Best Food To Get In Tokyo: A Culinary Journey

There are few places in the world that offer a culinary experience quite like Tokyo. From the bustling streets of Shibuya to the quiet corners of Ginza, Tokyo is a food lover’s paradise. With a rich history and diverse culture, the city boasts a cuisine that is both traditional and modern. In this article, we take you on a journey through the best food to get in Tokyo, with a focus on both the popular and lesser-known dishes.

🍜 Ramen: A Classic Japanese Dish

One of the quintessential Japanese dishes is ramen. This hearty, noodle-based soup is a staple of Japanese cuisine, and Tokyo is home to some of the best ramen restaurants in the world.

What is ramen?

Ramen is a soup-based dish that consists of Chinese-style wheat noodles served in a meat or fish-based broth. The broth is typically flavored with soy sauce, miso, or salt, and is often topped with sliced pork, green onions, and other ingredients such as boiled eggs or seaweed.

Where can I find the best ramen in Tokyo?

Some of the best places to get ramen in Tokyo include Ichiran Ramen, Ippudo Ramen, and Afuri Ramen. Each of these restaurants offers a unique take on the classic dish, with its own special blend of ingredients and flavors.

🍣 Sushi: A Japanese Tradition

Sushi is another classic Japanese dish that is famous around the world. Tokyo is home to some of the best sushi restaurants in the world, offering a wide range of traditional and modern sushi dishes.

What is sushi?

Sushi is a dish that consists of vinegared rice topped with various ingredients, such as raw fish or vegetables. The dish is often served with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger.

Where can I find the best sushi in Tokyo?

Some of the best places to get sushi in Tokyo include Sushi Saito, Sukiyabashi Jiro, and Sushi Ginza Onodera. These restaurants are known for their high-quality ingredients and expertly crafted sushi dishes.

🍲 Sukiyaki: A Japanese Hot Pot Dish

Sukiyaki is a traditional Japanese hot pot dish that is popular during the winter months. This hearty dish is made with thinly sliced beef and a variety of vegetables, all cooked together in a sweet and savory broth.

What is sukiyaki?

Sukiyaki is a hot pot dish that is typically made with thinly sliced beef, tofu, and vegetables such as mushrooms, onions, and cabbage. The ingredients are cooked together in a sweet and savory broth made with soy sauce, sugar, and mirin.

Where can I find the best sukiyaki in Tokyo?

Some of the best places to get sukiyaki in Tokyo include Imahan, Nabezo, and Seryna. These restaurants are known for their high-quality ingredients and expertly crafted sukiyaki dishes.

🍙 Onigiri: A Japanese Convenience Food

Onigiri is a popular Japanese snack food that is often eaten on the go. These simple rice balls are filled with a variety of ingredients, such as salmon, tuna, or pickled plum.

What is onigiri?

Onigiri is a rice ball that is shaped into a triangle or cylinder and wrapped in seaweed. The rice is often flavored with salt or vinegar and is filled with a variety of ingredients, such as fish, meat, or vegetables.

Where can I find the best onigiri in Tokyo?

Some of the best places to get onigiri in Tokyo include Onigiri Asakusa Yadoroku, Onigiriya Marutoyo, and Onigiri Bongo. These small, family-owned shops are known for their simple yet delicious onigiri dishes.

🍜 Udon: A Japanese Noodle Dish

Udon is a type of thick, wheat flour noodle that is popular in Japanese cuisine. These noodles are often served in a hot soup or cold with dipping sauce.

What is udon?

Udon is a thick, wheat flour noodle that is often served in a hot soup or cold with dipping sauce. The soup is typically made with a dashi broth and is flavored with soy sauce, mirin, or sake.

Where can I find the best udon in Tokyo?

Some of the best places to get udon in Tokyo include Tsurutontan Udon, Marugame Seimen, and Hanamaru Udon. These restaurants offer a variety of udon dishes, from classic hot soup to cold dipping sauces.

🍶 Sake: A Japanese Rice Wine

Sake is a traditional Japanese rice wine that is often served with meals. This alcohol is made from fermented rice and has a unique flavor profile that varies depending on the type of sake.

What is sake?

Sake is a rice wine that is made from fermented rice. The rice is polished to remove the outer layers, leaving behind a starchy core that is used in the fermentation process. The sake is then aged for a period of time to develop its unique flavor profile.

Where can I find the best sake in Tokyo?

Some of the best places to get sake in Tokyo include Kurand Sake Market, Sasagin, and Sake Stand Shibuya. These shops offer a wide variety of sake, from traditional to modern varieties.

🍡 Wagashi: Japanese Sweets

Wagashi is a traditional Japanese sweet that is often served with tea. These sweets are made with a variety of ingredients, such as mochi, red bean paste, and fruit.

What is wagashi?

Wagashi is a traditional Japanese sweet that is often served with tea. These sweets are made with a variety of ingredients, such as mochi, red bean paste, and fruit. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from small, bite-sized pieces to larger, more decorative creations.

Where can I find the best wagashi in Tokyo?

Some of the best places to get wagashi in Tokyo include Toraya, Higashiya, and Nakamura Tokichi. These shops offer a variety of traditional and modern wagashi, each with its own unique flavor and design.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the most popular food in Tokyo?

A: The most popular food in Tokyo is ramen, a hearty noodle-based soup that can be found all over the city.

Q: What is the best time of year to visit Tokyo for food?

A: The best time of year to visit Tokyo for food is during the winter months, when hot pot dishes like sukiyaki are popular.

Q: Is sushi expensive in Tokyo?

A: Sushi can be expensive in Tokyo, especially at high-end restaurants like Sushi Saito or Sukiyabashi Jiro. However, there are also many affordable sushi options throughout the city.

Q: What is the traditional Japanese breakfast?

A: The traditional Japanese breakfast typically consists of rice, miso soup, grilled fish, and pickled vegetables.

Q: What is the best way to experience Tokyo’s food culture?

A: The best way to experience Tokyo’s food culture is to explore the city’s many food markets, such as Tsukiji Fish Market or Ameyoko Market. These markets offer a wide variety of foods and flavors, from traditional sushi to modern street food.

Q: What is the difference between udon and soba noodles?

A: Udon noodles are thick, wheat flour noodles, while soba noodles are thin, buckwheat flour noodles.

Q: What is the difference between sake and shochu?

A: Sake is a rice wine made from fermented rice, while shochu is a distilled liquor made from a variety of ingredients, such as barley, sweet potatoes, or rice.

Q: Is it customary to tip at restaurants in Tokyo?

A: No, it is not customary to tip at restaurants in Tokyo. Instead, the service charge is typically included in the price of the meal.

Q: What is the best way to order food in Tokyo if you don’t speak Japanese?

A: The best way to order food in Tokyo if you don’t speak Japanese is to use pictures or point to items on the menu. Many restaurants also offer English-language menus or have staff members who can speak English.

Q: What is the difference between tempura and karaage?

A: Tempura is a Japanese dish that is made with battered and deep-fried vegetables or seafood, while