Kushikatsu Tanaka
串カツ田中
The King of Kushikatsu - Osaka's Fried Skewers Around the World
The Essence of Osaka Kushikatsu
Since 1929, Kushikatsu Tanaka has perpetuated the tradition of Osaka kushikatsu: breaded and fried skewers, served with their secret sauce, in the relaxed atmosphere of an authentic izakaya.
🏮 The Heritage of Osaka Kushikatsu
📅 Birth of a Tradition (1929)
Kushikatsu Tanaka was born in 1929 in the popular Shinsekai district of Osaka, the birthplace of kushikatsu. This Osaka specialty consists of various ingredients skewered, breaded, and deep-fried in oil.
Founder Tanaka-san revolutionized the concept by creating a secret sauce that perfectly complements kushikatsu, becoming the chain's signature.
🌏 Global Expansion
From its humble beginnings in Osaka, Kushikatsu Tanaka has expanded throughout Japan and internationally, exporting the authentic culture of Osaka kushikatsu.
- • 1929: First restaurant in Osaka
- • 1990s: Expansion in Kansai region
- • 2000s: National presence in Japan
- • 2010s: International opening
🍢 The Art of Kushikatsu
🥩 Classic Kushikatsu
定番串カツ
¥130-280/skewer
The kushikatsu essentials: beef, pork, chicken and vegetables, all breaded in unique breadcrumbs and fried to perfection.
⭐ Premium Kushikatsu
プレミアム串カツ
¥350-580/skewer
Refined versions with premium ingredients: seafood, wagyu, seasonal vegetables and chef's special creations.
🍺 Sets & Drinks
セット・ドリンク
¥800-1500
Kushikatsu sets with beer, traditional accompaniments and various sauces for a complete izakaya experience.
⚠️ Golden Rule of Kushikatsu
🚫 "NO DOUBLE DIPPING!"
ABSOLUTE PROHIBITION: Dipping the same skewer twice in the communal sauce. This sacred Osaka rule ensures hygiene and mutual respect.
✅ How to do it right:
- • Only one dip in the communal sauce
- • Use cabbage as a "spoon" if needed
- • Order extra sauce if necessary
- • Respect this Osaka tradition!
🏮 The Kushikatsu Izakaya Experience
🍺 Izakaya Atmosphere
Relaxed and friendly atmosphere typical of Osaka. Lively counters, conversations between customers, and the characteristic sound of sizzling fryers.
- • Style: Popular and warm
- • Clientele: Workers, friends, families
- • Atmosphere: Relaxed, lively
- • Service: Quick and efficient
🎯 How to Order
Simple ordering system: paper menu with checkboxes, handed to the server. Kushikatsu arrive gradually.
⏰ Timing & Price
Perfect for drinks or casual dinner. Average budget of ¥1500-2500 for a complete meal with drinks.
💡 Practical Guide for Visitors
✅ Recommendations
- 🍢Start with classics: Beef, pork, chicken to discover the basics
- 🍺Pair with beer: Cold Japanese beer pairs perfectly
- 🥬Use the cabbage: Provided free, it refreshes between bites
- ⏰Avoid 7pm-9pm: Peak hours, prefer 5pm-7pm or after 9pm
ℹ️ Practical Information
- 🏪Distribution: Over 300 restaurants throughout Japan
- 🚇Location: City centers, business districts, shopping areas
- 💳Payment: Mainly cash, some accept cards
- 🌐Official website: Location and menus in Japanese
🍽️ Dietary Requirements & Restrictions
🚫 Vegetarian/Vegan
Limited options: Most kushikatsu contain meat or fish. A few vegetable options available.
🐷 Halal/No Pork
Caution required: Pork present in some kushikatsu. No official halal certification.
⚠️ Allergies
Caution recommended: breadcrumbs contain gluten, shared frying oil between all ingredients.
🎌 The Culture of Osaka Kushikatsu
🏛️ Culinary Heritage
Kushikatsu was born in the popular districts of Osaka as affordable and nourishing street food. Kushikatsu Tanaka perpetuates this tradition by keeping the popular and accessible spirit.
- • Origin: Osaka street food (1920s)
- • Philosophy: Simple and tasty food
- • Social: Gathering and conviviality
🌟 Innovation & Tradition
Kushikatsu Tanaka modernizes the experience while respecting traditions: new ingredients, improved hygiene, but still the same secret sauce and the same sacred rules.
- • Modernity: New ingredients, hygiene
- • Tradition: Secret sauce, Osaka rules
- • Global: Export of Japanese culture
🍢 "Kushikatsu: More than a Dish, a Way of Life"
Kushikatsu Tanaka transforms a simple fried dish into an authentic cultural experience, where each bite tells the story of Osaka and its popular generosity.