In 2025, the Osaka – Kansai Expo has kicked off, drawing visitors from around the globe to this vibrant city. While you’re marveling at cutting-edge technology and the world’s diverse cultures, there’s another quintessentially Osaka experience waiting for you: udon. Beloved as an every-day comfort food, Osaka’s udon scene offers everything from time-honored classics to inventive modern takes. In this article, we’ll introduce five top udon spots that are easy to pop into before or after Expo sightseeing, and show you how a single bowl can bring your journey to life.
What Makes Osaka Udon Special?
When you think “udon,” Sanuki-style from Kagawa often springs to mind—but Osaka has its own proud udon tradition. The true star here is the broth: a clear yet deeply flavored dashi made luxuriously with kombu (kelp), katsuobushi (bonito flakes) and urume-bushi (round herring flakes). The noodles themselves are a bit softer, allowing that silky throat-feel to blend perfectly with the broth. In Osaka homes, udon is cherished as “family taste,” evoking warmth and nostalgia. And from venerable old shops to playful new venues, the city’s udon culture embraces both the classic and the creative.
1. Dōtonbori Imai Main Branch
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Nestled in the heart of Dōtonbori, Dōtonbori Imai has fueled locals and tourists alike for generations. Its imposing entrance hints at the heritage within. Their signature kitsune udon (topped with sweetened fried tofu) and kamo-negi suki-nabe (duck and leek hot pot) are must-tries; during the warmer months, an indulgent, piping-hot nabeyaki udon is a fun contrast. The broth here relies on Hokkaido kombu and Kanto-style saba-bushi and urume-bushi for a delicate yet robust flavor. If your appetite allows, pair your udon with a side oyako-don (chicken-egg rice bowl) or tamago-don (egg rice bowl). For dessert, their soft warabi-mochi is the perfect finish. Weekends can get very busy at lunchtime, so try arriving a little off-peak—the restaurant’s generous seating and brisk turnover mean waits are usually manageable.
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2. Tsuru Ton Tan – Soemonchō Branch
(Source.1:https://www.tsurutontan.co.jp/menu/)
Since 1989, Tsuru Ton Tan has fused Sanuki technique with Osaka’s warm hospitality. Tucked at the edge of the Dōtonbori Canal in Soemonchō, it stays open late, making it a popular spot to wind down after sightseeing or drinking. Their creative menu includes everything from mentaiko-cream udon to kitsune udon, with each dish earning rave reviews—especially among female diners and overseas visitors. It’s as much about the overall atmosphere as the food, and the inventive flavors here are a draw in themselves. A five-minute walk from Nipponbashi Station, it’s wonderfully accessible for late-night cravings.
(Source.2:https://www.tsurutontan.co.jp/menu/)
(Source.3:https://www.tsurutontan.co.jp/content/uploads/2020/01/12-4.jpg)
3. Chitose Bekkan
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Famous for its “niku-sui” (beef broth soup)—which traditionally omits noodles—Chitose Bekkan sits on the ground floor of Namba Grand Kagetsu. Its larger “Bekkan” outpost offers more seating, making it ideal for groups and tourists. Beloved by Yoshimoto comedians for years, the rich dashi combines bonito and urume flakes with sweet-simmered beef, a runny egg and sliced green onions. While “niku-sui” is the signature, their niku-kasu udon (with crispy beef fat) is another highlight. Paireither with a “kodama” tamago-kake gohan (egg-over-rice) set, and you’ll leave completely satisfied. With mostly counter seating and just steps from Nankai Namba Station, it’s perfect for a quick, solo stopover.
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4. Osaka Udon Inanoji
(Source.1:https://inanozi.com/menu)
At Osaka Udon Inanoji, you can taste the revived spirit of the old “Shinano Soba” that once thrived here—a place even the Downtown comedy duo used to frequent. Their kujira-style niku udon, featuring a simple yet powerful broth, is a standout you won’t want to miss. If you’ve room, a lightly salted onigiri (rice ball) is an ideal companion. Many diners also enjoy pairing udon with dashimaki tamago (rolled omelet) or tempura and a drink, finishing the evening with a comforting bowl. Though the space is cozy and waits may form during peak hours, the flavor makes it worthwhile. Located in the Sennichimae area and open until 22:00 on Fridays and Saturdays, it’s a great late-night option.
(Source.2:https://inanozi.com/menu)
(Source.3:https://inanozi.com/about)
5. Mimiu Namba
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Founded in Taishō 14 (1925), Mimiu is celebrated as the birthplace of “udon-suki” (udon hot pot). The Namba branch, directly connected to Takashimaya Osaka on the 7th floor, offers easy access and an elegant atmosphere that’s especially welcoming to inbound visitors. While their signature udon-suki is a must, you can also order standalone udon dishes. At lunchtime, the popular tempura-don set or the “Yurizen” menu—featuring tempura, sashimi and udon—provides a sumptuous variety. Ample seating makes it one of the more accessible high-end options for travelers seeking both quality and comfort.
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In Conclusion: Udon as an Osaka Cultural Experience
Osaka udon is more than just a meal—it’s a cultural journey steeped in local history and hospitality. From the rich depth of its broth to the silky tenderness of its noodles, every bowl tells a story. After soaking in the Expo’s futuristic buzz, pause for a moment of calm and connection with a bowl of Osaka udon. Your senses—and your heart—will thank you.
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