Decided to check out Kuromon Ichiba Market, a spot often recommended to tourists. Naturally, we thought we’d give it a try. At first, I was a bit underwhelmed—it seemed like the market was just one short block long. However, once we reached the end of that block, I realized it was actually a much longer market, stretching on and on. We strolled through, taking our time to explore, and found a few places that caught our eye for food.

The first spot we tried was selling gyoza, karaage chicken, and beef wagyu croquettes. What drew us in were the numerous Michelin Guide recommendation posters displayed everywhere. Instead of ordering each item individually, we went for the combo deal and shared it.

The karaage chicken was good—the batter was quite thick, but it had a nice flavor, and the chicken itself was tender. The gyoza were also enjoyable, served with a drizzle of soy sauce. The filling was soft and flavorful, with a mix of vegetables and meat. Lastly, the croquette stood out for its crispy exterior and light, fluffy interior, which had a mix of beef, mashed potato, and other ingredients. While everything tasted decent, I was a bit puzzled by the Michelin Guide recommendation. They were good but far from exceptional.

We also had the chance to try some white strawberries, which surprised us since they weren’t really in season. These strawberries were quite different from the ones we have in New Zealand—much milder in flavor but noticeably sweeter. It was a lovely and unique variety to try.

Overall, I found Kuromon Ichiba Market a little disappointing. There were plenty of food options, but many were similar to what we’d already experienced at other markets in Tokyo and Kyoto. For a foodie, there wasn’t much that truly stood out or felt special. That said, if you’re looking for fresh produce like meat, fish, and vegetables, this market would be worth a visit. However, if you’re after something unique or particularly exciting, it might not live up to expectations.

Website: Kuromon Ichiba Market

Address: 2 Chome Nipponbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0073, Japan