At long last – Time Out Market Osaka is finally here! With the inaugural Asia location of Time Out Market set to officially open on Friday March 21, we’ve got your first look at the eagerly anticipated food and cultural space in the city’s new Grand Green Osaka development.
The Osaka Market showcases the best of the Kansai region’s top culinary talents through a curated selection of 17 kitchens and two bars. The massive 3,000 square metre space is filled with communal tables for diners to enjoy each other’s company and soak in the local culture. Hoping to check it out the next time you’re in Osaka? Here are some of the highlights from the soon-to-be-open market.
Get your Osaka street food fix
When you think of Osaka’s food scene, the city’s famous street food is probably what comes to mind first. You’ll be able to get your fix at venues like Koala Shokudo serving up teppan specialities like okonomiyaki and pork belly yakisoba, and Kushiage001 produced by Kushiage010, who specialise in creative deep-fried skewers. Alternatively, for something warm and comforting, you can’t go wrong with a bowl of udon noodles from Passion Udon Sanshu.
Try modern takes on classic dishes
Looking for something a little different? Try out some of the market’s other creative kitchens including Saboten Taqueria, an outpost of Mexican fine dining restaurant Milpa helmed by chef Willy Monroy, who’s serving up tacos with seasonal Japanese ingredients, or Pizza Timewarp ∈Lacerba, a renowned Osaka pizza joint known for its creative pies made with ingredients like Okinawan brown sugar and cacao. There’s also ramen joint Zagin Diversity, which cooks up unique bowls of noodles inspired by ‘global flavours’.
Go dessert crazy
Of course, you wouldn’t want to finish off your visit without a little something sweet. The market has a great variety of dessert options to satisfy your sweet tooth including Gion Tokuya for classic kakigori shaved ice, Julian♡Sucré♡Acid for modern takes on popular Japanese coffeeshop desserts, and Seiichiro, Nishizono for elaborate parfaits made with seasonal ingredients.
Grab a fun drink
The market is also home to two expansive bars where you can sip wine, sake, whisky and craft beer from all over Japan. There’s also an ever-changing selection of cocktails shaken up with seasonal ingredients, plus some great non-alcoholic options like mocktails and smoothies at both bars. Alternatively, you can order excellent coffee at the market’s outpost of Mel Coffee Roasters.
Enjoy the local art and culture scene
Last but not least, the market will showcase an exciting programme of cultural activities, entertainment and events, including DJ sets and live performances of music and various arts. Visitors can also enjoy a number of family-friendly activities, art displays and workshops celebrating the best of Osaka’s cultural scene. Notably, the Market champions home-grown artists such as Kansai’s very own Shun Nakao – the creator of the stunning mural you’ll find at the market.
For more information, visit the Time Out Market Osaka website.