Tokyo, Japan is home to SO many fantastic foods. There are some obvious ones like, you MUST try sushi and ramen and they will be just as amazing as you’d expect. But there are some other must try foods in Japan that are just as amazing that A – Japanese do the best or B – might be hard to find elsewhere. So here are 14 must try foods while you’re in Tokyo, Japan.
A pro tip we got while talking to some Japanese people was to go to restaurants that specialize in that specific food. If you go somewhere that only serves soba or only has mochi, it’s most likely going to be the best and most authentic version. Tokyo is full of these places.
Cold Soba Noodles
These are handmade buckwheat noodles that are placed in a chilled broth. Usually served with a boiled egg and soy sauce for dipping. They are refreshingly light and mine was topped with crispy tempura veggies. Warm soba noodles are also available.
Onigiri
Onigiri is a triangular shaped rice ball that has any kind of savory filling like tuna mayo or teriyaki chicken, that are then wrapped in a piece of seaweed. They are some of the best breakfasts or snacks and the best places to find it are at any 7/11. I ate these everyday while in Tokyo, they’re so yummy.
Parfaits
In Japan parfaits are a very popular. They can consist of layers of ice cream, fruit, whip cream, or syrups. They are fresh and satisfy any sweet tooth.
Black Sesame Gelato
One of the best flavors in my opinion and Japan does it the best. Black sesame is the perfect combination of nutty, sweet, and savory. Hatoya Asakusa is a great place to get it, along with some fresh matcha.
Matcha
I’m a self proclaimed matcha connoisseur, it’s what gets me up in the morning and Japan obviously has the best matcha in the world. Go to a place that specializes in matcha and try it as the tea itself or in a latte – plus it has great antioxidants. The Matcha Stand at Tsukiji Fish Market is a great option.
Udon
A thickkkkkk wheat noodle that is served in a mild dashi broth. Commonly topped with scallions and a boiled egg.
Souffle Pancakes
Japan is known for their super fluffy and bouncy souffle pancakes. It’s made with whipped egg whites which makes it so light.
Mochi
Mochi is a sweet dessert made from glutinous rice, water, sugar, and cornstarch. It is pounded and I mean pounded into its glutinous rice glory. It is fun to watch it be made as well. Its chewy, sweet, and so fun to eat.
Tempura
Tempura is a thin batter that is coated over seafood or vegetables and then fried. It’s super light and can be found on its own or paired with another Japanese dish.
Wagyu Beef
A5 Japanese wagyu is known for its marbling of fat and rich taste – tasting like butter. It is some of the best meat you can get, although it can get pricey so getting it on skewers at markets would be a cheaper option.
Tonkatsu Curry
Tonkatsu is a panko breaded pork cutlet that is deep fried. It is commonly paired with Japanese curry and rice which nicely balances out all the flavors.
Okonomiyaki
A savory pancake with lots of toppings such as cabbage, meat, seafood, pickled ginger, and lots of sauces like Japanese mayo and more.
Yakisoba
Yakisoba is actually not made with soba buckwheat noodles, but wheat noodles that are stir fried and mixed with Worcestershire sauce and a variety of vegetables.
Donburi
This is a Japanese dish with meat and veggies that are simmered together to then placed in an oversized bowl over rice.
