Best Food in Tokyo: A Food Lover’s Guide
Traveling to Tokyo and want to try all the best foods? Our food lover’s guide can help with that!
Tokyo, a food lovers dream, offers some of the best food in the world that will leave any food lover’s mouth watering. In this guide, we’ll take you on a delicious tour of both what and where to eat. Whether it’s local street food or fine dining experiences, this blog post will help you discover the top spots that make Tokyo a culinary paradise.
Table of Contents
1.) Sushi
Sushi just might be Tokyo’s most iconic dish. The city is home to a number of world-class sushi restaurants, where sushi chefs spend years perfecting their craft. From conveyor belt sushi (kaitenzushi) to high-end omakase experiences, Tokyo’s sushi scene can fit any budget.
Best Sushi Spots:
- Sukiyabashi Jiro: A legendary sushi restaurant with three Michelin stars.
- Sushi Dai: Located in Tsukiji, known for its fresh and affordable sushi.
- Sushizanmai: A popular chain that offers high-quality sushi at reasonable prices.
Tips for Eating Sushi in Tokyo:
- Respect the Chef: If you’re at a high-end sushi restaurant, follow the chef’s instructions on how to eat each piece.
- Freshness Matters: Look for places that source their fish daily.
- Omakase: Trust the chef and go for the omakase menu to experience the best of what the restaurant has to offer.
2.) Ramen
Ramen, one of the most beloved Japanese dishes, is a must-try for any trip to Tokyo. Each and every ramen shop has its own unique recipe, sometimes containing secret ingredients or way of making this dish. From rich and creamy tonkotsu to light and refreshing shio ramen, there’s a bowl that will satisfy your craving.
Top Ramen Shops:
- Ichiran Ramen: Famous for its customizable ramen experience.
- Ippudo: Known for its rich and flavorful tonkotsu broth.
- Ramen Street at Tokyo Station: A collection of some of the best ramen shops in one location.
Tips for Finding the Perfect Ramen:
- Queue Up: A long line usually means the ramen is worth the wait.
- Customize Your Bowl: Many shops allow you to customize your broth, noodle texture, and toppings.
- Slurp Away: It’s customary (and encouraged) to slurp your noodles in Japan.
3.) Tonkatsu
Tonkatsu is a breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet. This crispy on the outside and tender on the inside dish is usually served with rice, shredded cabbage, and a special tonkatsu sauce. This delicious dish is as satisfying as it is hearty.
Top Spots:
- Maisen: Famous for its melt-in-your-mouth tonkatsu, using high-quality pork.
- Tonkatsu Wako: A chain restaurant known for its consistent quality and delicious set meals.
- Butagumi: Offers a wide variety of pork cuts, providing a unique tonkatsu experience.
4.) Unagi
Unagi, or grilled eel if translated, is considered a delicacy in Japan. Usually, the eel is grilled with a sweet and savory glaze and served over a bed of rice. Unagi is incredibly flavorful and is said to give a nutritious boost of energy.
Top Spots:
- Nodaiwa: A Michelin-starred restaurant specializing in traditional unagi dishes.
- Unatoto: Known for its affordable and delicious unagi bowls.
- Ishibashi: Offers a historical ambiance and top-quality unagi.
5.) Yakitori
Yakitori is grilled chicken on a skewer and is a popular dish that pairs perfectly with a cold beer. It can be made with multiple parts of the chicken ranging from juicy chicken thighs to flavorful liver. Each skewer is grilled to perfection and is often seasoned with salt or drizzled with a tare sauce.
Top Spots:
- Torikizoku: A popular chain offering a wide variety of yakitori at reasonable prices.
- Bird Land: A Michelin-starred yakitori restaurant that elevates this simple dish to an art form.
- Omoide Yokocho: Also known as “Memory Lane,” this area is filled with tiny yakitori stalls offering delicious and affordable skewers.
6.) Udon
Made from wheat flour, Udon noodles are thick, chewy, and usually served in a flavorful broth. They can be enjoyed hot or cold, with a variety of toppings, most commonly tempura, green onions, and soft-boiled eggs.
Top Spots:
- Marukame Udon: Known for its freshly made udon noodles and customizable toppings.
- Tsurutontan: Offers creative udon dishes in a chic, modern setting.
- Kagawa Ippuku: Specializes in Sanuki-style udon, known for its firm texture.
7.) Gyoza
Gyoza, or Japanese dumplings, are typically filled with minced pork and vegetables. They are pan-fried until crispy on one side and then steamed, creating a perfect blend of textures.
Top Spots:
- Harajuku Gyoza Lou: Popular for its affordable and delicious gyoza in a casual setting.
- Gyoza no Ohsho: A chain offering a variety of gyoza flavors and fillings.
- Kameido Gyoza: Known for its simple yet delicious gyoza, with a loyal local following.
8.) Soba
Soba noodles, made from buckwheat flour, can be enjoyed hot in a broth or cold with a dipping sauce. They are light, nutritious, and offer a pleasant chewiness that makes them a favorite among both locals and tourists.
Top Spots:
- Sarashina Horii: A historic soba restaurant with over 200 years of history.
- Kanda Yabu Soba: Known for its traditional atmosphere and high-quality soba noodles.
- Narutomi: Offers handmade soba with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Sweet Treats and Desserts
Tokyo’s dessert scene is a wonderland for anyone with a sweet tooth. From traditional wagashi (Japanese sweets) to more contemporary desserts like fluffy pancakes and matcha-flavored everything, there’s no shortage of places to indulge.
Must-try desserts:
- Wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets): Visit shops like Toraya for beautifully crafted sweets.
- Taiyaki: Fish-shaped cakes filled with a sweet red bean paste, custard, or sweet potato. These are available at shops like Naniwaya Sohonten. You can find street vendors selling them in most tourist areas.
- Dango: Usually found on a skewer, this dessert is a dumpling made from a rice flour mixed with uruchi rice and glutinous rice flower. They have a sweet rice flavor.
- Japanese cheesecake: Unlike cheesecake found in North America, Japanese cheesecake has a lighter texture and is less sweet but is certainly no less delicious.
- Fluffy Japanese Pancakes
Must-Visit Dessert Spots:
- Dominique Ansel Bakery: Known for its innovative pastries, including the Cronut.
- Pablo: Famous for its rich and creamy cheese tarts.
- Nanaya Aoyama: Offers the world’s richest matcha ice cream.
Street Food Heaven in Tokyo
Tokyo’s street food scene is a vibrant mix of traditional flavors and modern twists. Walking through areas like Tsukiji, Asakusa, and Harajuku, you’ll find stalls offering everything from savory snacks to sweet treats. The best part? Street food in Tokyo is not only delicious but also very affordable.
Tips for Enjoying Street Food:
- Go Early or Late: To avoid the crowds, visit street food areas early in the morning or later in the evening.
- Cash is King: Always carry cash, as many street vendors do not accept cards.
- Try New Things: Be adventurous! Try foods that you’ve never had before.
Traditional Japanese Dining: Kaiseki
Kaiseki is the epitome of Japanese haute cuisine, offering a multi-course meal that highlights seasonal ingredients and meticulous preparation. Dining at a kaiseki restaurant is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that reflects Japanese culture and aesthetics.
Renowned Kaiseki Restaurants:
- Narisawa: Combines traditional techniques with modern flavors, holding two Michelin stars.
- Kikunoi: A Kyoto-based kaiseki restaurant with a Tokyo branch, known for its exquisite presentation.
- Ishikawa: Offers a tranquil dining experience with three Michelin stars.
Tips for Experiencing Kaiseki:
- Reservations are Essential: Many kaiseki restaurants require reservations well in advance.
- Dress Appropriately: Smart casual or formal attire is often required.
- Savor Each Course: Take your time to enjoy the intricate flavors and presentations.
Modern and Fusion Cuisine
Tokyo is a city that embraces innovation, and its food scene is no exception. Modern and fusion restaurants are popping up all over the city, offering creative dishes that blend Japanese ingredients with global flavors.
Trendy Restaurants to Try:
- Den: Known for its playful approach to traditional kaiseki.
- Narisawa: Merges Japanese and French cuisine in a sustainable way.
- L’Effervescence: Offers innovative French-Japanese fusion dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.
Tips for Fusion Dining:
- Check Reviews: Fusion restaurants can be hit or miss, so it’s a good idea to check reviews beforehand.
- Open Mind: Be open to new and unusual flavor combinations.
- Share Plates: If dining with others, order a variety of dishes to share and experience more flavors.
Hidden Gems: Off the Beaten Path
While Tokyo’s famous food spots are a must-visit, don’t forget to explore the hidden gems tucked away in quiet neighborhoods. These lesser-known restaurants often offer some of the most authentic and memorable dining experiences.
Secret Restaurants Worth Finding:
- Kagari: A small but highly acclaimed ramen shop in Ginza.
- Bird Land: A Michelin-starred yakitori restaurant hidden in the basement of a building in Ginza.
- Sushi Saito: Tucked away in an office building, this sushi restaurant offers a top-tier experience.
Tips for Finding Hidden Gems:
- Ask Locals: Don’t be afraid to ask locals for their favorite spots.
- Wander and Explore: Some of the best discoveries happen when you’re not looking for them.
- Use Social Media: Instagram and food blogs can be great resources for finding hidden gems.
Ready to Explore Tokyo’s Food Scene?
Tokyo is a food lover’s paradise and offers a rich culinary experience that will cater to every taste and budget. From enjoying fresh sushi to indulging in tasty desserts, there’s something new and delicious to discover wherever you go. We hope this food lover’s guide has inspired you to take advantage of the very best foods Tokyo has to offer! Need help getting ready for your trip? Check out our essential packing guide for advice and tips.
Are you ready to explore Tokyo’s food scene? Start planning your trip today and don’t forget to book your activities ahead of time!
Did you know that Tokyo has the most Michelin starred restaurants in the world? Check out Michelin’s guide to Tokyo for more restaurant inspiration.
FAQ
Q: What is the best time to visit Tokyo for food? Tokyo is a place that is good to visit at any time of the year. However, for food lovers, the spring, during the cherry blossom season, and autumn, during the harvest season, will offer an assortment of seasonal dishes.
Q: Is it necessary to speak Japanese to enjoy Tokyo’s food scene? Though it’s not necessary, knowing some Japanese common phrases such as please and thank you can go a long way. A lot of restaurants in Tokyo have English menus or staff who can speak English.
Q: How expensive is it to eat out in Tokyo? Tokyo has dining options to fit every budget. You can enjoy delicious street food or grab something from a konbini for a few hundred yen or splurge on a high-end dining experience for several thousand yen. A typical sit-down place for one person will average about 1000-1500 yen which is about $6-$9 USD.
Q: Are there vegetarian or vegan options in Tokyo? Absolutely! Tokyo has a large number of vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants and the number continues to grow. Keep an eye out for places that specialize in shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine).
Q: What should I know about tipping in Tokyo? Tipping is not customary in Japan and may even be considered rude. Exceptional service is expected as standard, and showing appreciation with a simple thank you “Arigatou gozaimasu!” is welcomed.
