Japan is famous for its mouth-watering street food culture. From savory to sweet, there are countless delicious options to try when exploring the streets of Japan. In this article, we have rounded up the top 10 must-try Japanese street foods and where you can find them. So, get ready to discover the flavors of Japan!
1. Takoyaki
Takoyaki is a popular street food that originated in Osaka. These little balls of heaven are made from a batter consisting of flour, dashi, and eggs, and filled with diced octopus, pickled ginger, and green onion. The balls are cooked in a special takoyaki pan, which gives them their signature shape. Takoyaki is usually topped with takoyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and aonori (dried seaweed) flakes. You can find takoyaki stands all over Japan, but some of the best places to try them are in Osaka, where they originated. Head to places like Kukuru or Takoya for some of the best takoyaki in Osaka.
2. Okonomiyaki
Okonomiyaki is a savory pancake that is a popular street food in Japan. The name literally translates to "grilled as you like it" and it's easy to see why. Okonomiyaki is made with a batter of flour, eggs, and shredded cabbage, and filled with a variety of ingredients such as sliced pork belly, shrimp, squid, or cheese. The pancake is topped with a sweet and savory sauce, mayo, and aonori. You can find Okonomiyaki all over Japan, but some of the best places to try it are in Hiroshima, where they are famous for their version of the dish. Head to Okonomimura, a food hall in Hiroshima, to try some of the best Okonomiyaki in the city.
3. Yakitori
Yakitori is a popular Japanese street food that consists of skewered chicken grilled over charcoal. The chicken is usually seasoned with salt or a sweet soy sauce, and it's a favorite of locals and tourists alike. Yakitori can be found all over Japan, from street vendors to izakayas (Japanese-style pubs). Some of the best places to try Yakitori are in Tokyo's Yakitori Alley (Omoide Yokocho), which is a narrow street lined with small restaurants specializing in Yakitori. Head to Toriki, a popular Yakitori spot, for some of the best in the area.
4. Gyoza
Gyoza is a popular Japanese dumpling that is usually filled with ground pork, garlic, and cabbage. They are then pan-fried to create a crispy outer layer and served with a soy sauce-based dipping sauce. Gyoza can be found all over Japan, but some of the best places to try them are in Yokohama's Chinatown, which is the largest Chinatown in Japan. Head to places like Shinkiraku or Kiyoken for some of the best Gyoza in Yokohama.
5. Ramen
Ramen is a Japanese noodle soup that is a popular street food all over Japan. The soup is made with a meat or fish-based broth and served with thin noodles, sliced pork, bamboo shoots, and green onions. Ramen can be found all over Japan, from street vendors to high-end restaurants. Some of the best places to try Ramen are in Tokyo, where there are countless shops and restaurants serving up their own unique versions of the soup. Head to places like Ichiran or Afuri for some of the best Ramen in Tokyo.
6. Taiyaki
Taiyaki is a popular Japanese street food that consists of a fish-shaped cake filled with sweet red bean paste. The cake is made with a pancake-like batter and cooked in a fish-shaped mold. Taiyaki can be found all over Japan, from street vendors to bakeries. Some of the best places to try Taiyaki are in Asakusa, a historic district in Tokyo. Head to places like Asakusa Wakaba or Kurikoan for some of the best Taiyaki in the area.
7. Melonpan
Melonpan is a sweet Japanese bread that is usually shaped like a melon. The bread is made with a sweet dough and topped with a crispy layer of cookie dough. Melonpan can be found all over Japan, from street vendors to bakeries. Some of the best places to try Melonpan are in Kobe, a city known for its delicious bread. Head to places like Pompadour or Patisserie Mont Plus for some of the best Melonpan in the area.
8. Kakigori
Kakigori is a popular Japanese shaved ice dessert that is perfect for cooling down on a hot summer day. The ice is shaved into a fine texture and served with a variety of toppings such as sweetened condensed milk, fruit syrup, and mochi (sweet rice cakes). Kakigori can be found all over Japan, from street vendors to cafes. Some of the best places to try Kakigori are in Kyoto, a city known for its traditional Japanese sweets. Head to places like Gion Tokuya or Kagizen Yoshifusa for some of the best Kakigori in the area.
9. Dango
Dango is a sweet Japanese dumpling that is usually made with rice flour and served on a skewer. The dumplings can be flavored with a variety of ingredients such as green tea, soy sauce, or red bean paste. Dango can be found all over Japan, from street vendors to cafes. Some of the best places to try Dango are in Nara, a city known for its traditional Japanese sweets. Head to places like Nakatanidou or Kinatei for some of the best Dango in the area.
10. Imagawayaki
Imagawayaki is a sweet Japanese pancake that is usually filled with sweet red bean paste. The pancake is made with a batter of flour, eggs, and sugar, and cooked on a special griddle. Imagawayaki can be found all over Japan, from street vendors to bakeries. Some of the best places to try Imagawayaki are in Tokyo, where there are countless shops and stands selling them. Head to places like Naniwaya Sohonten or Taito Station for some of the best Imagawayaki in the area.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Japanese street food is a must-try experience for any food lover visiting Japan. From savory to sweet, the flavors and variety of street food in Japan are endless. Make sure to add these 10 must-try Japanese street foods to your list of things to try on your next visit to Japan. Happy eating!
