551 Horai's pork buns are a very well-known local snack. No matter which location you pass by, you'll often see a line, so they're clearly very popular. I bought one to try because I thought, “Since I'm here, I have to try it.” The filling tasted pretty good, with fragrant meat and a distinctive overall flavor.
However, for my personal taste, the dough was a little too soft and lacked some of the springiness and chewiness commonly found in Taiwanese pork buns. It tasted noticeably different from the pork buns I'm used to in Taiwan. Although I didn't particularly want to buy one again after trying it this time, it's still one of Osaka's most iconic foods, so I recommend that anyone who hasn't had one try it for themselves and experience the appeal of this famous shop with long lines.
551HORAI Main store | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Fujinomiya Yakisoba Antenna Shop
An outpost inside Omiya Yokocho, the place to find regional eats and dishes from Fujinomiya. Fujinomiya Yakisoba is a 2-time champion of the B-1 Grand Prix, which selects the most delicious, wallet-friendly local bites across Japan. The Fujinomiya variety of yakisoba is known for its tried-and-true classic flavor.
When sightseeing in Fujinomiya, besides taking in the magnificent views of Mount Fuji, you definitely can’t miss the hugely popular local specialty, Fujinomiya Yakisoba! The piping-hot noodles sizzle on the griddle as the woman skillfully stir-fries them with plenty of vegetables. Just watching them make it nearby is enough to work up an appetite! The noodles are springy and chewy, coated in a rich, savory sauce, and every bite is so satisfying. They don’t skimp on the vegetables, either. It’s simple yet so comforting. You have to try it for yourself when visiting Fujinomiya!
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Kujukushima Senpei Honpo "Kujukushima Senpei"
A classic Nagasaki souvenir that has been loved since its debut in 1951. It was created through trial and error by a small confectionery shop founded in 1948 in Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture, shortly after the war, with the goal of making a new local sweet unlike anything else at the time. Its hexagonal shape is modeled after the auspicious shell of a turtle, and the peanuts generously scattered throughout the dough represent the beautiful silhouettes of the Kujukushima Islands.
Kujukushima Senpei is a well-known souvenir from Sasebo, Nagasaki, Japan. Inspired by the beautiful seascape of the Kujukushima Islands, it has a delicate appearance with distinctive wave-like patterns embossed on the surface. The senpei is crispy, with a subtle sweetness and buttery aroma, and tastes light without being too rich. It pairs well with either coffee or tea〜
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Nabekanmuriyama Park
This park sits atop Mt. Nabekanmuri in Nagasaki’s Minamiyamate district. Located about a 10-minute walk from Glover Garden’s second gate, the area has long been affectionately known as “Nabekaburi-yama,” or “inverted pot mountain,” for its rounded, pot-like shape, embraced by lush greenery.
If you're visiting Nagasaki, I recommend stopping by Nabekanmuriyama Park to enjoy the night view! It's a free observation spot, and from the observation deck in the evening, you can see twinkling lights against the harbor. It's romantic and enchanting, and also a lesser-known spot well worth saving.
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