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Shinsekai is synonymous with kushikatsu. Daruma, a popular kushikatsu specialty restaurant with four locations in Shinsekai, is the most famous kushikatsu spot in the area.
Of course, regardless of the time of day, all locations have long lines, a testament to their popularity.
Zoo-mae Branch
Tsutenkaku Branch
“If you’re willing to wait in line, you can enjoy Daruma’s kushikatsu.”
I wholeheartedly agree with that sentiment, but the Janjyan Branch offers the highest chance of enjoying Daruma’s kushikatsu without waiting in line.
Janjyan Branch
Well, to be precise, there are times when you have to line up at Janjyan Branch as well. However, compared to the main branch, Zoo-mae Branch, and Tsutenkaku Branch in Shinsekai, the chances of getting in without lining up are significantly higher.
The reason is the location.
The main branch, as its name suggests, is the main branch, attracting people who want to eat at the main branch while visiting Shinsekai. Additionally, the main branch has very few seats (only 12 counter seats), making lines more likely.
Zoo-mae Branch and Tsutenkaku Branch, on the other hand, operate with large signs right in the middle of Shinsekai, making them more visible and likely to have lines.
In contrast, Janjyan Branch is located at the exit of Janjyan Yokocho. Many people get off at Dobutsuen-mae Station, pass through Janjyan Yokocho, and head to the center of Shinsekai. By the time they pass through Janjyan Yokocho, they are often focused on reaching the center of Shinsekai and may not notice Janjyan Branch.
At first glance, the store seems narrow, but it actually has a long, vertical structure, making it spacious.
Janjyan Branch has both counter and table seats, making it a welcoming place for solo diners. Many people come alone, and there are plenty of table seats for families to relax.
What I found nice was that there are proper two-person seats. Despite being a popular restaurant, it’s always crowded, but couples or friends can dine without sharing a table, and four-person seats aren’t wasted, allowing you to enjoy kushikatsu comfortably.
Before introducing the kushikatsu, there’s a highly recommended dish you must try: “Dote-yaki.”
Dote-yaki is a dish made by simmering beef tendon in miso and mirin. Daruma’s dote-yaki is simply exquisite! The gentle seasoning allows the beef tendon to melt into the broth, making it incredibly delicious.
This is a must-order dish when you visit Daruma.
You can order kushikatsu by the skewer, but there are so many options that it’s hard to choose.
In such cases, ordering a set menu is the way to go. Various set menus are available depending on the number of people, so whether you’re dining alone or with family, you can fully enjoy kushikatsu.
If you’re unsure what to order at Daruma, I highly recommend the “Janjyan Set.”
The Janjyan Set includes 9 kushikatsu skewers and dote-yaki, making it a satisfying meal for one person.
Janjyan Set (9 skewers + signature dote-yaki) 1600 yen
Daruma’s kushikatsu features a fluffy, slightly chewy batter. The batter drains well, making it light and not greasy, allowing you to enjoy kushikatsu until you’re full. One of the reasons for the popularity of Daruma’s kushikatsu is this gentle batter, which isn’t too oily.
When visiting Osaka’s Shinsekai, not eating kushikatsu is not an option. Among the many kushikatsu specialty restaurants in Shinsekai, Daruma’s popularity and long lines prove its deliciousness.
There’s a reason for this: the taste has been handed down through generations, and those who have protected it. It’s well-known locally that former professional boxer and actor Hidekazu Akai personally negotiated to take over the taste from the third generation when they decided to close the store, ensuring Daruma’s continuity as the fourth generation.
Kushikatsu is a part of Osaka’s culture and unique history. It’s one of Osaka’s representative gourmet dishes.
However, for us travelers, time is limited. Having visited all four Daruma branches in Shinsekai, I can say, “It’s delicious no matter which branch you eat at.” If you can avoid the lines at a popular restaurant, that’s the best option.
Choosing the right place to eat is a smart tactic for a fulfilling trip. In Shinsekai, the mecca of kushikatsu, be sure to savor the kushikatsu of the long-established popular restaurant Daruma.
