{"id":916,"date":"2023-09-09T18:23:04","date_gmt":"2023-09-09T09:23:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/goodie-foodie.com\/en\/?p=916"},"modified":"2025-07-21T18:07:12","modified_gmt":"2025-07-21T09:07:12","slug":"22099","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/goodie-foodie.com\/en\/22099\/","title":{"rendered":"How to eat kushikatsu <\/em>(deep fried skewers) at Kushikatsu Tanaka | Enjoy one of Osaka\u2019s specialties with some drinks!"},"content":{"rendered":"

What is kushikatsu<\/em>?<\/h2>\r\n
\"What<\/div>\r\n

Kushikatsu<\/em> is made by skewering meat, vegetables, or other ingredients, coating them with batter, and deep frying them in oil. They are then dipped in a rich, sweet and spicy sauce. There are various theories about the origin of kushikatsu<\/em>, but the most famous story is that it was created for nearby workers at Tsutenkaku Tower in Osaka in the early Showa period (1926-1989) to provide an inexpensive way to satisfy their appetites.<\/p>\r\n

\"What<\/div>\r\n

Kushikatsu<\/em> is known as a specialty of Osaka, but today it can be enjoyed at izakaya-style restaurants throughout Japan. Kushikatsu Tanaka, which we visited for this installment, is popular kushikatsu<\/em> chain with locations in Tokyo and other parts of Japan. This restaurant is distinguished by red and yellow lanterns at the front of the restaurant and the bustling atmosphere that can be heard even from the outside. Enjoy the good old-fashioned Japanese atmosphere.<\/p>\r\n

Check the menu<\/h2>\r\n
\"Check<\/div>\r\n

Upon entering the restaurant, check out the menu first. There are many tempting menu items, from kushikatsu<\/em> to standard Osaka specialties and even some eye-catching surprises! English menus are also available at all locations.<\/p>\r\n

Order a drink<\/h2>\r\n
\"Order<\/div>\r\n

The first thing to order is, of course, drinks. We recommend a cold beer or a whiskey & soda highball.<\/p>\r\n

Enjoy your drink with a otsumami<\/em> (side dish)<\/h2>\r\n
\"Enjoy<\/div>\r\n

Once everyone has made a toast, order some otsumami<\/em> before moving on to the main attraction, the kushikatsu<\/em>.<\/p>\r\n

Smoked horse meat\u3000\u3055\u3044\u307c\u3057\u3000saiboshi<\/em><\/h3>\r\n
\"Smoked<\/div>\r\n

Saiboshi<\/em> is smoked horse meat. It is an Osaka specialty that is hard to find elsewhere. Enjoy it with garlic soy sauce.
\r\n\u5546\u54c1\u540d\uff1a\u3055\u3044\u307c\u3057<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Simmered beef tendon\u3000\u725b\u3059\u3058\u571f\u624b\u3000gyusuzidote<\/em><\/h3>\r\n
\"Simmered<\/div>\r\n

Gyusujidote<\/em> is another Osaka specialty. The beef tendon slowly simmered in a special sweet miso melts in your mouth.
\r\n\u5546\u54c1\u540d\uff1a\u725b\u3059\u3058\u571f\u624b<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Kushikatsu<\/em> assortment<\/h2>\r\n
\"Kushikatsu<\/div>\r\n

You can order each kushikatsu<\/em> individually, but this time we ordered the Standard 8-Kushikatsu Assortment recommended by the restaurant. We enjoyed them with a whisky and soda highball.<\/p>\r\n

Lotus root\u3000\u30ec\u30f3\u30b3\u30f3\u3000rennkonn<\/em><\/h3>\r\n
\"Lotus<\/div>\r\n

The popular renkon kushikatsu<\/em> is both crispy and crunchy at the same time.
\r\n\u5546\u54c1\u540d\uff1a\u30ec\u30f3\u30b3\u30f3<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Onion\u3000\u7389\u30cd\u30ae\u3000tamanegi<\/em><\/h3>\r\n
\"Oonion<\/div>\r\n

The large half-moon shaped ones are tamanegi<\/em> skewers which are packed with a great sweet taste.
\r\n\u5546\u54c1\u540d\uff1a\u7389\u30cd\u30ae<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Pork\u3000\u8c5a\u3000buta<\/em><\/h3>\r\n
\"Pork<\/div>\r\n

Buta kushikatsu<\/em> features the succulent umami of pork wrapped in a batter that fills your taste buds.
\r\n\u5546\u54c1\u540d\uff1a\u4e32\u30ab\u30c4\u8c5a<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Beef\u3000\u725b\u3000gyu<\/em><\/h3>\r\n
\"Beef<\/div>\r\n

Lightly flavored gyu kushikatsu <\/em>has a slight amount of fat, making them easy to eat.
\r\n\u5546\u54c1\u540d\uff1a\u4e32\u30ab\u30c4\u725b<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Shrimp\u3000\u30a8\u30d3\u3000ebi<\/h3>\r\n
\"Shrimp<\/div>\r\n

The springy deep-fried ebi kushikatsu<\/em> has an amazing taste!
\r\n\u5546\u54c1\u540d\uff1a\u30a8\u30d3<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Quail egg\u3000\u3046\u305a\u3089\u3000uzura<\/em><\/h3>\r\n
\"Quail<\/div>\r\n

Deep-fried boiled uzura kushikatsu<\/em> is popular with children as well!
\r\n\u5546\u54c1\u540d\uff1a\u3046\u305a\u3089<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Red pickled ginger\u3000\u7d05\u3057\u3087\u3046\u304c\u3000benishoga<\/em><\/h3>\r\n
\"Red<\/div>\r\n

The beni shoga<\/em> is a standard menu item in Osaka. You are sure to love its unique sourness and flaky texture!
\r\n\u5546\u54c1\u540d\uff1a\u7d05\u3057\u3087\u3046\u304c<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Asparagus\u3000\u30a2\u30b9\u30d1\u30e9\u30ac\u30b9\u3000asuparagasu<\/em><\/h3>\r\n
\"Asparagus<\/div>\r\n

This item is made with a whole fresh asparagus. Hold the part wrapped in aluminum foil and enjoy.
\r\n\u5546\u54c1\u540d\uff1a\u30a2\u30b9\u30d1\u30e9\u30ac\u30b9<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Add plenty of sauce<\/h2>\r\n
\"Add<\/div>\r\n

Before, at authentic Osaka kushikatsu<\/em> restaurants, a deep container filled with sauce was placed on the counter, and the kushikatsu<\/em> could be dipped only once into the container, a style that was well known as “no second dipping”. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the sauce is now served in a dispenser.<\/p>\r\n

\"Add<\/div>\r\n

Originally, the kushikatsu<\/em> were immersed in a container full of sauce, so it’s OK to cover the kushikatsu<\/em> with sauce until it turns brown!<\/p>\r\n

Put the skewers in the skewer collector when finished<\/h2>\r\n
\"Put<\/div>\r\n

Be sure to eat the kushikatsu<\/em> while it\u2019s still piping hot! Place the finished skewers in the skewer collector set on the table.<\/p>\r\n

Enjoy some Kushikatsu Tanaka specialties<\/h2>\r\n
\"Enjoy<\/div>\r\n

In addition to kushikatsu<\/em>, enjoy some famous otsumami<\/em> at Kushikatsu Tanaka.<\/p>\r\n

Potato salad\u3000\u30dd\u30c6\u30c8\u30b5\u30e9\u30c0\u3000poteto sarada<\/em><\/h3>\r\n
\"Potato<\/div>\r\n

This is a potato salad with lumpy potatoes and flavored soft-boiled egg in a bowl. You can make your own potato salad by mashing the ingredients with a pestle rod.
\r\n\u5546\u54c1\u540d\uff1a\u81ea\u5206\u3067\u4f5c\u308b\uff01\u30dd\u30c6\u30c8\u30b5\u30e9\u30c0<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\"Potato<\/div>\r\n

Have fun arranging the ingredients to your liking, whether you enjoy your potatoes coarsely crushed or finely mashed!<\/p>\r\n

\"Potato<\/div>\r\n

We made coarse potato salad! The lumpy texture of the potatoes is amazing.<\/p>\r\n

Pork, leek and cheese omelet\u3000\u30c1\u30fc\u5e73\u713c\u304d\uff08\u30c1\u30fc\u30ba\u5165\u308a\u3068\u3093\u5e73\u713c\u304d\uff09\u3000chiipei-yaki<\/em><\/h3>\r\n
\"Pork,<\/div>\r\n

Osaka’s famous tonpeiyaki<\/em> (pork and leek omelet) with cheese and mayonnaise, topped with plenty of leek.
\r\n\u5546\u54c1\u540d\uff1a\u8471\u307e\u307f\u308c\u30c1\u30fc\u5e73\u713c\u304d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Fish & chips\u3000\u30d5\u30a3\u30c3\u30b7\u30e5\uff06\u30c1\u30c3\u30d7\u30b9\u3000fissyu & chippusu<\/em><\/h3>\r\n
\"Fish&chips<\/div>\r\n

Fries topped with soft and fluffy fried white fish.
\r\n\u5546\u54c1\u540d\uff1a\u7530\u4e2d\u306e\u30d5\u30a3\u30c3\u30b7\u30e5\uff06\u30c1\u30c3\u30d7\u30b9<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Octopus dumplings\u3000\u305f\u3053\u713c\u304d\u3000takoyaki<\/em><\/h3>\r\n
\"Octopus<\/div>\r\n

At Kushikatsu Tanaka, you can even make your own takoyaki<\/em> at your table! Takoyaki is an Osaka specialty, in which octopus is wrapped in flour mixed with dashi<\/em> (soup stock) and grilled into a ball shape.
\r\n\u5546\u54c1\u540d\uff1a\u624b\u4f5c\u308a\u305f\u3053\u713c\u304d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\"Octopus<\/div>\r\n

First, light the stove of the takoyaki<\/em> cooker. The staff applies the oil on the griddle in advance. The dough contains aburakasu<\/em> (deep-fried meat bits), so mix it thoroughly before pouring it onto the griddle.<\/p>\r\n

\"Octopus\"Octopus<\/div>\r\n

Once the griddle is heated up, pour in the batter. Pour all the batter in without worrying about keeping it neatly in the shape of a circle.<\/p>\r\n

\"Octopus<\/div>\r\n

Place the octopus and beni shoga<\/em> in the poured batter.<\/p>\r\n

\"Octopus<\/div>\r\n

The key to making takoyaki<\/em> well is to take your time. If you try to turn them over when they are not cooked, they will lose their shape and become a mess. It is better to wait patiently while enjoying other dishes.<\/p>\r\n

\"Octopus<\/div>\r\n

Ideally, the takoyaki<\/em> should be flipped over to form a nice round shape. The takoyaki<\/em> in the middle is harder to heat and will take longer to cook. After turning over the 8 surrounding pieces, turn over the middle piece.<\/p>\r\n

\"Octopus<\/div>\r\n

Since takoyaki<\/em> is packed full of the umami of dashi<\/em>, it is recommended to eat the first takoyaki<\/em> without sauce. After that, you are free to top it with their special takoyaki sauce or whatever you like!<\/p>\r\n

Tanaka specialty udon <\/em>(thick noodles) to finish off your meal<\/h2>\r\n

Udon<\/em> noodles with deep fried meat bits\u3000\u304b\u3059\u3046\u3069\u3093\u3000kasuudon<\/em><\/h3>\r\n
\"Tanaka<\/div>\r\n

Another specialty of Kushikatsu Tanaka is kasu udon<\/em>. Finish off your meal with a bowl of udon<\/em> immersed in the gentle taste of dashi<\/em> broth.
\r\n\u5546\u54c1\u540d\uff1a\u7530\u4e2d\u306e\u304b\u3059\u3046\u3069\u3093<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\"Tanaka<\/div>\r\n

Kasu<\/em> is made by squeezing oil from beef hormone, and is actually healthy as it is high in protein, low in fat, and full of collagen.<\/p>\r\n

Enjoy the specialty sauces at home<\/h2>\r\n
\"Enjoy<\/div>\r\n

Kushikatsu Tanaka’s specialty sauce brings out the umami of the kushikatsu<\/em>. It is actually available for purchase in stores. This sauce is also popular among tourists from overseas, as it helps them remember the taste of Japan after they return to their home countries.<\/p>\r\n

\"Enjoy<\/div>\r\n

Kushikatsu Tanaka offers not only kushikatsu<\/em> but also a variety of other Osaka specialties. There are locations all over Japan, so be sure to visit one during your stay in Japan!<\/p>\r\n

 <\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Kushikatsu is one of the most popular foods in Osaka. It is a perfect accompaniment to alcoholic beverages, made by coating meat, seafood or other ingredients in a light batter and deep frying them. In this installment, we visited the popular restaurant Kushikatsu Tanaka, known all over Japan, to find out how to enjoy the classic kushikatsu!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":915,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[73,76,56,69,71],"class_list":["post-916","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-slug_articles","tag-kansai","tag-local-gourmet","tag-what","tag-fried","tag-izakaya"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/goodie-foodie.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/916","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/goodie-foodie.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/goodie-foodie.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goodie-foodie.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goodie-foodie.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=916"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/goodie-foodie.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/916\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2333,"href":"https:\/\/goodie-foodie.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/916\/revisions\/2333"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goodie-foodie.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/915"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/goodie-foodie.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=916"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goodie-foodie.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=916"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goodie-foodie.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=916"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}