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Gold-dusted ice cream, unli takoyaki, and other Osaka food finds
OSAKA - Five hundred kilometers from the bustling city of Tokyo, the Osaka Prefecture is a haven for foodies, particularly seafood lovers.
From Pikotaro-themed cookies to unlimited takoyaki, our list of food finds in Osaka can go on and on—but we've limited it to ten dishes for your perusal (and possible future reference).
1. Pikotaro-themed cookies
Know the Japanese comedian’s YouTube hit, “PPAP”? Turns out the popular song has its own edible merchandise being sold in local food shops nationwide. These themed butter cookies are sure to delight you and any Pikotaro fan. They even come with a chocolate pen, but sadly, no apple or pineapple.
2. S'mores-flavored Starbucks latte
Starbucks Japan takes on-the-go coffee to the next level, with this S'mores latte available on store shelves. Unlike the S'mores Frappucino, the S'mores latte comes in a cute and reusable cup, with Starbucks' signature green straw on the side.
Here is a YouTuber's product review:
3. Takoyaki-flavored Pringles
The Osaka region is famous for its fresh seafood, particularly octopus. Following the trend, Pringles decided to whip up a new potato chip flavor, based on the region’s palate.
These Pringles are reminiscent of the famed takoyaki (octopus balls), a Japanese snack that has spread around the world. With a subtle and not-too-salty taste, it’s almost as if one were feasting on takoyaki with every chip.
4. Gold-dusted matcha ice cream
Japan is also famous for its matcha (green tea)-flavored products, including ice cream, which many locals and tourists eat even on a chilly afternoon.
The ice cream's pastel green color is complemented by the edible gold dust topping it. It's a bit pricey (¥200, or about P90) compared to the regular matcha soft serve—but it was well worth the cost.
One can find these kinds of soft serves in food stalls near tourist attractions. We found this one in a shop beside Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion).
5. American Cherry Pie Frappuccino
This Frappuccino is endemic to Starbucks Japan; although it promotes the flavors of another culture, it is a hit among locals.
A twist on the classic diner cherry pie a la mode, the Cherry Pie Frappuccino boasts a domed pie crust (that never gets soggy), two layers of cherry compote, and a vanilla base.
It’s basically a pie in a drink, available to the public for a limited period of time.
6. Butterbeer
A trip to Universal Studios Japan would not be complete without a tour of Harry Potter World. Pick up a cold mug of Butterbeer to blend in with the Wizarding crowd.
A golden drink with the strong fizz of a carbonated drink and topped with sweet foam, Butterbeer is a nostalgic trip to one's childhood days. For an additional cost, your Butterbeer can come with a plastic or stainless steel mug.
7. Minions-themed food
Character-themed food should be of no surprise to Universal Studios visitors—and the Minion-themed items are too adorable to ignore.
The Minion burger and the Minion waffles (which include packets of chocolate sauce and banana syrup) are the epitome of cuteness.
8. Tempura-udon (with tempura that never gets soggy)
Udon refers to thick Japanese pasta made out of wheat or buckwheat flour. It is often eaten with savory soup.
This tempura udon, in a restaurant also near The Golden Pavilion, was a hit among locals and tourists. The panko-crusted tempura stayed crispy, even after being immersed in the soup for a very long time.
Additional condiments such as the seven-spice powder (shichimi togarashi) give it a tasty kick.
9. Yakult-flavored soda
Avid lovers of the popular lactobacilli-infused drink will enjoy this Yakult-inspired soda.
Fizzy with just the right amount of that sweet n’ sour Yakult goodness, this unique soda comes in a reusable metal bottle.
10. (Unlimited) takoyaki
We stayed at Parkfront Hotel, and availed of their free breakfast buffet. The buffet served various kinds of viands, rice meals, omelettes, and desserts. But what caught our attention was the unlimited takoyaki section: heaps of octopus balls topped with generous amounts of seaweed, mayonnaise, takoyaki sauce, and fish flakes.
— BM, GMA News
