We visited Expo 2025 (関西万博) in Osaka in April, about a week after it opened to the public. This fast food palace stood out and caught our attention.
Enjoy a tune while browsing.
We were initially drawn to this lively food court by a giant illuminated display and later learnt that it is part of a Nebuta (ねぶた) float typically used in a festival celebrated in Aomori (青森) in the northeastern Tohoku region (東北町). Apparently the designer is the first female artist of these creations.
Nebuta refers to the float (山車灯籠) carrying a brave warrior-figure which is hauled by a team including spectators through the center of the city during a festival.
In this Nebuta, a deity is fighting a monster that has kidnapped a child. The entire creation is constructed with wire and illuminated internally; they were constructed like elaborately shaped lanterns.
This festive Japanese food court is dedicated to Osaka’s beloved local specialties. Smaller Nebuta-inspired signboards marked each food stall. Click on the image to see full-size version of the photo.
Ganso Kushikatsu Daruma in Shinsekai is a popular kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) restaurant in Osaka, and is considered the originator of the dish.
Negiyaki Yamamoto known for its green onion pancake, which is a variation of okonomiyaki-the regular savory pancake, that uses a lot of green onions instead of cabbage. The restaurant is considered the originator of Negiyaki.
Creo-Ru (くれおーる) from Dotonbori is famous for takoyaki and okonomiyaki but they are serving pork and beef cutlet here instead.
Mitsuru (みつる) also from Dotonbori specializes in yakiniku i.e., charcoal grilled meat, especially wagyu beef.
Krungtep Thai restaurant also from Dotonbori specializes in thai cuisine and is offering some kind of pancake with a fried egg
Osaka Osho 王将 is well known for its chinese fried dumplings, with a shop in Dotonbori.
Kamakura Soup with Noodles 神座では – ramen specialist
Lapoppo Farm (らぽっぽファーム) specializes in natural and healthy sweet potatoes fresh from the field, that are made into fries and pizza, as well as desserts.
Daiki-suisan kaitenzushi (大起水産) is a conveyor belt sushi restaurant in Dotonbori but they did not bring the belt with them at the Expo.
Last but not least is our favorite takoyaki restaurant – Takoya Dotonbori Kukuru (たこ家道頓堀くくる).
They are famous for “bikkuri takoyaki” or “Surprise Takoyaki” that uses extra large chunky pieces of octopus.
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