Japan
Tokyo Food Local foods

Top 10 Local Foods to Try in Tokyo

  1. Sushi

A staple of Japanese cuisine, sushi in Tokyo is served at a range of dining locations, from budget conveyor belt sushi kiosks to upscale dining establishments. Look out for delicacies such as nigiri and chirashizushi.

  1. Ramen

An ever-popular comfort food in Tokyo comprising of noodles served in a tasty broth with various toppings like green onions, meat, and soft-boiled eggs. Regularly voted the best ramen city in Japan, Tokyo boasts many top-notch ramen joints.

  1. Tsukemen

Also known as 'dipping ramen,' this is a popular variation of the traditional ramen where noodles are served separately from the soup. You dip the cold noodles into the warm soup before eating.

  1. Yakitori

These are skewers of grilled chicken served in bars and traditional Izakaya pubs. Various parts of the chicken, from the thigh to the liver, can be made into yakitori, each with a unique taste.

  1. Tempura

This light, crunchy delicacy comprises seafood or vegetables coated in a special batter and deep-fried. Tokyo is famous for its tempura, which is usually served with a bowl of rice or noodles.

  1. Unagi

A freshwater eel grilled over charcoal and glazed with a sweet soy-based sauce, unagi is a luxury dish in Tokyo, often consumed in high summer to combat fatigue.

  1. Tonkatsu

Tokyo’s version of a cordon bleu, tonkatsu is a breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet served with a rich, sweet and tangy sauce.

  1. Monjayaki

Similar to okonomiyaki, monjayaki is a Tokyo-originated savory pancake made with various ingredients such as vegetables, meats, and seafood mixed into a batter, then cooked on a hot iron griddle.

  1. Soba Noodles

These are thin, grayish noodles made from buckwheat flour. Particularly popular in Tokyo, soba can be enjoyed either cold with a dipping sauce or in a hot broth.

  1. Chankonabe

Originally a sumo wrestlers' dish, chankonabe is a protein-rich hotpot with ingredients including chicken, tofu, vegetables, and sometimes seafood. The dish is now popular across Tokyo, in specialized 'chanko' restaurants.