noodles and chicken bones. We’re keeping it classic with soy sauce ramen, though you can jazz it up with your favourite toppings or even throw in some miso for a miso ramen. It’s all about getting hands-on and savouring those authentic Japanese flavours!

4. Osaka: Eat Like a Local Street Food Tour

I highly recommend this tour if you’re looking for a personalised experience! This tour is only available with your group. The price tag is higher, but you’ll get to experience a food tour the way you want and try the dishes you’re interested in!

Your tour guide will customise the tour and the places to visit based on your preference! Like a true local, you will eat and drink your way through Osaka!

5. Hidden Osaka – Yukaku Red Light Tour & Culinary Adventure

Do you want to skip the touristy places and see the real Osaka? This highly-rated tour promises just that! You start your tour in the Yukaka Red Light District and then head over to Shinsekai. From there, you’ll visit 2 izakayas, where you’ll get to explore true local dishes!

See the hidden Osaka where the locals hang out! This tour promises to get you to try food for real adventurers! You’ll be trying dishes you’ve never tried before, so come hungry and with an open mind to try new things!

The group will also be limited to a maximum of 7 people, so you’ll have the guide’s full attention!

I found Osaka to be a city you can easily see in a day or two. The focus is on food, shopping, and gadgets. There’s a reason why Osaka is called “Tenka no Daidokoro,” which means the nation’s kitchen!

In my opinion, all of these tours are the best food tours in Osaka! Pick one, and enjoy Osaka’s cuisine with the guidance of a local. You’ll have a unique experience on your trip to Japan!

P.S. And are you still figuring out your Japan itinerary? I have crafted a great one that you can use!