Gluten-Free Osaka: A Celiac's Guide to Japan's Street Food Capital
Osaka is famous for takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu — all traditionally made with wheat. But don't despair. With the right plan, celiacs CAN enjoy Osaka's food culture safely.
Osaka's "flour culture" is high-risk for celiacs
Osaka's most famous foods (takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu) are ALL wheat-based. Do NOT eat from random street stalls. This guide shows you where to find safe, verified alternatives.
The Challenge: Osaka's Flour Culture
Takoyaki = Wheat
Traditional takoyaki batter is wheat-based. Standard stalls are NOT safe. Go to OKO Tako for rice-based GF version.
Okonomiyaki = Wheat
Savory pancake made from wheat flour, often with wheat noodles. Only OKO Fun serves a celiac-safe version.
Kushikatsu = Wheat
Deep-fried skewers in wheat batter, shared oil. Shinsekai's signature dish is a no-go. No known GF alternative.
The Solution: What IS Safe
Yakiniku (salt only)
Grilled meat with salt is naturally GF. Avoid sauce-based marinades. Request a clean grill.
Sashimi & plain sushi
Fresh fish and rice are naturally GF. Bring your own tamari for dipping. Verify sushi vinegar ingredients.
GF Takoyaki at OKO
OKO Tako uses okara (soy) instead of wheat. The ONLY safe takoyaki in Osaka.
Celiac-Verified Restaurants in Osaka
Comeconoco Gluten-Free Laboratory & Cafe
100% dedicated gluten-free cafe using Japanese rice flour. French toast, sandwiches, cakes, and pastries all made in a dedicated GF kitchen. The #1 rated GF spot in Osaka.
All products made on-site. Warm, relaxed vibe with shared seating.
OKO Tako (GF Takoyaki)
The ONLY place in Osaka to get celiac-safe takoyaki. Uses okara (soy byproduct) instead of wheat flour. 100% vegan and gluten-free with single-use trays to minimize cross-contamination.
Evening hours only (17:45–23:00). Near Shinsaibashi. Same owner as OKO Fun.
OKO Fun Okonomiyaki Bar
The ONLY place in Osaka serving celiac-safe okonomiyaki. GF okonomiyaki prepared on a separate grill with single-use trays. Staff provides cross-contamination prevention information.
Vegetarian menu items are all GF. Provide advance notice. Run by one person — be patient and respectful.
FOLK茶菓 (folksaka)
Dedicated gluten-free vegan cafe with cakes, brownies, bread, and sandwiches. Called a 'celiac safe haven in Osaka' by reviewers.
Located in Fukushima Ward. Great for vegan celiacs seeking plant-based baked goods.
Engine Ramen
Menu clearly marked with gluten-free options. Staff places a GF label on your table and announces 'gluten-free' when serving. Rich broth with rice noodles.
GF options available but kitchen also handles wheat. Serious about cross-contamination protocols.
Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M
High-quality grilled Matsusaka beef. Safe when you request plain meat with salt only (no marinade) and a separate clean grill.
Marinades contain wheat soy sauce. Communicate clearly about celiac needs. Ask for 'shio' (salt) only.
Know a restaurant we're missing? Submit a review
Neighborhood Safety Guide
Dotonbori
Iconic but DANGEROUS for celiacs. Almost all stalls use wheat. Visit for photos and neon lights at night, eat elsewhere.
Shinsaibashi
Best area for celiacs! Home to OKO Tako, OKO Fun, and ChocoLatta. Trendy cafes with more dietary awareness.
Umeda (Kita)
Business district with international hotels that understand dietary needs. Department store basements have packaged GF options.
Shinsekai
Famous for kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) — ALL wheat-based. Visit Tsutenkaku Tower for photos but eat elsewhere.
Celiac Survival Tips for Osaka
Avoid Dotonbori street stalls
Nearly ALL Dotonbori street food vendors use wheat flour — takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu. Visit for the neon lights and Glico Running Man photo, but eat at verified GF restaurants instead.
OKO is your lifeline
OKO Tako and OKO Fun are the ONLY places serving celiac-safe versions of Osaka's iconic takoyaki and okonomiyaki. Don't leave Osaka without trying them.
Yakiniku = your safe bet
Japanese BBQ is naturally GF when ordered with salt ('shio'). Avoid tare (sauce-based) marinades which contain wheat soy sauce. Request a clean grill.
Bring your own tamari
Carry portable tamari (GF soy sauce) packets. Essential for sashimi, rice dishes, and yakiniku where regular soy sauce is the default.
Japanese allergy card is essential
Osaka has less English spoken than Tokyo. A Japanese celiac allergy card explaining your condition is critical — show it at every restaurant.
Stock up at convenience stores
7-Eleven and FamilyMart are everywhere in Osaka. Grab onigiri, boiled eggs, SOYJOY bars, and fruit. Use Google Translate's camera to check labels.
Plan Your Osaka Trip
Stay Near Shinsaibashi
Shinsaibashi has the best GF restaurant concentration in Osaka — OKO Tako, OKO Fun, and ChocoLatta are all here. Book nearby for easy access.
Browse Shinsaibashi hotels →Hotels Near Namba
Central location for both Dotonbori sightseeing and easy access to GF restaurants. Major transport hub for Kyoto day trips.
Browse Namba hotels →Links above are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Getting to Osaka
From Tokyo
- • Shinkansen Nozomi: 2 hrs 30 min (~¥14,000)
- • Shinkansen Hikari: 2 hrs 50 min (JR Pass OK)
- • Highway bus: ~7 hrs (~¥4,000)
From Kyoto
- • JR Special Rapid: 29 min (¥560)
- • Hankyu Railway: 40 min (¥400)
- • Combine with Kyoto for a perfect trip
Pro tip: Kyoto is only 30 min away and much more celiac-friendly. Many travelers base in Kyoto and day-trip to Osaka for sightseeing + OKO for food.