Osaka has a reputation as a rough, rude, and comical place (Osaka-ben is the chosen dialect by Japan’s comics), not much in step with the image of the cool and reserved Japanese, probably an image that comes from Tokyo more than anyplace else. Within the realm of Japanese food, Osaka reigns the highest. “Kuida-ore” is the word associated with Osaka, literally meaning “goes broke on food”. It debatably serves up the most delicate and sublime flavors in all of Japan.
It is also an historical gateway to Korean culture, which has had a huge impact on what we know as Japanese culture today. This includes food, and if you want to go to the epicenter of Korean culture in Osaka, you must head to Tsuruhashi, a vast and labrynth network of narrow alleyways beneath and surrounding the train station of the same name.
Here is some footage of one of the best Korean pickle stands in Osaka. I used to go there regularly for a bag of standard cabbage variety, and another with pickled dried squid of the same flavor.
I’ll be posting many more videos, food-related and otherwise, from this vibrant and fun-loving city.