Best Places to Eat in Tokyo on a Budget

Are you planning a trip to Tokyo but worried about the high cost of food? Fear not! Tokyo is a city of contrasts, where you can find Michelin-starred restaurants and street food stalls side by side. With some insider knowledge, it’s possible to enjoy delicious Japanese cuisine without breaking the bank. In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through the best places to eat in Tokyo on a budget.

🍱 Tsukiji Fish Market

Located in the heart of Tokyo, Tsukiji Fish Market is the largest fish market in the world. You can find fresh seafood ranging from tuna to shrimp, and even exotic items like sea urchin. The market also has a variety of small restaurants that specialize in seafood. Try the sushi or sashimi bowls for a taste of the freshest fish around.

🍜Ramen Street at Tokyo Station

If you’re a fan of ramen, head to Tokyo Station’s Ramen Street. This underground corridor is home to eight of the city’s best ramen shops. From tonkotsu to miso, there’s a flavor for everyone. Be sure to try the tsukemen (dipping noodles) at Rokurinsha, a popular spot with long lines.

🍣Kaiten-zushi (Conveyor Belt Sushi)

If you want to experience sushi in Tokyo without the hefty price tag, head to a kaiten-zushi restaurant. These are sushi restaurants where the plates of sushi rotate around on a conveyor belt. You can choose what you want and pay per plate. Try Genki Sushi or Sushiro for a fun and affordable sushi experience.

🥟Gyoza no Ohsho

Gyoza no Ohsho is a chain of restaurants that specialize in gyoza, Japanese dumplings. They have locations all over Tokyo, and the prices are reasonable. The gyoza are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, and they come in a variety of flavors. Be sure to try the original pork gyoza.

🍲Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane)

Omoide Yokocho is a narrow alleyway in Shinjuku that’s lined with tiny bars and restaurants. The atmosphere is old-school Tokyo, and the prices are affordable. You can try yakitori (grilled skewers), oden (hot pot), and other Japanese comfort foods. The alleyway can be a bit difficult to find, so use Google Maps to navigate.

🍛CoCo Ichibanya Curry House

CoCo Ichibanya is a chain of curry restaurants that are popular with locals and visitors alike. They have a variety of curries to choose from, and you can customize the level of spiciness and toppings. The prices are reasonable, and the portions are generous. Try the katsu curry for a hearty meal.

🍢Takoyaki Stalls

Takoyaki are small balls of batter filled with octopus, green onion, and other ingredients. They’re a popular street food in Japan, and you can find them at stalls all over Tokyo. The takoyaki are cooked fresh to order, and they’re usually served with a mayonnaise-based sauce and aonori (dried seaweed). Try them at Gindaco or Takoyaki Wanaka.

🍱Convenience Stores

Don’t underestimate the power of convenience stores in Japan. They’re not like the ones you’re used to back home. Japanese convenience stores are stocked with a variety of high-quality food and drink items, including onigiri (rice balls), sandwiches, salads, and bento boxes. You can find them on almost every corner, and they’re open 24 hours a day.

🍥Depachika (Basement Food Halls)

Depachika are food halls located in the basements of department stores. They’re a great place to find high-quality food at affordable prices. You can find everything from sushi to sweets to bento boxes. The depachika at Ginza Mitsukoshi and Isetan Shinjuku are particularly noteworthy.

🍜Udon and Soba Noodle Shops

Udon and soba are two types of Japanese noodles that are available at affordable prices. Udon are thick and chewy, while soba are thin and buckwheat-based. You can find udon and soba noodle shops all over Tokyo. Try Tsurutontan or Hanamaru Udon for udon, and Matsugen or Kanda Matsuya for soba.

🍱Yatai (Street Food Stalls)

Yatai are street food stalls that are set up at night in various locations around Tokyo. They’re a fun way to experience Japanese street food culture, and the prices are usually affordable. You can find yatai that specialize in everything from yakitori to takoyaki to okonomiyaki (savory pancakes).

🍣Sushi Zanmai

Sushi Zanmai is a popular sushi chain in Tokyo that’s known for its affordable prices and high-quality sushi. You can find locations all over the city, and they have a variety of sushi sets to choose from. Try the maguro (tuna) and uni (sea urchin).

🍜Ichiran Ramen

Ichiran Ramen is a chain of ramen restaurants that are known for their unique dining experience. You sit in a private booth and customize your ramen using a vending machine. The ramen is then served through a small window, so you don’t have to interact with the staff. The prices are reasonable, and the ramen is delicious.

🍲Katsu-don at Matsuya

Katsu-don is a Japanese dish that consists of a bowl of rice topped with a deep-fried pork cutlet and egg. Matsuya is a chain of fast food restaurants that specializes in katsu-don. The prices are affordable, and the portion sizes are generous. Try the spicy katsu-don for a kick.

FAQ

What is the average cost of a meal in Tokyo?

The average cost of a meal in Tokyo can vary greatly depending on the type of restaurant and the area. A budget meal can cost around 800-1000 yen ($7-9), while a mid-range meal can cost around 2000-3000 yen ($18-27). Fine dining can cost upwards of 10,000 yen ($90).

Can I eat vegetarian or vegan in Tokyo?

Yes, it’s possible to eat vegetarian or vegan in Tokyo. While Japanese cuisine does include meat and seafood, there are also plenty of vegetarian and vegan options available. Look for restaurants that specialize in shojin ryori (Buddhist cuisine) or ask for recommendations at your hotel.

Is it customary to tip in Tokyo?

No, it’s not customary to tip in Tokyo. In fact, tipping can be seen as rude or awkward. The prices at restaurants include service charges, so there’s no need to leave an additional tip.

What should I know about Japanese table manners?

Japanese table manners are quite different from Western table manners. Some tips to keep in mind include not sticking chopsticks upright in rice (it’s a sign of death), not pouring soy sauce directly on rice (it’s considered rude), and not blowing your nose at the table.

What is okonomiyaki?

Okonomiyaki is a savory pancake that’s popular in Japan. It’s made with a batter of flour, eggs, and grated yam, and it’s filled with ingredients like cabbage, pork, and seafood. It’s then topped with a variety of sauces and toppings, including mayonnaise, bonito flakes, and green onions.

What is yakiniku?

Yakiniku is a type of Japanese barbecue where you grill meat and vegetables at the table. The ingredients are usually marinated in a variety of sauces, and they’re cooked over a charcoal grill. Yakiniku restaurants typically offer all-you-can-eat options.

What is wagyu beef?

Wagyu beef is a type of beef that comes from specific breeds of cattle in Japan. It’s known for its high level of marbling, which makes it incredibly tender and flavorful. It’s also quite expensive, so it’s not a budget-friendly option.

What is shabu-shabu?

Shabu-shabu is a Japanese hot pot dish that’s made with thinly sliced meat (usually beef or pork) and vegetables. The meat and vegetables are cooked in a pot of boiling water or broth, and then dipped in a variety of sauces. It’s a fun and interactive dining experience.

What is tempura?

Tempura is a Japanese dish that consists of deep-fried seafood or vegetables. The ingredients are coated in a light batter and then fried until crispy.