The first place I ever tried kushikatsu in Osaka’s Shinsekai was at Yakko (やっこ). After about 10 years, I finally revisited. I did consider trying a new place, but in the end, I just felt like coming back here. Not only is the kushikatsu delicious, but I also have unique memories tied to this spot that I can’t experience anywhere else.
The shop has about 10 counter seats and has been around since 1948, a long-established eatery. When I visited 10 years ago, the kitchen was lined with serious-looking men frying kushikatsu with sharp gazes. It was a bit of a culture shock, and I thought, “So this is Shinsekai…!” A few years ago, the original owner passed away, and now the shop is run by his wife and son, creating a much warmer and more relaxed atmosphere. The nearest station is Shin-Imamiya Station, and it’s just a short walk from Tsutenkaku Tower.
The prices for kushikatsu start at 110 yen, with most items around 130 yen—very affordable. This time, I ordered seven skewers and two drinks, all for under 2,000 yen. The great value is a wonderful aspect of this area.
Although there’s a sign that says, “Cabbage is not all-you-can-eat,” they serve a generous portion of cabbage in front of you. It’s more than enough, even for two people 🙂
When ordering skewers, I recommend getting three at a time to enjoy them freshly fried. These three items are must-haves at any kushikatsu shop, so I ordered them first: Shishito, Kushikatsu and pickled red ginger. The batter isn’t thin, but it’s perfectly crispy and light.
Kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) had a perfectly crisp batter, and the meat inside was juicy and flavorful.
The shishito peppers are slightly bitter, yet incredibly tasty when fried. The red ginger, with its vibrant tangy kick, was the highlight for me! It’s something you don’t see often on kushikatsu menus outside of Shinsekai.
Another classic rule: No double-dipping in the sauce! The communal sauce containers keep the flavors consistent while promoting cleanliness and etiquette.
It looks like hanpen (fish cake), but it’s actually cheese. As a cheese lover, I couldn’t resist ordering it. This dish is a must-try for fellow cheese enthusiasts. The texture is firm rather than melty, which is quite unique. The rich flavor is perfectly complemented by the sauce.
Shiitake mushroom. The umami of the mushroom is sealed in, and as you bite into it, the juices burst into your mouth.
This is garlic. Garlic is a must-have when it comes to kushikatsu shop. They use garlic soaked in red vinegar, giving it a refreshing taste. The aftertaste is mild, so I could enjoy it without worrying about lingering odors.
Drinks are available in the basics. The draft beer was nicely chilled.
Highballs and chu-hi came in bottles or cans, but they provided glasses filled with ice. The 9% alcohol content was quite satisfying. By the way, the chu-hi was the nostalgic Hi-Liki brand from the past.
Even though the atmosphere has changed quite a bit, I still love this place. It’s a spot where you can feel the history of Osaka’s food culture, and I highly recommend it.
Returning to Yakko was like stepping back into the nostalgic streets of Shinsekai, but with a heartwarming twist. The hospitality from the proprietress and her son made me feel right at home. The casual, relaxed vibe was the perfect way to unwind after a busy day. And of course, the kushikatsu was just as satisfying as I remembered. Have you visited Shinsekai before? If you have any favorite spots or dishes, let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear your recommendations 🙂
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Name Kushikatsu Yakko (串かつ やっこ)
Open Day through night
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