Fukutaro Main Store

In the lively drinking district known as Ura-Namba in Osaka, there’s an okonomiyaki restaurant called Fukutaro. Founded in 1945, it has been in business for over 80 years and is considered a legend among Osaka’s many okonomiyaki restaurants. Enjoying okonomiyaki in the retro-chic atmosphere of Ura-Namba… Hmm, when dining out, it’s not just about the taste—the atmosphere is just as important, isn’t it? But if you want to immerse yourself in that post-war retro vibe, this place actually has an even better menu item…

Selected for the Michelin Bib Gourmand and a regular on Tabelog’s Top 100 Okonomiyaki Restaurants list—its track record is truly legendary… Fukutaro Main Store is a restaurant like this…

Before introducing the menu, let’s start with a brief overview of Fukutaro Main Store. In fact, this restaurant was selected for the Bib Gourmand in the 2016 Michelin Guide Kyoto & Osaka and is a Michelin-listed establishment. Furthermore, it’s a regular on Tabelog’s list of the Top 100 Okonomiyaki Restaurants. So, it’s not just the restaurant’s history that’s legendary—its track record is legendary as well.

I visited this legendary spot one weekend just past 3:00 PM. It’s generally considered a “dead time”—that awkward in-between hour—but even then, the 26 counter seats inside were nearly full (in addition to this counter-only location, they’ve since added table seating and sunken kotatsu seats, bringing the total seating capacity to 76). The interior has a distinctly Osaka-style retro vibe—or rather, a “cheap” feel in the best possible sense. It’s definitely the perfect atmosphere for a night out with the guys. But at that time, I’d say about two-thirds of the customers were foreign tourists… Maybe this place is even featured in overseas guidebooks.

Crispy on the outside, creamy and melty on the inside… Fukutaro Main Store’s Triple Negiyaki—what was it really like?

So, let’s introduce the perfect dish for fully enjoying that retro vibe I mentioned at the beginning. What I ordered that day at Fukutaro Main Store was the Triple Negiyaki (price: 1,580 yen, tax included). After waiting about 15 minutes from the time I ordered, the Triple Negiyaki was brought to my table, and this is what it looked like…

Unlike okonomiyaki, the charred surface is exposed, giving it a dry appearance. To be honest, Negiyaki doesn’t look particularly appetizing, but isn’t that part of its old-school charm? But don’t underestimate it just because it doesn’t look Instagram-worthy. Off-camera, the aroma of charred soy sauce drizzled over the griddle wafts through the air, really tickling the nose…

So, when I cut into this negiyaki with the spatula, as you’d expect from negiyaki, it’s packed with green onions. But that’s not all—it also contained quite a few large pieces of squid and shrimp.

Now, let’s dig in… First up is the pork belly, seared to a fragrant crisp on the surface. Not only is it crispy, but it’s also generously coated in that caramelized soy sauce glaze, making it incredibly aromatic. But the layer underneath is the opposite—the batter is soft and creamy, and the green onions inside have become sweeter from the heat, so even though it’s piping hot, the texture is like eating a fluffy cake. Since it’s seasoned with soy sauce instead of a typical sauce, and the crisp chopped green onions and red pickled ginger give it a refreshing taste, it goes down easily—more like a snack than okonomiyaki. Negiyaki is even more down-to-earth and has a stronger local flavor than okonomiyaki, but this Triple Negiyaki includes shrimp and squid, so it’s nice to enjoy a little luxury.

So, I finished Fukutaro Main Store’s Triple Negiyaki in about 10 minutes and left the shop. Even compared to the Suji Negi I had at Negiyaki Yamamoto Main Store over five years ago, I think 1,580 yen (tax included) for a negiyaki with squid and shrimp is quite reasonable. Above all, what I love is the sense of nostalgia I get from eating negiyaki. While Osaka has countless options for delicious okonomiyaki, isn’t it nice to occasionally spend a quiet evening with a beer in hand, nibbling on negiyaki?

Other Menu Items at Fukutaro Main Store (Prices include tax)

• Shichifuku Negiyaki: 2,880 yen
• Kaizoku Negiyaki: 2,480 yen
• Suji Negiyaki: 1,580 yen
• Pork Negiyaki: 1,380 yen
• Triple Tamayaki: 1,580 yen
• Mochi Tamayaki: 1,280 yen
• Mixed Yakisoba: 1,580 yen

Also open at Grand Front Osaka in Umeda and Takashimaya Namba… The Fukutaro Main Store is a 4-minute walk from the nearest station, Nipponbashi Station on the Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line (Kintetsu Nipponbashi Station).

In addition to the main store, Fukutaro also has locations inside Grand Front Osaka in Umeda and Takashimaya Namba. Both branches are very close to the station, making them convenient stops while you’re out shopping. Unlike the main store, they’re open for lunch on weekdays… Both locations are extremely convenient, so why not give them a try if you get the chance?

Here are the details of the restaurant…