Here is Kuromon Market, “Osaka’s kitchen,” where we tasted tuna sashimi and sea urchin in May 2018.
We came from a Brooklyn coffee shop, about a 10-minute walk away.
It was packed with food stalls. Like a tourist market anywhere, prices were high. It reminded me of Olle Market on Jeju. The highlights at Kuromon Market were Kobe beef, tuna sashimi, sea urchin, king crab, and chicken skewers.
It was a food paradise. We debated Kobe beef versus tuna sashimi and went with the tuna.
Prices varied by cut, and we picked a set with chu-toro and o-toro. It was a small portion for 2,500 yen, and a Korean staff member took our order in Korean.
We watched them slice the tuna and ate it with soy sauce and wasabi.
It was honestly delicious. The best tuna we had ever tasted, melting in our mouths.
The portion felt small, but it was just right for two to share. Next we tried sea urchin and grilled scallops.
The scallops were grilled in butter, priced by size. At 500 yen each, they were skippable.
But the sea urchin was a must. It had been on the wishlist for this Japan trip.
The sea urchin was 1,500 yen. We spent 4,500 yen on quick bites at Kuromon Market. Not cheap.
Still, with this much variety, Kuromon Market is worth a stop in Osaka. A bite of everything here is a tour of Osaka food on its own.
We headed back to the hotel after Kuromon Market, too worn out to walk any more that day.
Prices, hours and details in this post are from our visit in May 2018 and may have changed, so check the latest information before you go.