Despite the city’s reputation being a food destination, street food in Tokyo was once frowned upon, especially by the government, who were keen to change the capital’s image towards an upmarket dining experience.
The result led to street food stalls, commonly referred to as Yatai, becoming less popular. However, due to the increase in international interest, and many celebrity chefs experimenting with the phenomenon, Yatai is proving to stand the test of time.
Today, Tokyo’s street food scene is flourishing, providing a plethora of delectable options for tourists to relish. The factors that set Tokyo’s street food apart from the rest? Its exceptional ingredients, expert preparation, and diverse selection.
No matter your craving or appetite — Tokyo’s rich and diverse street food offering will have you both satiated and coming back for more. To help you have the ultimate dining experience, we’ve uncovered the top areas and dishes to explore.
Food for the soul
Japan has a longstanding tradition of indulging in comfort food, which has become a fixture at food markets throughout Tokyo. These dishes are commonly referred to as B-kyu Gurume, which translates to “B-grade gourmet”. The term does not imply that the dishes are of lesser quality or standard – it simply means that B-kyu Gurume cuisine is made from regionally sourced and inexpensive ingredients and are much-loved by the masses for their simplicity and flavours.
Okonomiyaki
Okonomiyaki is a popular B-kyu Gurume dish that can be found across most food markets in Tokyo. While it’s often described as a “savoury Japanese pancake,” the term fails to capture the true essence of the dish.
The name ‘okonomiyaki’ means ‘grilled as you like’, which results in a delicious combination of fillings, sauces, and toppings that are added based on your preference. Common fillings include meat, seafood, and vegetables. You can, of course, also find more unique additions such as mochi and cheese.
Fun fact: Tokyo has a variation of this dish called ‘Monjayaki’, which is thinner than Okonomiyaki, and its texture is often compared to that of melted cheese. This dish is specifically popular in the Tsukishima neighbourhood of Tokyo, with more than 75 monjayaki restaurants scattered on Monja Street.
Yakisoba
Although its name translates to “fried noodles”, yakisoba is prepared by first boiling noodles and then stir-frying them with various ingredients, such as vegetables, meat, or seafood. The dish is a perfect blend of sweet, savoury, and tangy flavours which can be prepared quickly and on the go.
Fun fact: While the dish is now associated with Japanese cuisine, it originally had its roots in China, where a similar stir-fried noodle dish known as ‘chow mein’ was commonly eaten.
Tsukemen
Ramen is a well-known Japanese noodle dish that is widely enjoyed as a comfort meal during the colder months. However, during the hot and humid summer months in Tokyo, a refreshing and satisfying alternative called Tsukemen is popular among locals. This unique cold noodle dish is served with a concentrated broth in a separate bowl. The noodles are then dipped into a hot broth to add flavour.
The origins of Tsukemen date back to the early 1950s, when a group of former soba masters in the west of Tokyo would dip leftover noodles into condensed soup as a quick meal for the staff. Today, Tsukemen is known for its thicker and chewier noodles, which are sometimes served with a separate bowl of hot water for diners to rinse their noodles between dips.
Many food stalls in Tokyo offer unique variations of the dish. These include dipping sauces made with tomato or cheese. Tsukemen can be found all over Tokyo, but is particularly common around Tokyo Station, where some of the best street food ramen and Tsukemen can be savoured.
Best walk and eat experience
The customary method of consuming street food involves strolling and munching, known as “Tabearuki” by the locals, which translates to “walk-and-eat”. The ultimate destination to experience this style of dining is in the Asakusa neighbourhood, also recognized as old Tokyo, where a 250 metre long stretch of food stalls offer an extensive selection of both classic and contemporary dishes.
Takoyaki
Takoyaki is the undisputed champion of street food snacks. These delectable treats consist of small batter balls filled with tender chunks of octopus (known as tako), tempura scraps, green onion, and an array of savory ingredients. To achieve its signature circular shape, the batter balls are cooked to perfection in a special takoyaki grill that features half-spherical molds.
Once cooked, the balls are coated with sauces such as mayonnaise and topped off with bonito flakes and seaweed. Famous throughout the nation, the dish is slightly different in Tokyo as vendors add cabbage to the batter for texture. Similarly, the sauces drizzled can differ from vendor to vendor, and the time of year. This beloved dish is a symbol of Tokyo’s street food culture and is a must-try for anyone visiting.
Dango
Dango is a type of small, sweet dumpling served on a skewer. The Japanese sweet treat is frequently compared to mochi – but the way in which it is prepared is different, which is what ultimately affects its final taste and texture. The Japanese rice-based sweet has a chewy texture that pairs well with Japanese green tea. The most common type and flavour of dango is plain dango that is brushed with a soy, sugar, and starch syrup.
Gyoza
You simply cannot travel to Tokyo without sampling gyozas, or Japanese dumplings. The small bite-sized dumplings are packed with delicious flavour, making them the perfect snack. Common fillings include chicken, shrimp, and vegetables – each of which are mixed with a variety of seasonings and spices, giving them a unique taste that is hard to resist.
For the best Yakitori experience
Along the 100-metre stretch of Memory Lane, located in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ku neighbourhood, lies a number of closet-sized restaurants that are known for their unique dishes and yakitori pubs. A true sight to see and what that only gets busier and better with time, as come nightfall the district becomes packed with locals and tourists alike.
Yakitori
These delicate grilled chicken skewers are very popular street food snacks in Tokyo. It is the type of grilled chicken that is cooked over a charcoal fire and seasoned with soy sauce, salt, and other spices. The chicken is tender and juicy, while the flavour is savoury and smoky. Variations to chicken include beef, seafood and vegetables.
Most instagrammable foods to try
Takeshita Street in Harajuku is the ideal destination for young people and Instagram enthusiasts alike. It has become a popular spot for colourful, visually appealing desserts and drinks – which have become a worldwide food trend of late. Harajuku boasts numerous small cafes, restaurants, and food vendors that congregate on Takeshita Street, serving a variety of cute, delectable, and eye-catching street foods that range from rainbow cotton candy to decorative ice creams, and tasty crepes.
Crepes
Harajuku’s three best-known crepe shops are Angel’s Heart, Marion Crepes, and Santa Monica Crepes. The crepes are made fresh to order and boast a texture that is as light as fluffy. The colourful pieces of art feature classic flavours such as whipped cream and strawberries or chocolate and bananas, as well as some more unique combinations like green tea and red bean paste or salted caramel and popcorn (our favourite).
For seafood lovers
One of the most popular Japanese foods among foreign visitors is seafood. Tsukiji’s famous food market has now been relocated to Toyosu, but Tsukiji remains one of the best places in Tokyo to sample high-quality, fresh seafood. Delicious and fresh street snacks that we suggest tasting include the grilled scallops, seafood rice bowls, and the sweet omelettes – trust us, once you try it, you’ll understand why.
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