Whenever I’m craving that lively, retro Osaka vibe with amazing food, I head straight to Shinsekai. The streets around Tsutenkaku might seem touristy at first glance, but there are still plenty of local spots serving delicious, authentic food. Fyi I come here exclusively for the deep-fried skewers but there are other options too. There are many places to choose from and to be honest.
Kushikatsu Daruma, Yaekatsu, Taisho, Kushikatsu Shinsekai, Naniwa Kushikatsu, Hanamichi are all great options. Just remember—no double-dipping in the sauce.
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Shinsekai has that old-school Osaka charm that’s hard to find elsewhere. The streets are lively, the food is great, and it’s easy to spend a few hours just wandering around, stopping wherever looks good.