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Have you ever heard the term "kuidaore"? It doesn't mean "going bankrupt from overeating," but rather represents the culture of Osakans who spare no expense or time on food. Osaka has flourished as a commercial hub since ancient times, and merchants developed street food that could be easily eaten during busy moments. Moreover, people in the Kansai region hold the value that "spending money on delicious food is never a waste," which is symbolized by the word "kuidaore." In other words, Osaka's food culture is a way of life that balances the spirit of hospitality with economic rationality.
When it comes to representative Osaka dishes, three stand out: takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu. Takoyaki are round balls of wheat flour batter filled with octopus, grilled and topped with sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes. They have a crispy exterior and a gooey interior, and can be easily bought from street stalls or specialty shops. Okonomiyaki is a savory pancake made by mixing cabbage, meat, seafood, and other ingredients into a batter, grilled on a hot plate, and topped with your choice of condiments. The Kansai style features a thick batter rather than spreading it thin, and many restaurants allow customers to grill it themselves. Kushikatsu are skewered and deep-fried pieces of meat, vegetables, and seafood, with a rule of "no double-dipping" the sauce. This is an Osaka etiquette to keep the shared sauce clean. These dishes are all convenient and affordable, yet authentic in flavor. Walking through Osaka, the aroma of sauce wafts from somewhere, whetting your appetite.
If you visit Osaka, be sure to enjoy it like a local. For takoyaki, it's best to eat them piping hot right at the stall. For okonomiyaki, choose a restaurant where you can grill it yourself, enjoy the cooking process, and chat with others. For kushikatsu, first remember the "no double-dipping" rule, dip it generously in the sauce once, and eat. Also, local beer or highball goes well with any of these dishes. Pair the food with drinks and experience the spirit of "kuidaore." The key to Osaka's food culture is to enjoy it freely, without being bound by rules or manners.