Kuromonya Ramen (黒門屋ラーメン)

Also known as Japan’s kitchen, Osaka is a foodie’s paradise. The Minami and Namba area, which includes the major shopping district Shinsaibashi, and the quirky Dotonbori, is filled with cheap and delicious eats. From street food to izakayas, you will be surprised and delighted by all Japan’s kitchen has to offer.
This family-run restaurant at Dotonbori serves okonomiyaki, a kind of Japanese pancake or pizza originated from Osaka. Seated at a counter table, you can watch your food grilled right in front of you, or you can grill it yourself if you choose a private table on the second floor. Mizuno uses their own secret recipe for their okonomiyakis. The unique taste and texture has made them a firm favourite with locals. The yam flour okonomiyaki is a house specialty and long-time bestseller.
Founded in 1922, Hokkyokusei is reputed to be the founder of omu-rice in the Kansai region. Omu-rice, a common place yousyoku, or Japanese-styled Western dish, is a rice-filled omelet covered by sauce and served with a variety of ingredients. Hokkyokusei keeps its omu-rice based on the classic recipe, it was this original form of omu-rice that captured the public’s taste buds and popularized it all over Kansai, Japan, and the rest of the world.
Address: 2-7-27 Nishishinsaibashi Chuo-ku Osaka, +81-6-6211-7829
Omu-rice | ©Chris Harber/Flickr
This izakaya, or Japanese tavern, offers a quiet respite from the bustle of Namba. Located on the third floor of a building just down the street from Namba station, Yuzu no Komachi is an atmospheric izakaya, with seating on tatami mats. Traditional Japanese fare such as sashimi and tempura are available. Wash down the beautifully laid-out and delicious dishes with sake, shochu or Japanese draft beer, in this unique and ambient Japanese setting.
Address: 3-4-16 Nanba Chuo-ku Osaka, +81-50-5869-9547
Opened in the 1960s, this ramen shop is a long-time favourite. Unlike many ramen joints, Ichiran Ramen does not offer variations of the noodle. Instead, they focus only on making their signature Tonkotsu ramen. Tonkotsu is a pork broth, and Ichiran Ramen has their own recipe that is the secret to their success. You can, however, customize the ingredients you want in your ramen. With their home-made noodles and flavourful broth, Ichiran Ramen indeed deserves their long-time fame and success.
Address: 3-13 Doyamacho, Kita Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, Japan,+81 6-6312-5177