Is 551 Horai Worth It? Reviewing Osaka's Famous Pork Buns

Last Updated on July 10, 2025 by Kay

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One of Osaka’s most popular must-try food items is the pork bun (butaman) from 551 Horai. But is it worth the hype?

When you think of Osaka, the first thing that comes to mind is probably okonomiyaki or kushikatsu, but a pork bun might be surprising. However, 551 Horai’s steamed pork buns are so famous that they’re a popular souvenir for locals in Japan to bring home after a trip to Osaka.

In fact, the first time I tried their pork buns was when my husband brought them to our home in Tokyo after a business trip to Osaka.

Now that I’ve moved to Osaka, I’ve had 551 Horai several times. (If that isn’t a spoiler for this article, I don’t know what is!) So I thought I would share my thoughts on one of Osaka’s most iconic foods, whether you should give it a try, and what other dishes they offer.

Table of Contents

What Is 551 Horai?
Where to Buy 551 Horai in Osaka
Is 551 Horai Worth the Hype? My Thoughts
So, Is 551 Horai Worth It?
FAQ

What Is 551 Horai?

551 Horai dates back to 1945 and was founded in Osaka, specifically Namba. The name comes from the Chinese word for Shangri-La, horai, and 555 cigarettes that the founder enjoyed.

They are most known for their best-selling pork buns, but also offer other Chinese dishes such as shumai (steamed meat dumplings), sweet and sour pork meatballs, noodles, and gyoza.

Their food is all freshly made in-store and they offer both dine-in and takeaway options, although takeaway is most popular.

Where to Buy 551 Horai in Osaka

There are various 551 Horai locations in Osaka, so you have plenty of options!

For take-out, visit the following:

And if you want to eat in, here are my recommendations:

551 Horai can also be found in Kyoto, Kobe, Shiga, and Wakayama. There are no 551 Horai locations in Tokyo.

Note that if you want to get takeout, be prepared to wait in line depending on the branch because it can be very busy! If you want to avoid lines, I suggest going before noon or in the late evening.

For those interested in dining in, here’s what the menu looks like (as you can see, everything is in Japanese).

For those dining with kids, they have children’s cutlery that you can use to share your food. They don’t have a kids’ menu.

Is 551 Horai Worth the Hype? My Thoughts

I’ve tried 551 Horai several times, and to cut to the chase, it’s delicious and worth trying. My husband (who happens to be Japanese) is also a fan, as is my child.

Here’s what I think about various dishes on 551 Horai’s menu.

Pork Bun

The pork bun (butaman) is fluffy and sweet, and the meat inside is tender and juicy. I think it could use a little more meat, but nevertheless I’m always satisfied after enjoying one. These are quite big, so I find myself sharing one with my daughter if we decide to order something else (which we always do). Make sure to eat it with the mustard!

If there’s one must-get dish from 551 Horai, it’s this, especially since it’s easy to eat on the go! However, note that there’s a piece of paper bamboo on the bottom that tends to stick to the bun, which is a little annoying.

Note that if you purchase one of these at a train station, please do not eat it on the train unless you’re on the Shinkansen, because it’s considered rude.

Shumai

The shumai come in two kinds — pork and shrimp. I’ve only tried the pork ones.

These are okay. I don’t find them nearly as good as the pork buns as the flavor is a little lacking. But they are huge and packed with meat — they don’t skimp! Despite this, if you like meaty flavored dishes, you might be a little disappointed because the meat is on the sweeter side.

Gyoza

I absolutely love the gyoza from 551 Horai, and it’s my second favorite dish. It has crispy skin on it, which contrasts perfectly when you bite into it and experience its juicy and delicious flavor.

It’s a little spicy because it’s filled with garlic, ginger, and scallions but this helps make it very flavorful.

This is best experienced when dining in rather than take-out. With takeaway (as pictured above), the gyoza breaks apart when you reheat it, and they can stick together

Amasu Dango (Sweet and Sour Pork Meatballs)

Each meatball is coated with a perfectly balanced sweet and sour sauce (maybe a little on the sweeter side) that tastes really good. My daughter didn’t like it, though.

However, although the meat is pork, it almost tastes like chicken and is a little bland. According to my husband, it’s “meh”, so it probably won’t appeal to people like my husband who want something more meaty.

Beef Belly Ramen Set

This can only be enjoyed at their dine-in locations.

The noodles were the perfect texture, not too soft, although for some reason, the beef was cold. The broth is light and savory, not too salty, and the bok choy is nice and crispy.

The accompanying fried rice was pretty average and nothing special.

Seafood Yakisoba

The noodles had a nice bite to them and the sauce was delicious — not too heavy, and salt-based. The seafood on top (shrimp, scallop, and squid) tasted great.

So, Is 551 Horai Worth It?

Needless to say, I love 551 Horai and I try to get it as often as possible. Their food is delicious and absolutely worth trying when you’re in Osaka. If you don’t have time, just grab one of their pork buns to go!

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about 551 Horai.

Can you bring 551 Horai home or on a plane?

551 Horai is a common food souvenir to bring home if you live in Japan. For those who live abroad, make sure you check your country’s customs page as to whether you’re allowed to bring in food items, especially those containing meat.

What is 551 Horai famous for?

551 Horai is famous for their pork buns, called butaman (豚まん) in Japanese.

Where is the main 551 Horai store?

The main 551 Horai store is in Namba. It has a dine-in option, so you can enjoy a variety of dishes from their menu.

Can I buy 551 Horai at Kansai Airport?

Yes, you can purchase 551 Horai from this location in Kansai Airport.

How much do the pork buns cost?

The pork buns cost 310 yen for one.