April Theme: Gluttonous Osaka 食い倒れの街大阪

Many people believe that Tokyo produces the most delicious and authentic food in Japan, but if you were to ask any Japanese foodie, they would undoubtedly assert that it’s Osaka! A city bursting with energy, culture, and character, Osaka is truly a one-of-a-kind destination from freshly grilled Okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake) and Takoyaki (pan-fried octopus balls) to strolling around beautiful Osaka Castle. For this month, to help you experience the fun, vibrant food culture of “Gluttonous Osaka”, we’ve curated a delicious assortment of snacks from Japan’s gourmet capital such as Okonomiyaki Senbei, Osaka Caramel Cake, Rich Baked Chocolate, and many other Osakan delights!

Often referred to as Tokyo’s rival city, Osaka lies in the heart of the Kansai region. It is the third largest city in Japan by population, after Tokyo and Yokohama. Osaka was one of the first cities in Japan to industrialize due its proximity to and frequent trade with continental Asia, which helped it earn its moniker “City of Merchants.” Formerly known as Naniwa (難波), Osaka was the capital of ancient Japan and has a long, illustrious history. It is also home to countless forms of art and entertainment, such as Kabuki (歌舞伎) and Bunraku (文楽).

Osakans are known to be straightforward and friendly people who take great pride in speaking in their colorful dialect, Kansai-ben (関西弁). Kansai-ben is known for its distinct and sometimes humorous expressions and is often a source of entertainment in many Japanese comedy routines, which is why most of the popular comedians in Japan are originally from Osaka. Not only do the Osakans value warmth and friendliness, but they also have a keen sense of humor!

Though Osaka contains rich history and culture, Osaka is most famous for being the gourmet capital of Japan, which is why the city won the title of Tenka no Daidokoro (天下の台所, the nation’s kitchen). Osaka’s city motto, Kuidaore (食い倒れ), literally means “eat until you drop”. This saying perfectly applies to eating in Osaka, where delicious cuisine is available anywhere, anytime, and at very reasonable prices. For example, two of Osaka’s most delicious signature dishes are Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き, have-it-your-way pancake with cabbage and other savory ingredients) and Takoyaki (たこ焼き, bite-sized balls of octopus and wheat batter).

The snacks we’ve handpicked for this month are curated around well-known foods of Osaka or are sourced directly from Osaka. They all taste as scrumptious as they look, so I am excited to give you some tasty sneak peeks of our April Bokksu:

	Osaka Chocolate Egg 大阪チョコたまご
	Rich Baked Chocolate 濃厚ベイクドチョコラ
	Osaka Caramel Cake 大阪キャラメルプリンケーキ
	Okonomiyaki Senbei お好み焼きせんべえ
	Takoyaki Corn Puffs 元祖たこやき亭 まろやかソース味

This month, let Bokksu take you on a gourmet journey to the nation’s kitchen by subscribing now to reserve your April Bokksu before they sell out!

Happy snacking!