Food History of Tsutenkaku Tower, Osaka, Japan

Tsutenkaku Tower, an iconic landmark in Osaka, is located in the Shinsekai district, which translates to "New World." Shinsekai was developed in 1912 and quickly became a bustling area filled with theatres, cafes, and restaurants. The current Tsutenkaku Tower, constructed in 1956, stands near its original site and has been an important symbol of the area's redevelopment. The food culture around Tsutenkaku Tower has been influenced by the diverse populace and the history of the neighborhood as an entertainment district, leading to a rich variety of culinary offerings.

Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Tsutenkaku Tower, Osaka for Tourists

Takoyaki (Non-Veg): Savory ball-shaped snacks filled with minced or diced octopus, tempura scraps, pickled ginger, and green onion.
Okonomiyaki (Non-Veg/Veg options available): A savory pancake that includes a variety of ingredients such as seafood, meat and was sometimes available in a purely vegetarian form.
Kushikatsu (Non-Veg/Veg options available): Skewered and breaded meat, seafood or vegetables, deep-fried and enjoyed with a rich dipping sauce.
Yakisoba (Non-Veg/Veg options available): Stir-fried noodle dish that's often prepared with bite-sized pork, vegetables and seasoned with a sweet and savory sauce.
Taiyaki (Veg): Fish-shaped cake filled with sweet red bean paste, which can be a delightful vegetarian treat.
Ramen (Non-Veg/Veg options available): A Japanese noodle soup with various broths and toppings, including options like vegetable-based broth for vegetarians.
Udon (Non-Veg/Veg options available): Thick wheat flour noodle soup, available in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian varieties.
Tofu dishes (Veg): Ranges from simple chilled tofu with toppings to deep-fried tofu in broth.
Onigiri (Non-Veg/Veg): Rice balls that can be filled with a range of ingredients including pickled plum (ume), which is vegetarian.
Matcha-based sweets (Veg): Various traditional Japanese sweets that are often vegetarian and use matcha, a finely ground powder of specially grown and processed green tea leaves.