Journey to Japan's Kitchen... (the last bit)

The final supper in Osaka was had at the backpacker hostel I was staying at.
The place was run by two very cool Japanese guys and they had organised a cook-up for guests.
I was too busy mingling to take pics. 
After dinner and drinks I finally left for my bus rendezvous point about a 15min walk away.
I arrived early.
So that gave me just enough time to sneak around the corner and have another beer and a bit more of the skewered stuff. (the batterless version)

Pork recommended by the cook himself.

 Mushrooms!

This last one is actually a half-eaten malasada.
Its from a small Hawaiian shop in the beach town called Zushi where I managed to escape to one last time that weekend when I got back to Tokyo.
Unfortunately it was already too cold to swim. But this summer I had managed to swim there about 4-5 weekends in a row so it wasn't so disheartening.

Journey to Japan's Kitchen... a detour next door

You thought I was done? You obviously underestimate my ...appetite :)

While in Osaka I took the train up to Kobe.
The plan, initally, was to give hitchhiking a try.
Japan is one of the safest countries in the world and I figured this would be the only time I could.
But then, it rained.

Kobe presented me with an even friendlier breed of people, the further you go from Tokyo the bigger the hearts and smiles.

And there I ate at the 'China Town' which also had some kind of festival going on that day, with dragon dances etc.

Peking duck. I was tempted but I can just as easily get this in Tokyo so... hmm what else can I eat...

Yes, this stall was really raking in the yen.

First time to see a black steam bun, they use squid ink to give it that colour

Snack no.1

Snack no.5?

Journey to Japan's Kitchen... (Part 3)

 takoyaki/yakisoba/okonomiyaki mix plate from some random food street in Osaka

Menu at kushiyaki (fried skewered stuff) place in Shinsekai, Osaka

Hanging menu tablets

and this is the..kushiyaki!

Journey to Japan's kitchen... (Part 2)

Takoyaki (Fried Octopus)

Location: くくる (Kukuru) Dotonbori, Osaka Japan.

A street of food, bright lights and beautiful chaos.

Journey to Japan's kitchen... (Part 1)

...and from the kitchen to my stomach.

 

First stop: Snack Park in the basement of Hanshin Department Store in Umeda, Osaka.

(great find via Wiki-travel, was a food court serving different Osakan specialities...which were dericious and cheap!)

...like dog food?

Taken in Tokyo yesterday.