Tokyo is one of the most populous cities in the world with a cuisine scene famous for popular local delicacies, Michelin-starred restaurants, and street food dishes. Alongside its historic shrines, temples, and staggering skyscrapers, the city has built a unique reputation of bold modernity with tradition in its collection of iconic dining experiences
To get the most out of this cultural metropolis, here are the 8 best Japanese foods you must try on your next visit to Tokyo.
Sushi and Sashimi
Your trip to Tokyo wouldn’t be complete without sampling sushi and sashimi. An essential example of Japanese food the city is known for, there are nearly 4,000 sushi restaurants in Tokyo alone, all of which offer a variety of dishes.
Sushi comes from a Japanese word meaning ‘sour rice’. This flavourful, sticky rice can be paired with a range of raw and cooked vegetables, meats and fish, and can be separated into two types:
- Maki: This is classic rolled sushi, sliced into bite-sized pieces. This kind can either be wrapped in seaweed with the rice and filling on the inside, or the alternative is to have the rice on the outside. This is known as uramaki.
- Nigiri: With this kind, a bite-sized amount of pressed rice is topped with a piece of raw or cooked fish.
- Sashimi: This is a simpler dish ideal for the real fish fanatics, with no rice, no seasoning, just thinly sliced pieces of quality raw fish. Made with the freshest fish possible, Sashimi is normally served plain or on a bed of sliced Japanese radishes known as daiko.
You can experience top-class sushi and sashimi in Tokyo at Sukiyabashi Jiro, a world-renowned sushi restaurant with two Michelin stars located in the Ginza district. Sushi Masuda is another restaurant not to miss out on. With some of the fish sourced from the chef’s own hometown, Fukuoka, the exquisite nigiri is made with the highest level of craftsmanship and enjoyed around modern counter seating.
Takoyaki
This dish is an essential to Tokyo Street food and a must try on your next visit. Takoyaki are small round balls of batter that are slightly crispy on the outside and filled with octopus on the inside, to create a soft and gooey texture. Originating from Osaka, a large port city in Japan, this tasty snack can typically be found at specialised market stands or small restaurants.
The most popular Takoyaki shop is Gindaco. This is the largest Takoyaki franchise in Japan, with several variations of the dish all experimenting with different flavours. Other recommendations include 8864 Shimbashi, which is the perfect spot to try Takoyaki as well as a variety of other dishes.
Soba
A key Japanese food prepared in hot and cold dishes, Soba noodles are made from buckwheat flour, and served with Tsuyu (a type of soy sauce). Some popular soba dishes such as Kake Soba (hot) which is a bowl of hot, clear broth made with components from the dipping sauce and Mori/Zaru Soba (cold), the simplest kind served with a side sauce.
This dish can be tried at a range of restaurants in Tokyo including Udatsu Sushi, a contemporary sushi experience in the Meguro-Ki district.
Miso Shiru
Better known to the world as miso soup, miso shiru is another quintessential dish in Japanese cuisine. Served at the very top-end restaurants to in-flight meals aboard Japanese airlines and sold at supermarkets, this is a staple dish throughout the country and one you must try on your next visit to Tokyo.
Make sure to pay a visit to Shirukaku, an izakaya (Japanese pub) where you’ll find traditional service and convivial quietude.
Tamagoyaki
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so why not try tamagoyaki: a type of Japanese omelette made by rolling together several layers of beaten fried eggs, with soy sauce, mirin and sugar for a sweet flavour.
If you’re planning on visiting Tokyo soon, head to Hannariya, a multi-course restaurant featuring elegant and minimalist surroundings for the best tamagoyaki.
Dorayaki
A classic Japanese confection involving two honey pancakes filled with sweet red bean paste. This is the perfect light bite snack to try when visiting Tokyo, as it is the perfect balance of sweet and savoury. Other popular fillings include matcha cream or chestnuts.
To find the best Dorayaki, visit Kamejuu, located in Tokyo’s Taito City and immerse yourself in the vibrant and bustling city.
All Things Matcha
Originating from Japanese tea, matcha is a type of high-quality green tea powder that has become a popular ingredient in a range of desserts and sweet treats in Japanese food. From matcha ice cream, to parfaits, fondue, cakes and cookies, matcha is a versatile ingredient with many health benefits and deep-rooted in Japanese culture.
To experience this luscious flavour, take a trip to Saryo, an authentic Japanese space where you can enjoy some of Tokyo’s best matcha desserts. Or if you’re in the mood for something more refreshing, Nanaya Aoyama offers seven different matcha ice creams, each with a different concentration of potent matcha. These delicious desserts are also available at Tokyo Street food markets, where cuisine and creativity are combined.
Mochi
Mochi is a Japanese dessert made of sweet glutinous rice flour. Often tinted with matcha tea powder or other food colourings, this is wrapped around a sweet, chewy centre. Flavours include chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, mango, coffee, green tea and sweet lychee, giving a variety to choose from. These bite-sized treats are a symbol of good fortune and a must try when in Tokyo.
Kanmi Mitsuya offers mochi freshly made every day in a range of flavours. The small, contemporary space paired with a plate of flavourful mochi will transport you to a true Tokyo cultural experience.
Tokyo’s incredible food delicacies offer something delicious for the taste buds of every traveller. Whether you consider yourself a foodie or not, Tokyo is sure to excite your palate, as well as entice you into the cultural opportunities this vibrant city has to offer. If you’re planning on visiting Tokyo soon, exploring the local cuisine isn’t the only thing to factor into your itinerary: be sure to check out our blog on An Essential Guide to the Best Malls and Streets in Tokyo.
