#81 - The Tastes of Osaka

Osaka (大阪) is the third largest city in Japan, although it is considered the second most important. It lies on the Kansai region, which is near the middle area of the main island, and it has a population of 2.5 million people. It became the capital city of Japan for short periods of time, under the name of Naniwa (浪速).

Osaka is famous for its food and local dishes. There are two which you should definately try if you visit the city.

Okonomiyaki

(Slightly burnt) do-it-yourself okonomiyaki.

The first is Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き). Perhaps the best way to describe it is a savoury pancake made with a variety of ingredients. The name okonomiyaki literally means "what you want" and "grilled" or "cooked", so it's safe to say that there are many different ingredients. Generally, the batter is made primarily with shredded cabbage, flour, water and eggs.

Now covered in sauce!

It is cooked on a hot-plate called a teppan (鉄板) and often garnished with sauce. A metal spatula is then used to cut and eat it.

A lot of restaurants in Osaka are 'grill it yourself', if you want to make okonomiyaki to your own taste! My favourite is meat - usually pork - or a mixed meat and seafood style!

Takoyaki

The second food is called takoyaki (たこ焼き). The name describes it well: tako means octopus, and yaki means "grill" or "fry". Essentially, it is pieces of octopus in a ball of flour-based batter. You can often grab some takoyaki as street food. You would usually get about 6 balls per average portion. Once again, in some restaurants you can grill it yourself.

The balls are cooked in a takoyaki pan. This is a square shaped, metal pan, typically made of cast iron, which has half-spherical moulds. The cast iron allows the takoyaki to heat evenly. During cooking, you have to turn them over with a small pick so that you get the rounded ball. I couldn't do this and failed epically!