Tabelog rating551 Horai Honten is the birthplace of what many consider an Osaka culinary icon: the butaman. This flagship location in Namba operates on two levels. The ground floor is a bustling takeaway counter where queues form for boxes of their famous steamed pork buns, while the second and third floors house a sit-down restaurant. This allows visitors to compare the takeaway version with freshly steamed, piping-hot dim sum served directly to the table.
The main draw is the butaman, a large, slightly sweet and chewy bun filled with a juicy mixture of pork and onions. Reviewers consistently praise this signature item, along with the shrimp shumai and the value-priced set meals like the 551 dim-sum set. Service is noted as being speedy and efficient, even during peak hours. Many visitors buy extra boxes of buns to take home as a classic Osaka souvenir.
However, some guests find the fillings greasy, and the bun dough can be thicker and sweeter than expected for a savoury item. The restaurant's popularity means long queues are common for both takeaway and dine-in, and popular items can sell out towards the end of the day. A few diners have also reported that some side dishes were not served as hot as the steamed items.
Prices are very reasonable. Reviewers in recent years paid around ¥300–¥460 for a butaman and ¥1,800–¥1,980 for a 551 dim-sum set. A typical lunch costs between ¥1,000–¥1,999, with dinner ranging from ¥2,000–¥2,999, making it a great value option for a filling meal.
- Getting There: It's a one-minute walk from Exit 11 of Namba Station on the subway. The restaurant is on the Ebisu Bridge shopping street.
- Booking: Reservations are accepted, but not required. Expect to queue, especially during peak lunch and dinner times.
- Payment: Credit cards (VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners) are accepted. Electronic money and QR code payments are not.
- Seating: There are 120 seats, with table and round-table seating. Private rooms are available, and the entire third floor can be booked for parties of 50 or more.
- Children: Children are welcome.
- Practical Notes: The dine-in restaurant is on the 2nd and 3rd floors, accessible by stairs. The entire restaurant is non-smoking. No parking is available.
