Kushikatsu Daruma - Shinsekai Main Shop — Restaurant in Osaka

After a great time at the Dotonbori location, I knew I had to visit the Shinsekai main branch — the birthplace of kushikatsu and probably the most iconic version of the brand. Located right in the heart of Osaka’s retro Shinsekai district, this location feels like stepping back into the Showa era — neon lights, old-school charm, and that gritty, local Osaka energy.

The restaurant is bigger than the one in Dotonbori and even busier — I waited about 20 minutes, but the staff were super efficient in moving the line. Inside, the vibe is slightly more nostalgic and less “polished,” which honestly adds to the charm. Wooden counters, classic posters on the walls, and a steady rhythm of orders flying across the room.

The kushikatsu here had a slightly crispier batter compared to Dotonbori’s — maybe it was just the batch, but I loved it. I went for some repeats (shrimp, pork, cheese) and added new ones like asparagus bacon and octopus. Both were delicious — especially the octopus, which had a great chew and held up perfectly to the hot oil.

Service was fast, and the sauce rule (no double-dipping!) was enforced with even more humor here — the chef shouted “NO DOUBLE!” with a grin when someone got too close. It was great fun.

If you’re after the original Daruma experience, this is the one to visit. It's a bit wilder, more local, and...

This has to have been my worst meal in my three plus weeks in Japan. Was in the area and thought I should try it, queue with 5 people ahead took an hour and the quality of food for what was paid was definitely something that justified its origins.

When my order was taken I ordered the 15 skewer set to make it easy. My fried items were brought out on small trays and by the ninth skewer I was told my set was complete. Hmm…I am pretty sure even the blue collar people of the past could count. So when I was done and went to check out they wanted to charge me the 15 skewer price. I told them no- I had nine and they told me that I changed my order now? I showed them I had nine skewers- so I was not paying the 15 skewer set. Not only was all of this ridiculous, the food wasn’t even any good. I swear my food from 7-11 was about 100 times better. Think American corn dogs and take it down to the worst corn dog you’ve had times 50. -And there was no communal dipping worry at the counter as they leave their sauce in a squeeze bottle. Definitely not the traditional kushikatsu experience.

If you think you need to try this, believe me…you don’t. I did so you don’t have to. I swear I ended up at the McDonalds around the corner after leaving here. Save your money and go get some sushi or...

DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME AND MONEY HERE. 最烂的地方。Worst service ever. Do not be deceived by the relatively shorter queue. Bad service and waited more than an hour for mediocre food. Preferential treatment for Japanese only. There was a Japanese couple queueing at the front and we were just behind them. They entered into the empty shop first and had the option to choose where to sit. However when I sat beside them, the female waitress instructed us to sit all the way into the far end corner. As much as I understand space is tight and there are many customers, why didn’t the waitress suggest the Japanese customer to sit all the way to the end since they were the first to enter the empty shop? The waitress even greeted and took their order with happy face but when it comes to us she was annoyed (evidence in photos below) and had to ask which country we are from. This is downright racist and unfair. Food wise the meats are super tough and seafood overcooked. No cabbage was served at all (isn’t this the norm for kushikatsu??) Suggest spending your money elsewhere for nicer food. Had to go to a nearby Lawson to get my nice food fix. Lawson onigiri and sandwiches are way better...