More About Japan 
One day during my recent trip to Osaka, I was wondering what to have for lunch.
Since I was in the Namba area, I decided to try the “Nikusui” at Chitose, a restaurant recommended by a friend I had met the day before.
So, what exactly is “Nikusui”?
In simple terms, it’s like meat udon without the udon, a dish popular in western Japan.
As a huge fan of meat udon, especially the sweet and savory broth infused with simmered beef, this seemed like the perfect meal for me.
Chitose is known as the birthplace of Nikusui.
The restaurant is also located near Namba Grand Kagetsu, a famous comedy theater, so it’s a favorite spot among Yoshimoto comedians!
Chitose in Namba, Osaka: A Classic Restaurant Famous for Nikusui
The restaurant Chitose is located in a quiet corner of Namba, one of Osaka’s busiest entertainment districts.
Although I expected it to be in the middle of a bustling area, it was actually tucked away in what felt like a wholesalers’ district, just a block or two away from the busy streets.
The traditional storefront had a nostalgic charm that I personally found very appealing.
Inside, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming, with an old-school vibe that added to its appeal.
Although they serve udon, I went for their signature Nikusui paired with Kodama (Tamago Kake Gohan, or raw egg over rice).
The Original Nikusui: A Deeply Satisfying, Flavorful Broth
The rich broth, loaded with beef and green onions, was beautifully complemented by the bright yellow Kodama (raw egg over rice).
It looked absolutely mouthwatering.
For someone like me who loves umami-packed broths, this was a dream come true.
Tender simmered beef and green onions floated in the soup, topped with fresh chopped scallions.
The taste was exactly like meat udon, just without the noodles.
The katsuobushi (bonito flakes) and kombu (kelp) broth was infused with the sweet-savory essence of the simmered beef, creating a perfectly balanced flavor.
It was delicious!
Absolutely my kind of taste.
Inside the Nikusui, there was also a soft-boiled egg.
Mixing it in gradually made the broth even smoother and richer.
Kodama (Tamago Kake Gohan) with Special Soy Sauce
And now, onto the Tamago Kake Gohan (TKG)…
It is served with a special soy sauce designed to enhance the egg’s flavor.
Oops—looks like I ended up with two eggs instead of one, but no complaints here!
Feeling full and satisfied, I glanced at the table and noticed a bottle of soy sauce with a quirky Osaka joke on it—it read *”Shouyu koto!”*, a pun by famous comedian Murakami Shoji.
These little Osaka-style touches made the experience even more enjoyable for a traveler like me.
A Must-Visit When in Namba
I was able to fully enjoy the original and authentic taste of Nikusui.
If you’re visiting Osaka Minami or stopping by Namba Grand Kagetsu, I highly recommend trying it out.
The deep, comforting flavor of Nikusui will warm you to the core!
