Blog Post

"10 Must-Try Street Food Dishes in Tokyo: From Takoyaki to Matcha Soft Serve"

August 8, 2024

Tokyo is a food lover's paradise, and one of the best ways to experience the city's diverse cuisine is through its street food. From savory takoyaki to sweet matcha soft serve, Tokyo's streets are lined with mouth-watering dishes that are sure to leave you wanting more. To help you navigate through the endless options, we have compiled a list of 10 must-try street food dishes in Tokyo.

  1. Takoyaki

Takoyaki, which translates to "octopus balls," is a popular street food in Tokyo. These small, round balls are made of a batter filled with diced octopus, green onion, and tempura scraps, cooked in a special takoyaki pan. They are then topped with a savory sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes. The result is a crispy exterior with a soft and gooey center, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

  1. Okonomiyaki

Another delicious dish that originated in Osaka but can be found on the streets of Tokyo is okonomiyaki. It is a savory pancake made with a batter of flour, grated yam, and shredded cabbage, filled with various ingredients such as pork, seafood, and vegetables. The pancake is then topped with a special sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes. Okonomiyaki stalls are a popular sight at festivals and street markets, and it's a must-try for any food lover.

  1. Yakitori

Yakitori, or grilled chicken skewers, is a staple street food in Tokyo. Made with bite-sized pieces of chicken, these skewers are cooked over a charcoal grill and basted with a special sauce. You can find a variety of yakitori flavors, including salt, teriyaki, and spicy. It's a popular dish to pair with a cold beer and is perfect for a quick and satisfying snack while exploring the city.

  1. Ramen

Ramen may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of street food, but in Tokyo, you can find some of the best ramen stalls on the streets. These small and unassuming shops serve up steaming bowls of noodles in a rich broth, topped with various meats, vegetables, and spices. With so many different styles and flavors to choose from, you'll never get tired of trying different ramen stalls in Tokyo.

  1. Taiyaki

For those with a sweet tooth, taiyaki is a must-try street food in Tokyo. It is a fish-shaped cake made of a pancake-like batter and filled with sweet red bean paste. You can also find variations of taiyaki filled with custard, chocolate, and even matcha. It's a popular snack among locals, and you can often find long lines at taiyaki stalls, especially during festivals and events.

  1. Gyoza

Gyoza, or pan-fried dumplings, are a popular street food in Tokyo. These bite-sized dumplings are filled with a mixture of ground meat and vegetables, wrapped in a thin dough, and then pan-fried to crispy perfection. They are often served with a dipping sauce and are a great option for a quick and filling meal on the go.

  1. Melon Pan

Melon Pan, a sweet bun with a crispy exterior and soft interior, is a popular street food in Tokyo. Despite its name, it doesn't actually contain melon but is named for its appearance. You can find melon pan stalls all over Tokyo, and it's a perfect snack for those with a sweet tooth.

  1. Yakisoba

Yakisoba, which translates to "fried noodles," is a popular street food in Tokyo. These stir-fried noodles are cooked with various vegetables and meats, then seasoned with a special sauce. You can find yakisoba stalls at most festivals and events, and it's a great option for a hot and satisfying meal on a chilly day.

  1. Matcha Soft Serve

No trip to Tokyo is complete without trying matcha soft serve. This creamy and refreshing dessert is made from green tea powder and is a popular street food in Tokyo. You can find it at most soft serve stalls, and some shops even offer matcha soft serve in a taiyaki cone for an extra special treat.

  1. Taiyaki Ice Cream

For a twist on the traditional taiyaki, try taiyaki ice cream. It's a scoop of your choice of ice cream, usually vanilla or matcha, sandwiched between two taiyaki cakes. It's a perfect treat for a hot day in Tokyo and is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

In conclusion, Tokyo's street food scene is a must-try for any food lover. With a variety of savory and sweet options, you can easily spend your entire trip trying out different dishes. So next time you're in Tokyo, don't be afraid to explore the streets and indulge in some of the best street food the city has to offer.