I’m in the mood for a budget-friendly Tempura experience, and for today’s meal, I’m checking out Tempura no Yama. Located at Umeda’s Hanshin Department Store, their affordable Tendon sets sound like a good way to begin my day in Osaka. 

But what sets do they serve here? And is it worth the visit? Let’s get to it. How Good is Tempura no Yama Actually?

–Menu–
–Tempura Preparation–
–Yama Tendon–
–Shrimp Tempura–
–Pork Belly Tempura–
–Kisu Tempura–
–Kakiage Tempura–
–Green Onions–
–Verdict–
–Getting There–

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Tempura no Yama Store Exterior

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Tempura no Yama's Menu & Tendon Options

Tempura no Yama features 5 different Tendon sets to choose from. Pretty simple stuff, but covers just about everything.

🍱 Yama Tendon (Shrimp, Pork, Kisu, Kakiage)
🍱 Ebi Kakiage Don (3 Shrimp + Kakiage)
🍱 Anago Kakaiage Tendon (2 Anago + Kakiage)
🍱 Ebi Anago Tendon (2 Shrimp + 2 Anago)
🍱 Buta Kakiage Tendon (2 Pork + Kakiage)

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🍤 Tempura Preparation 🍤

Tempura no Yama Frying of Tempura
Tempura no Yama Saucing Tendon with Tare Sauce

As a food hall-style shop, Tempura no Yama’s Tempura is twice-fried instead of the usual single fry – resulting in something slightly crispier and more golden-brown than usual. 

Tempura no Yama Garnishing Tendon with Spring Onions
Tempura no Yama Bowls of Tendon Ready to be Served

Technically not traditional, but for a budget tempura shop, it’s a tradeoff I’m happy to take. (But if you want a more ‘authentic’ experience, now you know)

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🍱 Yama Tendon (¥800) 🍱

Tempura no Yama's Yama Tendon Bowl

Tempura no Yama’s signature dish – the Yama Tendon – features an assortment of Shrimp, Pork Belly, Kisu, and Kakiage Tempura, served on a bed of rice with shredded Nori, Green Onions, and some Tendon Tare sauce.

As mentioned above, the Tempura is double fried. But all this for ¥800 is a pretty sweet deal!

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🍤 Shrimp Tempura 🍤

Tempura no Yama Closeup of Shrimp Tempura

The classic Tempura protein. Pretty simple flavors, but you can find everything you need in a good tempura here (nicely cooked shrimp, crispy coating, and sweet Tare sauce.)

Tempura no Yama Closeup of Cross-Section of Shrimp Tempura

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🥓 Pork Belly Tempura 🥓

Tempura no Yama Closeup of Pork Belly Tempura

For an uncommon cut, Tempura no Yama’s pork tempura is a medium-thick slice of pork belly, fried tempura-style.

Tempura no Yama Closeup of Cross Section of Pork Tempura

Honestly? I was quite surprised with how good this one was! Pork Belly is usually quite heavy from all that fat, but the combination of the crispy shell and Tare sauce balances it out well!

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🐟 Kisu Tempura (Japanese Whiting) 🐟

Tempura no Yama Closeup of Kisu Tempura

My favorite protein option for tempura, and oh my… this was good. The Kisu was very well seasoned, with the salt doing a great job in accentuating all of the fish’s delicate flavors.

Tempura no Yama Closeup of Cross Section of Kisu Tempura

If I didn’t have plans for another meal right after, you’d 100% see me ask for more of this!

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🥕 Kakiage Tempura 🥕

Tempura no Yama Closeup of Kakiage Tempura

For their non-meat item, their Kakiage is a tempura mix of Potato, Carrots, Onions, and Spring Onions.

Tempura no Yama Closeup of Cross-Section of Kakiage Tempura

The heavier profile of the root vegetables also provide a great contrast to the lighter tempura options in this set.

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🥦 Green Onions 🥦

Tempura no Yama Closeup of Green Onion Topping

The green onions are nice and fresh. Nothing objectively special, but a very welcome touch of brightness and crunch to the dish!

And to round off the other elements of the dish: the rice and sweet Tare sauce were very nice as well.

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⭐VERDICT⭐

Tempura no Yama Closeup of the Yama Tendon

So how good is Tempura no Yama actually? For a Tempura shop well under the ¥1,000 price range, I am thoroughly impressed with how good this place was! The Tempura was very well fried, and the sweet Tare sauce, nori, green onions, and rice all come together to create a cohesive experience that’s very enjoyable with not much to complain about. Yes, the tempura is double-fried here, but the overall experience more than makes up for it!

So if you’re around Umeda, Osaka and are in the mood for a simple and affordable bowl of Tempura, then head on over to Tempura no Yama!

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🚗 GETTING THERE 🚗

Entrance to the Hanshin Snack Park

Tempura no Yama is located at Umeda Hanshin’s Snack Park. From Umeda Station (Midosuji Line & more,) head to B1 floor and follow the signs towards Umeda Hanshin Department Store.

Tempura no Yama Experience Overview

Tempura no Yama (Umeda Hanshin Store)

🌏 Location 🌏
Japan, 〒530-8224 Osaka, Kita Ward, Umeda, 1 Chome−13−12, Umeda Hanshin Snack Park (B1)
🗺 Map 🗺
https://maps.app.goo.gl/BM5SyQgbAS2DjceQ7
⏰ Opening Hours ⏰
10 A.M. – 10 P.M. (Last Order 9:30 P.M.)
💻 Website 💻
http://yama-yama.com/
📖 Online Menu (Japanese) 📖
http://yama-yama.com/c8916.html

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