Kushikatsu (串カツ) is a famous Japanese dish, particularly in Osaka, where various ingredients are skewered and deep-fried. Its origins trace back to selling fried food on skewers at street stalls for easy consumption. Today, it has become widespread throughout Osaka.
One notable chain specializing in Kushikatsu is the restaurant called “Kushikatsu Daruma.” When exploring prominent areas of Osaka, you may come across a restaurant featuring an impressive old man character, and that’s precisely “Kushikatsu Daruma.”
“Osaka Shinsaibashi-suji, Kushikatsu Daruma”
While you can find “Kushikatsu Daruma” in the bustling center of Dotonbori, it’s also easily accessible in other areas. If you’re traveling in Osaka, this place is a must-visit, representing one of the region’s renowned specialties.
During our visit, we went to the branch located in Shinsaibashi-suji. Even though we arrived around 3 PM, which is a bit of an off-peak time, the place was surprisingly crowded, likely due to its popularity.
Fortunately, the interior of the restaurant was spacious, making it easy for us to place orders and enjoy our food.
“A Restaurant Where You Can Order in Korean”
As “Kushikatsu Daruma” is a restaurant frequented by many Koreans, they now offer services allowing customers to order in Korean. While each table usually has a pad for ordering, the one at the branch we visited was temporarily out of service. Instead, we could conveniently use QR codes to place orders with our smartphones, and Korean language support was available.
Having already had lunch, we decided to sample a variety of dishes by ordering small portions from different menus.
“Food Delivered by Toy Train”
After placing our orders, we observed the unique sight of food being loaded onto a train, which then arrives at our table. The use of a toy train to deliver food is a simple yet special idea that adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the dining experience, enhancing the fun of the journey.
It’s worth noting that cabbage, which used to be provided for free, now requires a separate order. Consuming cabbage in between bites of fried food can help balance out the richness, and for beer enthusiasts, pairing it with beer can be a delightful combination. Japanese cabbage tends to be sweet and refreshing, making it a suitable accompaniment to beer.
“Kushikatsu Daruma” is a memorable restaurant not only for its distinctive old man character that catches your eye while strolling through Osaka but also for the memorable taste and service it offers.
“Osaka Shinsaibashi-suji, Kushikatsu Daruma”
- Address: 1 Chome-5-17 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0085, Japan
- Phone: +81-6-6121-5594
- Business Hours: 11:00 – 20:30
- Website: kushikatsu-daruma.com