Kansai Food– Famous Osaka Street Food & Kyoto Cuisine –
The Kansai region is one of Japan’s most historically important cultural and culinary centers. It includes major cities such as Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, and Nara, each known for its unique food traditions.
Kansai food ranges from famous Osaka street foods such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki to refined Kyoto cuisine such as kaiseki and tofu dishes. The region has long been associated with Japan’s culinary heritage.
In this category, explore traditional foods and regional specialties from the Kansai region.
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Asuka nabe (飛鳥鍋)
Asuka Nabe (飛鳥鍋) is Japan's most ancient milk hot pot. Chicken and vegetables simmer in a blend of dashi stock, fresh milk, and white miso. This Nara regional cuisine traces its roots back to the 7th century Asuka period. The flavor i... -
Mitarashi Dango (みたらし団子)
Among wagashi (Japanese sweets), dango is one of the most popular even for Japanese people and foreigners. Since ancient time, it has been appeared and has a deep meaning in Japanese food culture. Although relating to rice, it is differe... -
Kinzanji miso (金山寺味噌)
“Miso” is indispensable in Japanese daily life with so many dishes such as: miso soup, of course, simmered mackerel, miso nikomi udon and miso ramen... Although miso is widely used, how much do you know about its "types"? Normally, the t... -
Harihari nabe (はりはり鍋)
Speaking of Japanese nabe (or hot pot), there are so many types such as Yosenabe, Chanko nabe, Mizutaki, Sukiyaki, Shabu-shabu, Motsu nabe, etc. Each type has its own feature and ingredients. Have you ever heard of "Harihari nabe"? This ... -
Yudoufu (湯豆腐)
Have you ever tried 湯豆腐 Yudofu? It is a famous Japanese hot tofu dish. Maybe you think simple tofu is boring. I honestly felt that way before. But this warm dish surprised me. 京都の湯豆腐 Kyoto tofu dish is truly special. Why is it s... -
Gyokuro (玉露)
Gyokuro (玉露) is Japan's highest grade of shaded green tea. Farmers cover the plants for about 20 days before harvest, which raises umami-rich theanine and lowers bitter catechins. It contains roughly 2,650 mg of theanine per 100 g, abo... -
Dango (団子)
Dango is a Japanese sweet that has been loved by Japanese people for a long time, and many people miss it during the cherry blossom and moon viewing seasons. You can easily get dango at supermarkets, but what is the different betwee... -
Shojin ryori (精進料理)
精進料理 Shojin ryori is Japan's traditional Buddhist temple cuisine. It is 100% plant-based, uses no meat, fish, or animal products of any kind, and has been prepared by monks as part of their spiritual practice for over eight hundred y... -
Menchi Katsu (メンチカツ)
If you come to Japan, you can find that Menchi Katsu is sold at almost every supermarket and butcher shop. This dish may be the favourite of a lot of people since they were children. Sometimes it is called "minced katsu". Which one is co... -
Doteyaki (どて焼き)
In today's world of globalization, it is local cuisine that continues to be deeply loved. Speaking of local cuisine, what is the first thing that springs to your mind? Takoyaki from Osaka? Hoto from Yamanashi? Or Taimeshi from Ehime? Tod...
