王小鈞's Reviews Page 12/29

King-emon Main Store

Located in the Fukaebashi area along the Osaka Metro Chuo Line, this ramen shop offers a unique twist on the local Takaida-style ramen known as soy sauce-based ramen or chuka soba. Among the many options available in East Osaka, "Kanekurouemon Main Store" stands out for its innovative approach to ramen.

• Tsuruhashi, Eastern Osaka
• Ramen

The thick noodles have a firm, satisfying texture. Paired with thick-cut chashu and menma, every bite feels really fulfilling. If you like lighter-style ramen, you might fall in love with its unique soy sauce flavor.

When you’re in Osaka, don’t just go for tonkotsu ramen. Don’t miss this bowl from King-emon, packed with local Osaka flavor. It’s simple, but memorable—delicious and worth coming back for.

Takoyaki TAMAYA Main Store

This renowned shop has elevated the universally loved Osaka snack "takoyaki" to a level where it's recognized in prestigious international gourmet guidebooks.

• Umeda, Osaka Station, Nakanoshima Area (Kita)
• Japanese Cuisine

How can you come to Osaka and miss takoyaki?!

Tamaya’s takoyaki is a little different from what you might usually expect. The outside is lightly crisp, while the inside is soft, tender, and almost bursting. The best part is that the batter itself is full of umami, and the more you chew, the more flavorful it gets.

I heard their secret weapon is a broth simmered for hours, with lobster soup added for extra depth. No wonder there’s a subtle seafood aroma from the very first bite.

It’s not just loved by locals—it’s even featured in gourmet guides. Totally worth waiting in line for.

Ajinoya Honten

"Okonomiyaki," made by mixing cabbage with flour and eggs and then grilling it, is one of Osaka's iconic soul foods. It is typically topped with sauce and mayonnaise and enjoyed hot. Osaka boasts over 1,000 specialty okonomiyaki restaurants, each offering its unique twist on this beloved dish. Among these, "Ajinoya Honten" stands out as a consistently busy and popular spot, always attracting long lines.

• Shinsaibashi, Namba, Nipponbashi (Minami)
• Japanese Cuisine

Osaka has so much great food, but Ajinoya Honten is still a famous okonomiyaki spot that’s worth waiting in line for!

Their okonomiyaki is made with lots of cabbage, so it’s generous, hearty, and has a nice crisp sweetness. Sure enough, the entrance was packed during mealtime. The wait wasn’t short, but the moment I got to eat it piping hot with that rich, savory sauce, it felt totally worth it!

The flavors are on the stronger side, but that really fits Osaka’s bold style. Delicious and satisfying. Don’t miss this when you’re in Osaka!

Osaka Shinsekai Original Kushikatsu Daruma Shinsekai Main Store

Founded in 1929, just off Tsutenkaku Tower, Osaka's landmark. The main store of "Kushikatsu Daruma", which operates mainly in Osaka city.Kushikatsu is fried in Daruma's special original cooking oil making it light and easy to eat and does not cause stomach upsets like many heavy deep fried dishes can.

• Tennoji, Shinsekai
• Japanese Cuisine

When you come to Osaka’s Shinsekai, you’ve got to make a pilgrimage to this famous kushikatsu spot! The coating is fried golden and crispy, and every bite is full of aroma. It goes so well with both meat and seafood.

It did start to feel a little oily toward the end, but the restaurant thoughtfully offers free cabbage. Eating it together instantly makes everything feel lighter and helps cut through the richness.

If you want to try authentic kushikatsu in Osaka, this place is definitely worth checking out!

Uncle Rikuro’s Freshly Baked Cheesecake

Uncle Rikurou's freshly baked cheesecake" has been famous in the local market since 1984 for its fluffy texture and delicious taste. Since then, its reputation has spread nationwide, and it is now known as Osaka's famous confectionery.

• Osaka
• Snacks

One of the must-buy desserts in Osaka, and it truly lives up to the hype! Uncle Rikuro’s cheesecake smells incredibly tempting when it’s fresh out of the oven. The texture is soft, fluffy, and delicate, melting in your mouth. The cheese flavor is rich without being overly sweet. It tastes great warm or chilled, each with a different vibe. No wonder it’s such a popular spot in Osaka with lines out the door. Definitely worth picking one up to try when traveling in Japan!

Calbee Jaga Pokkuru Okhotsk Sea Salt taste

Calbee Jaga Pokkuru is a popular snack produced by Calbee, one of Japan’s leading snack manufacturers. Manufactured at their Chitose factory in Hokkaido and primarily sold locally, it's become a beloved souvenir from Hokkaido. The name "Jaga Pokkuru" combines "jagaimo" (potato) with "Korpokkur," legendary fairy-like beings from Ainu folklore.

• Hokkaido
• Snacks

A must-buy souvenir from Japan. Jaga Pokkuru really lives up to its reputation! Made with 100% Hokkaido potatoes and cut with the skin on, you can taste the natural sweetness of the potatoes. They’re crispy on the outside, fragrant inside, and seriously addictive. With sea salt from the Sea of Okhotsk, the salty-savory balance is just right. Every bite makes it hard to stop. I’ve been eating this snack for years and still love it. Adults and kids all enjoy it, and every time I go to Japan, I always bring several boxes home. Highly recommended for gifts or for yourself!

Shuri soba noodle

Located in a residential area a short walk from Shurijo Castle, this famous restaurant is popular among locals for its Okinawan soba noodles, with a long line of customers waiting in line before the restaurant opens.

• Naha, Shuri, Itoman, Nanjo
• Ramen

If you're walking around near Shuri Castle, I highly recommend stopping by for Okinawa soba here!

The handmade noodles are springy and satisfyingly chewy, paired with a light broth made from pork bones and bonito flakes. Every bite is rich and aromatic without feeling heavy. The melt-in-your-mouth pork belly on top makes it simple but totally addictive.

No wonder this popular spot is loved by both locals and tourists. Definitely add it to your Okinawa food list!

Steakhouse 88 Tsuji Main Store

Established across Okinawa, this is the main store of the Steakhouse 88 chain, popular for its variety of menus, and reasonable prices. The origin of this restaurant is "CLUB88," which was opened in 1955 during the period of U.S. military rule, and was granted an "A sign" business license after passing strict U.S. standards as a restaurant open to U.S. military personnel and other visitors.

• Naha, Shuri, Itoman, Nanjo
• Meat Dishes

Steakhouse 88 Tsuji Main Store is a well-known, long-established steakhouse in Okinawa. They have a huge selection, from all kinds of steaks to Okinawan specialties, so both adults and kids can find something they like.

The steak is tender, the portions are generous, and the prices are really reasonable. Great value! If you’re visiting Okinawa, this is a great place to enjoy an affordable and satisfying steak meal.

Yanbaru Dining Matsu no Kominka

A five-minute walk from Nago City Hall, this dining room is open only at night. In a good old 70-year-old Okinawan house, you can enjoy shabu-shabu with a rare species of island black Aguu. Shabu-shabu is generally made with beef, but this restaurant offers a rare breed of Okinawan pig, the "Shimakuru", a purebred crossbreed of Aguu and Aguu.

• Yanbaru, Nago, Motobu
• Japanese Cuisine

This place is really worth visiting! The old Okinawan house has so much character, and eating while sitting on tatami mats gives it a really special Japan travel vibe.

Their signature Okinawan black pork shabu-shabu is tender and flavorful. The shoulder, pork belly, and thigh each have their own texture, and everything is served with fresh vegetables and Okinawan side dishes. The quality is great across the board. The ingredients are fresh, the portions are just right, and the meal is very satisfying.

If you want to experience authentic local food in Okinawa, I definitely recommend adding this place to your itinerary. The atmosphere is comfortable, the food is delicious, and it’s the kind of restaurant I’d want to come back to.

Umikaji Terrace

Senaga Island with a 1.8km circumference is connected to Naha Airport with a marine road. This is where a multi resort facility stands. White buildings line the slope facing the emerald green ocean. It looks like a little town. The beauty was designed after the European resorts such as the Amalfi Coast in Italy and Santorini Island on the Aegean Sea.

• Naha, Shuri, Itoman, Nanjo
• Tourist Attractions

Umikaji Terrace on Senaga Island is the kind of place you fall in love with the moment you arrive!
The pure white buildings are scattered along the hillside, paired with a stunning blue ocean view. Every photo looks like you’re in a European resort town. Feeling the sea breeze, taking a slow walk, browsing the unique little shops, then sitting down at a café to just zone out—every corner feels so soothing.
I absolutely loved it here. It was one of the most unforgettable spots from my Okinawa trip, and I definitely want to come back next time!