Tokyo's street food scene is a dream come true for any food lover. The city's streets are lined with stalls offering a wide range of flavours: sweet, savoury, spicy, and everything in between. Some of the best bites you'll find are local twists on classic street food, with countless options to explore.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of the most popular street food in Tokyo.
List of best street food in Tokyo
Here’s a list of some of the most famous street food in Tokyo:
- Takoyaki: Crispy on the outside and soft inside, these octopus-filled balls are topped with sauce, mayo and bonito flakes.
- Karaage: Juicy, marinated fried chicken bites with a crispy coating, best served with lemon or spicy mayo.
- Yakisoba: Stir-fried noodles with pork, cabbage and a savoury sauce, often garnished with pickled ginger.
- Menchi katsu: Deep-fried minced meat patties that are crispy and juicy, perfect as a quick snack.
- Okonomiyaki: A savoury pancake with cabbage and toppings like pork or seafood, finished with tangy sauces.
- Dango: Chewy rice dumplings on skewers, usually grilled and glazed with sweet soy sauce.
- Daifuku: Soft mochi with sweet red bean paste or fruit filling, making it a light and tasty dessert.
- Onigiri: Rice balls with fillings like tuna mayo or grilled salmon, wrapped in seaweed for a satisfying bite.
- Ikayaki: Grilled whole squid brushed with soy sauce. Chewy, smoky and packed with flavour.
- Senbei: Crispy Japanese rice crackers in sweet or salty varieties, often charcoal-grilled.
- Oden: A warm, comforting stew with items like daikon, fish cakes and boiled eggs simmered in broth.
Places to eat street food in Tokyo
Here are some of the best spots to enjoy street food in Tokyo:
- Ameya-Yokocho (Ueno)
- Tsukiji Outer Market
- Takeshita Street (Harajuku)
- Nakamise Street (Asakusa)
- Omoide Yokocho (Shinjuku)
- Sunamachi Ginza
- Shimokitazawa
Conclusion
Tokyo is a paradise for street food lovers, offering some of the best Japanese street food Tokyo has to offer. But while you're planning your food adventures and must-visit spots, don’t forget to undertake certain precautionary measures.
It may be prudent to acquire an appropriate international travel insurance policy that meets your requirements. Things don’t always go as planned; sometimes, flights get delayed, bags go missing or sometimes we fall ill when we least expect it. With the right coverage, you can explore Tokyo’s vibrant streets and hidden food gems stress-free, knowing you're protected.
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