Best Food To Have In Tokyo

A Culinary Adventure in Japan’s Capital

Exploring Tokyo’s food scene is a must-do for any food lover. The city offers an extensive range of culinary delights, from traditional Japanese cuisine to modern fusion dishes. In this guide, we’ll take you on a gastronomic journey through the streets of Tokyo, highlighting the best food to have in the city.

🍣 Sushi: A Must-Try in Tokyo

Sushi is undoubtedly one of the most famous Japanese dishes worldwide, and Tokyo is the perfect place to indulge in this delicacy. The city is home to some of the world’s best sushi restaurants, offering a wide range of sushi styles, including Edomae, Gunkan, and Nigiri. Head to Tsukiji Fish Market to sample some of the freshest seafood in the city or visit Sushi Saito, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant, to experience the ultimate sushi dining experience.

🍜 Ramen: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Ramen is another popular Japanese dish that’s a must-try in Tokyo. The city has a diverse range of ramen styles, with some of the most famous being Shoyu, Tonkotsu, and Miso. Head to Ichiran Ramen for a unique dining experience and taste their famous Tonkotsu ramen, or visit Rokurinsha in Tokyo Station for a bowl of their signature Tsukemen.

🍡 Wagashi: Japanese Sweets

Wagashi is a traditional Japanese sweet that’s a perfect dessert after a meal. The sweet is made from mochi (sweet rice cake) or anko (sweet red bean paste). Some of the most popular wagashi in Tokyo include Dorayaki, a pancake-like confection filled with anko, and Mochi, a soft, chewy sweet made from pounded rice. Head to Toraya, a famous wagashi shop in Tokyo, to try some of their signature sweets.

🍙 Onigiri: A Quick and Tasty Snack

Onigiri is a popular Japanese snack that’s perfect for a quick bite on the go. It’s a rice ball with various fillings, such as tuna, salmon, or pickled plum. Onigiri is available in convenience stores and supermarkets throughout Tokyo, but if you want to try the best, head to Musubi Cafe Iwai in Ginza, where you’ll find a wide range of delicious onigiri.

🍺 Izakaya: Japanese Gastropubs

Izakaya is a type of Japanese gastropub that serves a range of small dishes and drinks. It’s a popular spot for locals to unwind after work and enjoy some food and drinks with friends. Some of the most famous izakaya in Tokyo include Tofuro and Kagaya. Try some of their signature dishes, such as yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) and kushiyaki (grilled meat skewers).

🍩 Taiyaki: A Japanese Twist on Waffles

Taiyaki is a popular Japanese snack that’s a cross between a pastry and a waffle. It’s made from a batter similar to pancake batter and filled with sweet ingredients such as red bean paste or custard. Head to Kurikoan in Asakusa to try some of the best taiyaki in Tokyo.

🍜 Udon: A Hearty Noodle Soup

Udon is a type of thick, wheat flour noodle that’s often served in a hot soup. It’s a hearty dish that’s perfect for a cold winter day. Some of the most popular udon dishes in Tokyo include Kake Udon (plain udon in broth) and Kitsune Udon (udon with fried tofu). Head to Tsurutontan Udon in Roppongi to try some of the best udon in the city.

🍛 Curry Rice: A Popular Comfort Food

Curry rice is a popular Japanese dish that’s often served as a comfort food. It’s a combination of curry sauce and rice, often served with chicken or pork. Try some of the best curry rice in Tokyo at Coco Ichibanya, a popular curry chain with locations throughout the city.

🍛 Kaiseki: A Traditional Japanese Meal

Kaiseki is a traditional multi-course Japanese meal that’s often served at upscale restaurants. It’s a culinary experience that highlights the best of Japanese cuisine, using seasonal ingredients to create beautiful and flavorful dishes. Head to Kikunoi, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Akasaka, to experience the ultimate kaiseki dining experience.

🍢 Yakitori: Grilled Chicken Skewers

Yakitori is a type of grilled chicken skewer that’s a popular dish in Japan. It’s often served as a snack or small dish at izakaya. There are many variations of yakitori, but some of the most popular include Negima (chicken and leek) and Tsukune (chicken meatballs). Head to Torishiki in Meguro to try some of the best yakitori in Tokyo.

🍣 Okonomiyaki: Japanese Pancakes

Okonomiyaki is a type of savory pancake that’s a popular Japanese dish. It’s made from a batter similar to that of a pancake and filled with various ingredients such as cabbage, meat, or seafood. It’s often topped with sweet sauce and mayonnaise. Head to Okonomiyaki Kiji in Shibuya to try some of the best okonomiyaki in Tokyo.

🍶 Sake: Japanese Rice Wine

Sake is a Japanese rice wine that’s often served with meals or enjoyed on its own. It’s made from fermented rice and has a unique flavor that pairs well with many Japanese dishes. Head to Kurand Sake Market in Shibuya to taste a wide range of sake from different regions of Japan.

FAQs

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

The best time to visit Tokyo for food is from March to May and from September to November. These periods offer the best ingredients and seasonal dishes.

2. Is it safe to eat street food in Tokyo?

Yes, it’s safe to eat street food in Tokyo. The city has strict food safety regulations, and most vendors follow these guidelines.

3. What is the average cost of a meal in Tokyo?

The average cost of a meal in Tokyo is around 1,500 yen ($14 USD) per person. However, prices can vary depending on the restaurant and location.

4. What is the best way to explore Tokyo’s food scene?

The best way to explore Tokyo’s food scene is to take a food tour or visit local markets and restaurants. This way, you’ll get to taste a wide range of dishes and learn more about the city’s culinary culture.

5. What is the most popular Japanese fast food chain in Tokyo?

The most popular Japanese fast food chain in Tokyo is Yoshinoya, which serves beef bowls and other fast food dishes.

6. Can vegetarians find food in Tokyo?

Yes, vegetarians can find food in Tokyo. Many restaurants offer vegetarian options, and there are also vegetarian and vegan restaurants throughout the city.

7. What is Tokyo’s most famous food market?

Tsukiji Fish Market is Tokyo’s most famous food market, offering a wide range of fresh seafood and other food products.

8. What is the best way to get around Tokyo’s food scene?

The best way to get around Tokyo’s food scene is by using public transportation, such as the subway or train. This way, you can easily navigate the city and visit different restaurants and markets.

9. Is it customary to tip in Japanese restaurants?

No, it’s not customary to tip in Japanese restaurants. Tipping is not a part of Japanese culture, and it can even be considered rude in some cases.

10. What is the best place to try wagyu beef in Tokyo?

The best place to try wagyu beef in Tokyo is at Teppanyaki Akasaka in Akasaka. They serve high-quality wagyu beef cooked to perfection.

11. What is the best way to order food in Japanese restaurants?

The best way to order food in Japanese restaurants is to use the picture menu or point to the dishes you want. Many restaurants also have English menus available.

12. What is the difference between tempura and karaage?

Tempura is a type of Japanese fried food that’s coated in a light batter and deep-fried. Karaage is a type of Japanese fried chicken that’s marinated in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic before being fried.

13. What is the best time to visit Tokyo’s food markets?

The best time to visit Tokyo’s food