Best Food To Buy In Tokyo

The Ultimate Guide to Tokyo’s Culinary Delights

If you’re a foodie, then Tokyo should be on your bucket list! With its unique blend of traditional and modern cuisine, Tokyo offers a mouth-watering experience that will leave you craving for more. Japan’s capital is renowned for its gastronomic culture, and it’s no surprise that Tokyo is home to some of the world’s best restaurants and street food. Whether you’re a sushi lover, ramen enthusiast, or a dessert fanatic, Tokyo has something for everyone. In this article, we’ll guide you through Tokyo’s culinary scene, highlighting the best food to buy and where to find it. So, grab your chopsticks, and let’s dig in!

🍣 The Best Sushi In Tokyo

When it comes to sushi, Tokyo is the mecca. You’ll find sushi restaurants on nearly every corner, ranging from budget-friendly to Michelin-starred. Here are some of the best places to indulge in Tokyo’s sushi scene:

Sukiyabashi Jiro

📍Roppongi Hills, Minato-ku, Tokyo

🍣What to order: Omakase (chef’s choice)

👨‍🍳Why it’s special: Sukiyabashi Jiro is a three-Michelin-starred sushi restaurant run by Jiro Ono, a legendary sushi master. The restaurant has been featured in the documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi and has served famous figures such as former US President Barack Obama.

Sushi Saito

📍Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo

🍣What to order: Chef’s Omakase

👨‍🍳Why it’s special: Sushi Saito is another three-Michelin-starred sushi restaurant that is known for its exceptional quality and taste. The restaurant only seats eight people at a time, providing an intimate dining experience.

Tsukiji Fish Market

📍5-2-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

🍣What to order: Assorted sushi platter

👨‍🍳Why it’s special: Tsukiji Fish Market is the largest fish market in the world and is home to some of the freshest seafood you’ll find in Tokyo. Many sushi restaurants source their fish from here, so why not try it straight from the source?

🍜 The Best Ramen In Tokyo

Ramen is a must-try dish in Tokyo, and there are countless variations to choose from. Here are some of the best places to slurp on some noodles:

Ichiran

📍Multiple locations in Tokyo

🍜What to order: Tonkotsu Ramen

👨‍🍳Why it’s special: Ichiran is a chain of ramen restaurants that allows you to customize your order by choosing the richness of the broth, the firmness of the noodles, and the spiciness of the sauce. You’ll also eat your ramen in a private booth, allowing you to fully enjoy your meal without any distractions.

Afuri

📍Multiple locations in Tokyo

🍜What to order: Yuzu Shio Ramen

👨‍🍳Why it’s special: Afuri is known for its light and refreshing broth, which is made with yuzu, a Japanese citrus fruit. The restaurant also offers vegan and gluten-free options, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions.

Rokurinsha

📍Tokyo Station, 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

🍜What to order: Tsukemen

👨‍🍳Why it’s special: Rokurinsha is famous for its tsukemen, which is a type of ramen where the noodles are served separately from the broth. The broth is rich and flavorful, making it the perfect dipping sauce for the noodles.

🍡 The Best Desserts In Tokyo

After a savory meal, it’s time for something sweet. Tokyo’s dessert scene is just as impressive as its savory cuisine, and you’ll find everything from traditional Japanese sweets to trendy desserts. Here are some of the best places to satisfy your sweet tooth:

Harajuku Gyoza Lou

📍6-2-4 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

🍡What to order: Gyoza Ice Cream

👨‍🍳Why it’s special: Yes, you read that right. Harajuku Gyoza Lou serves a unique dessert that combines gyoza (Japanese dumplings) with ice cream. The gyoza is filled with vanilla ice cream and topped with a sweet soy sauce. It’s a must-try for any adventurous foodie.

Bake Cheese Tart

📍Multiple locations in Tokyo

🍡What to order: Cheese Tart

👨‍🍳Why it’s special: Bake Cheese Tart is a popular chain of bakeries that offers freshly baked cheese tarts. The tarts are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, making them a heavenly treat.

Sadaharu Aoki

📍Multiple locations in Tokyo

🍡What to order: Matcha Eclair

👨‍🍳Why it’s special: Sadaharu Aoki is a French-Japanese patisserie that combines traditional French pastry techniques with Japanese ingredients. The matcha eclair is a fan favorite, with its delicate choux pastry filled with green tea cream.

🍱 Best Street Food In Tokyo

No trip to Tokyo is complete without exploring its street food scene. From takoyaki to yakitori, the city offers a variety of tasty snacks that you can eat on the go. Here are some of the best places to try Tokyo’s street food:

Harajuku Takeshita Street

📍Harajuku, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

🍱What to order: Crepes

👨‍🍳Why it’s special: Harajuku Takeshita Street is a popular shopping street that is famous for its colorful fashion and trendy snacks. One of the most popular snacks is the crepe, which comes in a variety of flavors such as strawberry, banana, and chocolate.

Ameyoko Market

📍4-10-7 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo

🍱What to order: Yakitori

👨‍🍳Why it’s special: Ameyoko Market is a bustling market that offers a variety of goods, from clothes to fresh seafood. The market is also home to several food stalls that sell yakitori, which is grilled chicken skewers.

Asakusa Nakamise Shopping Street

📍Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo

🍱What to order: Senbei (rice crackers)

👨‍🍳Why it’s special: Asakusa Nakamise Shopping Street is a traditional shopping street that leads up to the famous Sensoji Temple. The street is lined with shops selling souvenirs and snacks, and one of the most popular snacks is senbei, which is a type of rice cracker.

🍶 Best Drinks In Tokyo

Finally, what’s a meal without a drink? Tokyo offers a variety of refreshing and unique beverages that you won’t find elsewhere. Here are some of the best drinks to try in Tokyo:

Kouki

📍Multiple locations in Tokyo

🍶What to order: Sake

👨‍🍳Why it’s special: Kouki specializes in sake, which is a traditional Japanese alcohol made from fermented rice. The restaurant offers a variety of sake from different regions of Japan, allowing you to explore the diversity of this beverage.

Melon Soda

📍Multiple locations in Tokyo

🍶What to order: Melon Soda

👨‍🍳Why it’s special: Melon soda is a popular soft drink in Japan that has a sweet and fruity flavor. It’s a refreshing drink that pairs well with any meal.

Green Tea

📍Multiple locations in Tokyo

🍶What to order: Matcha