Ready to taste the diverse flavors of Tokyo? While sushi and ramen might come to mind first, the city offers so much more! Join our Best Experience Japan tour and discover the hidden gems for a delicious food adventure you won’t forget!
Sushi
Just because there are so many food options for you to choose from doesn’t mean you have to skip out on one of Japan’s favorite foods. You can explore different types of sushi restaurants for a different experience each time.
High-end Restaurants:
For a truly elevated sushi experience, try a high-end sushi restaurant where you can watch the chef perform the delicate skill of packing the sushi rice, cutting the fish, and presenting it directly to you like a work of art. Many sushi restaurants in Japan are quite expensive, some even have Michelin star ratings. These restaurants usually have an omakase set, which means the chef prepares the menu daily based on the freshest fish available.
Kaiten Sushi (Conveyor belt sushi):
This type of sushi restaurant is probably one of the most well-known types as it is frequently represented in movies and TV shows. You order at your seat and wait until your sushi comes around to you on a conveyor belt. However, conveyor belt sushi restaurants have recently changed to ordering with a tablet, some with an option to change the language to accommodate international travelers.
Standing Sushi Restaurants:
These restaurants are usually located around train stations for people who are just looking for a quick bite. You can order at the counter and eat your meal while standing as there are no seats. The sushi may cost a little less, but that does not mean they skimp on quality! Ask your guide about standing sushi restaurants for a truly different dining experience.
Ramen
The next food request made by many visitors is of course the ever popular ramen. With the number of different flavors and toppings available, it would probably take you years to try all of them! Here are just some types of ramen you should be on the lookout for on your next trip to Tokyo.
Both Shibuya and Akihabara have options for your ramen needs:
- Shio ramen (seasoned with salt)
- Miso ramen (fermented soybean paste taste)
- Shoyu ramen (soysauce taste)
- Tonkotsu ramen (pork bone broth)
- Chinese style tantanmen (a Sichuan adapted ramen with chili oil, sesame paste, and soy sauce)
Each restaurant has various toppings depending on the restaurant and the type of ramen. From pork, chicken, duck, clams, dumplings, eggs, green onions and various other flavors, you will be overwhelmed with options at these restaurants!
Vegetarian
Unfortunately, most people will tell you finding vegetarian food in Japan is a fool’s errand, but it simply isn’t so! There are numerous vegetarian options to choose from around Tokyo.
Sushi: Just because your friends want sushi, doesn’t mean you have to be left out! Most regular sushi spots have a cucumber roll, an ume (pickled plum) roll, and tamagoyaki (rolled omelet) on the menu so you will not be left out. Alternatively, there are restaurants completely focused on serving vegetarian and vegan sushi that are not hard to find.
Ramen: Ramen is a must-try in Tokyo’s Shibuya or Harajuku, with an increasing number of restaurants now catering to vegetarian and vegan diets. Thanks to the growing variety of options, you won’t miss out on this iconic dish. While many ramen places use tomato-based broths, you’ll also find spots that focus on preserving the authentic taste and flavors of Japan’s traditional ramen, all while keeping it plant-based.
Gyoza: As vegetarian and vegan ramen spots continue to grow in Tokyo, gyoza has also gained popularity. While dedicated gyoza restaurants are still somewhat rare, they’re definitely worth seeking out for an unforgettable taste.
Indian: Tokyo is home to a wide range of Indian restaurants, many of which offer an impressive variety of vegetarian and vegan options. Whether you’re craving a hearty mixed vegetable curry, a flavorful dal (lentil) curry, or something in between, you’re in for a treat. These dishes are often paired with generous servings of naan bread or rice, making for a truly satisfying meal. What’s great is that you’ll find both traditional and innovative takes on Indian classics, ensuring there’s something for every palate. From rich, creamy curries to spicy, tangy dishes, the depth of flavors in Tokyo’s Indian eateries is sure to impress.
Mediterranean/Middle Eastern: Tokyo boasts a number of Middle Eastern restaurants offering a variety of vegan-friendly dishes like falafel, hummus, couscous, and fresh breads. Many also provide halal options, making it easy to enjoy authentic flavors that cater to different dietary preferences.
Other must try Japanese specialties:
Tempura: Vegetables or seafood coated in thin batter and deep fried.
Okonomiyaki: A savory pancake made with batter and usually includes cabbage, eggs, meat/seafood, vegetables, mayonnaise, pickled ginger, and green onions.
Takoyaki: Octopus grilled in batter and shaped into a ball. Topped with a slightly salty sauce and mayonnaise.
Yakitori: Grilled chicken on skewers seasoned with salt or sugar and soy sauce.
Katsudon: Pork cutlet placed over eggs and rice.
Omurice: Ketchup fried rice (sometimes containing chicken and other vegetables) topped with an omelet drizzled with ketchup.
Udon: Thick noodles in warm broth with various toppings. Sometimes also added to curry.
Soba: Buckwheat noodles eaten either cold (zaru soba) and dipped into a soy-sauce based dipping sauce, or eaten hot in a bowl of broth and sometimes topped with tempura.
Book today and enjoy a trek with our Best Experience Japan guide through the streets of Tokyo, it’s sure to be a delicious one! For more foods in Tokyo and elsewhere, don’t miss our other blogs – Taste Tokyo: 10 Street Foods and Where to Find Them as well as A Ramen Lover’s Guide to Japan: Exploring the Best Bowls Across the Country. We look forward to seeing you on tour soon!