551 Horai Namba Walk Store

After having dinner nearby in Nipponbashi, my wife and I walked through the Namba Walk toward COLONY by EQI for dessert. Even though we were already quite satisfied from our meal, I couldn't pass up 551 Horai near the end of the underground walkway since a friend back home had highly recommended it. The line outside was huge when we arrived, but it moved incredibly fast because the entire operation is so efficient. While waiting, you can see all the workers right in the kitchen hand-making the food, which adds to the experience. My wife was quite full from dinner so she opted to pass on the buns and check out some of the neighbouring shops while I waited in line for my buns. Ordering was seamless and highly convenient for customers as they accepted both cash and credit cards. I ordered a box of 4 pork buns for 1380¥ and had the food in my hands within 5 to 10 minutes of ordering. The buns themselves were excellent. Perfectly fluffy and moist while the meat was incredibly juicy and flavourful. A major pro-tip for anyone visiting is to make sure you use the hot mustard packets they provide on the side (I asked for extra and the worker was kind enough to give me a handful). Dipping the bun into a little bit of the mustard completely elevates the flavour and cuts through the richness of the pork. Even though I was already full from dinner, these were well worth picking up. They make for a fantastic, quick snack while navigating Namba or a perfect late-night treat to take back to your hotel. Would definitely return when I'm back in Osaka as I want to try the siu mai as they made two kinds and one of them looked interesting!

We ordered shumai as takeout and weren't impressed. Didn't hurt to try Japanese Chinese food though. I ordered mapo tofu from another 551 Horai location and liked it a lot more.

The pork bun that my son loved so much we went back 4 days straight. Chewy and slightly sweet bun with juicy and warm stuffings, simple but delicious! Last day we went for both bun and sweet and sour pork. You won’t be disappointed. There’s many locations, if you want to avoid the lines, don’t go to the main store.

The buns outer layer is soft and has a chewy-ness to it, similar to the buns I’ve had in China before. The Siew Mai is interesting as we ordered the pork stuffed and it’s delicious. The outer looks delicate and tastes nice. Good stop as it is quick and fast way to fill your stomach before stepping into the metro station.

Always a line at 551 Horai so had to check out the hype. First stumbled upon in Shin Osaka Train station but the line was way too long but not too long before we found another 551. For my taste i felt the bao and dim sims to be more mushy than i would have liked. Also seems like both the bao and dim sims share the same fillings. To be honest i would get it to try but would not wait in line for it. Cant comment on the other menu items though!