I had seen several of these outlets around Osaka, often with long lines of people waiting for their food. They operate in two formats: some locations are takeaway-only, while others include a sit-down restaurant. I had read that they’re especially popular for their steamed buns and siu mai, as everything is made on-site and you can watch the staff folding and preparing them. For my last meal in Osaka, I decided to finally give them a try at their Osaka Station location.

I ordered the beef noodle set meal, along with some siu mai and a steamed pork bun. The steamed bun arrived first, and I really liked the bun itself — soft, fluffy, and bouncy. The filling was very tasty and surprisingly tender, although it was hard to tell exactly what cuts of pork were used. The siu mai were also very good, though I felt the wrappers were a little too thin and the portions slightly small. I would have preferred them to be a bit larger. That said, the flavour was great, and I liked adding a bit of vinegar to the sauce, which paired really well with them.

Next came the beef noodle set. I really enjoyed the beef brisket — it was tender, well-cooked, and came in generous pieces. It worked nicely with the noodles, gravy, and bok choy. I do wish they offered some chilli, though; the only condiment available was mustard, which I skipped. Surprisingly, the fried rice ended up being a highlight for me. It was simple but very tasty and paired well with the beef brisket. The set also came with egg drop soup, which was light, comforting, and delicious.

Overall, my verdict is that it was good, but I’m still not entirely sure I understand the hype. The food was well made and clearly fresh, leaning more towards Cantonese-style cuisine. I suppose part of its popularity comes from being able to see the food made fresh and the convenience of takeaway. It was a solid experience, and I’d happily return for their steamed buns and siu mai if I were looking for a quick, tasty snack.

Website: 551 Horai

Address: 〒530-8224 Osaka, Kita Ward, Umeda, 1 Chome−13−13 阪神百貨店 阪神梅田本店 B2 The Hanshin Bar Street