Best Street Food In Asakusa: A Guide to the Tastiest Bites

Asakusa is a vibrant and bustling Tokyo neighborhood that has remained firmly rooted in tradition, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience authentic Japanese culture. One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the local scene is by sampling the street food, which offers a tantalizing array of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through the streets of Asakusa, showcasing the best street food you simply cannot miss.

🍢 Yakitori: Skewered Grilled Chicken

Yakitori is a beloved Japanese snack that consists of bite-sized pieces of chicken that are skewered and grilled to perfection. You’ll find numerous stalls selling yakitori in Asakusa, each with their unique spin on the dish. The meat is tender, juicy, and smoky, making it a perfect snack to enjoy while exploring the streets of Asakusa.

📍Location: Nakamise Shopping Street

If you’re looking for an authentic yakitori experience, head to Nakamise Shopping Street, where you’ll find numerous stalls selling the dish. One of the most popular spots is Toriki, which has been serving up mouth-watering yakitori since 1937.

🍜 Ramen: Japanese Noodle Soup

Ramen is a classic Japanese dish that has become popular all over the world, but nothing beats the experience of enjoying a hot bowl of ramen in its country of origin. Asakusa has numerous ramen shops, each with its unique broth and noodle recipe.

📍Location: Hoppy Street

Hoppy Street is a narrow alley packed with small bars and eateries, making it the perfect spot for a night out. Here, you’ll find numerous ramen shops serving up delicious bowls of noodles. One of the most popular spots is Asakusa Ramen Yahiro, which has been serving up its signature shoyu ramen for over 50 years.

🍢 Okonomiyaki: Savory Pancake

Okonomiyaki is a savory pancake that’s made with a variety of ingredients, including cabbage, meat, and seafood. It’s a popular street food in Japan, and Asakusa has numerous stalls selling the dish.

📍Location: Kaminarimon

If you’re looking to try some delicious okonomiyaki, head to Kaminarimon, where you’ll find numerous stalls serving up the dish. One of the most popular spots is Sakura Tei, which has an extensive menu of savory pancakes.

🍡 Dango: Sweet Rice Dumplings

Dango is a sweet Japanese snack made from rice flour and served on skewers. It’s a popular street food in Asakusa, and you’ll find numerous stalls selling the dish.

📍Location: Sensoji Temple

One of the most picturesque spots to enjoy dango is at Sensoji Temple, where you can savor the sweet treat while taking in the stunning architecture and serene atmosphere.

🍔 Nikuman: Steamed Buns

Nikuman is a popular snack in Japan, consisting of steamed buns filled with meat or vegetables. It’s a perfect snack to enjoy on the go, and you’ll find numerous stalls selling nikuman in Asakusa.

📍Location: Asakusa ROX

If you’re looking for some delicious nikuman, head to Asakusa ROX, a shopping mall located near Asakusa Station. Here, you’ll find various food vendors selling the steamed buns.

🍵 Matcha: Green Tea

No trip to Japan is complete without trying some authentic matcha, a finely ground green tea that’s a staple of Japanese culture. Asakusa has numerous tea shops and cafes where you can enjoy a cup of matcha.

📍Location: Suzukien

If you’re looking for the best matcha in Asakusa, head to Suzukien, a tea shop that has been serving up its specialty matcha for over 150 years. The tea is hand-ground to ensure maximum flavor and freshness.

🍜 Udon: Japanese Noodles

Udon is a thick, chewy noodle that’s a staple of Japanese cuisine. It’s a popular street food in Asakusa, and you’ll find numerous stalls selling the dish.

📍Location: Asakusa Underground Shopping Center

Head to the Asakusa Underground Shopping Center to enjoy some delicious udon. Here, you’ll find numerous noodle shops serving up the dish, including the popular Marugame Seimen.

🍣 Takoyaki: Octopus Balls

Takoyaki is a popular Japanese snack made from batter and diced octopus, cooked in a specialized takoyaki pan. It’s a perfect snack to enjoy on the go, and you’ll find numerous stalls selling takoyaki in Asakusa.

📍Location: Nakamise Shopping Street

If you’re looking for some delicious takoyaki, head to Nakamise Shopping Street, where you’ll find numerous stalls selling the snack. One of the most popular spots is Kukuru, which serves up crispy, golden-brown takoyaki balls.

🍱 Onigiri: Rice Balls

Onigiri is a popular Japanese snack made from rice and often filled with savory ingredients such as pickled plum or tuna. It’s a perfect snack to enjoy on the go, and you’ll find numerous stalls selling onigiri in Asakusa.

📍Location: Asakusa ROX

Head to Asakusa ROX to enjoy some delicious onigiri. Here, you’ll find various food vendors selling the rice balls, including the popular chain convenience store, Lawson.

🍢 Takosen: Octopus and Rice Crackers

Takosen is a popular snack in Asakusa, consisting of small octopus slices sandwiched between two rice crackers. It’s a perfect snack to enjoy on the go, and you’ll find numerous stalls selling takosen in Asakusa.

📍Location: Asakusa Nakamise Shopping Street

If you’re looking for some delicious takosen, head to Asakusa Nakamise Shopping Street, where you’ll find numerous stalls selling the snack. One of the most popular spots is Kibidango Takosen, which has been serving up its signature takosen for over 70 years.

🍰 Melonpan: Sweet Bread

Melonpan is a sweet Japanese bread that’s named after its melon-like appearance. It’s a popular snack in Asakusa, and you’ll find numerous bakeries selling the bread.

📍Location: Kagetsudo

If you’re looking for the best melonpan in Asakusa, head to Kagetsudo, a bakery that has been serving up its signature sweet bread since 1945. The bread is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making it a perfect snack to enjoy on the go.

🍺 Hoppy: Low-alcohol Drink

Hoppy is a low-alcohol drink that’s popular in Japan, especially in Asakusa. It’s a perfect drink to enjoy with street food, and you’ll find numerous bars and izakayas serving up the drink.

📍Location: Hoppy Street

As previously mentioned, Hoppy Street is a narrow alley packed with small bars and eateries, making it the perfect spot to enjoy some hoppy. One of the most popular spots is Hoppy Dori Shotengai, which serves up the drink alongside delicious Japanese snacks.

FAQs

1. What is the best time to visit Asakusa for street food?

The best time to visit Asakusa for street food is during the day, as most stalls close in the evening. It’s recommended to visit on weekdays to avoid the crowds.

2. Are there vegetarian and vegan options for street food in Asakusa?

Yes, there are several vegetarian and vegan options available in Asakusa, including vegetable tempura, tofu dishes, and roasted sweet potatoes.

3. What is the average price for street food in Asakusa?

The average price for street food in Asakusa is around ¥300-¥500 per dish.

4. Is street food in Asakusa safe to eat?

Yes, street food in Asakusa is generally safe to eat. The vendors follow strict hygiene standards, and the food is cooked fresh.

5. Is it customary to tip street food vendors in Asakusa?

No, it’s not customary to tip street food