Tokyo is a street food paradise.
You might already know about its world-renowned sushi, but did you realize how diverse and delicious Tokyo’s street food scene is? From savory takoyaki and crispy tempura to sweet taiyaki and fluffy dorayaki, the variety is as vast as the city itself. Whether you’re wandering through the lively streets of Shibuya or exploring the historic alleys of Asakusa, there’s always something new to discover that’ll reignite your taste buds.
Here are ten signature street foods to keep an eye out for while in Tokyo!
1. Takoyaki
One of the most famous Japanese street foods. You can never go wrong with these small doughy balls packed with batter and bite-sized octopus, topped with a sprinkle of chives and some red ginger. All this is held together with a drizzle of “okinonomi sauce” that is a perfect balance of savory and slight sweetness.
Eat them while they’re still hot, even if it means huffing and puffing to let in cool air. These small morsels of deliciousness are rich, flavorful, and will leave a long-lasting impact on your taste buds.
Best Area: Asakusa
Vendor Highlight: Asakusa Takoyaki Akashi
2. Taiyaki
These might be one of the most aesthetic street foods you can find in Tokyo. The batter, similar to pancake or waffle mix, is poured into fish-shaped molds, filled with the chosen filling, and cooked until golden brown. The result is a crispy exterior with a warm, flavorful filling inside. While taiyaki used to strictly be a sweet treat, more and more places also offer savory options.
What others might not tell you about, is the absolutely mouthwatering aroma that originate from taiyaki stands, making you stop dead in your tracks. Head to Asakusa and follow your nose to one of these delicious treats.
Best Area: Asakusa
Vendor Highlight: Naniwaya Sohonten
3. Yaki Imo
Yaki imo, or roasted sweet potatoes, is an indispensable treat during the colder season. These sweet potatoes are roasted slowly over an open flame or in special stone ovens, which caramelizes their natural sugars and gives them a deliciously sweet and slightly smoky flavor. The exterior becomes beautifully crisp, while the inside turns soft and creamy.
These roasted sweet potatoes are so loved, that during winter they’re made and sold in almost every grocery store. Somehow their presence alone makes you want to curl up in a warm blanket and meander the day away.
Best area: Ueno
Vendor Highlight: Yaki Imo trucks/ your local supermarket
4. Karaage
Karaage is the quintessential Japanese comfort food. Bite-sized pieces of chicken are marinated in a flavorful mix of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, then coated in a light layer of flour or potato starch before being deep-fried to crispy perfection. It’s perfectly fine to enjoy them as they are, but pairing them with a glass of cold beer late at night in an izakaya (a Japanese bar) elevates this dish to a whole new level of comfort.
5. Okonomiyaki
The name “okonomiyaki” comes from the words “okonomi,” meaning “what you like,” and “yaki,” meaning “grilled,” and that’s exactly what it is; a grilled dish of all the ingredients you enjoy.
The basis of okonomiyaki is quite simple, a batter of flour, eggs, and shredded cabbage. But on top of that, you can add any combination of ingredients of your choosing, such as pork, shrimp, or octopus. It’s cooked on a hot griddle, then topped with mayonnaise, bonito flakes, and seaweed powder. In some places you can even make your own okonomiyaki from scratch, although finishing up the final product becomes your full responsibility.
Best area: Monja Street, Tsukishima
Vendor Highlight: Okonomiyaki Kiji
6. Ikayaki
Ikayaki is a whole squid that’s meticulously cleaned, scored, and grilled over an open flame. The squid is basted in a savory soy-based sauce, which caramelizes beautifully, leaving a smoky umami flavor. Usually, the texture is tender and slightly chewy.
When you order ikayaki you’ll typically receive it skewered on a stick with a hearty dash of seasoning. To enjoy it like a local, rather than taking dainty bites, tear your way through the skewer and let yourself get messy.
Best Area: Tsukiji Market
Vendor highlight: Food stalls at the Tsukiji Market
7. Crepes
Crepes are one of the most iconic foods of Harajuku, particularly for young people. It’s common to see young couples taking photos of each other with crepes in hand all around Harajuku. These thin, soft pancakes are rolled into a cone and generously filled with a variety of sweet or savory ingredients.
As with Taiyaki, the beauty of crepes also lies in its infinite possibilities for customization. From your conventional flavors like chocolate and strawberry, to savory concoctions like teriyaki and tuna with cheese. Anything is possible in a crepe.
Best Area: Takeshita Street, Harajuku
Vendor Highlight: Marion Crepes
8. Senbei
Senbei are traditional rice cracker snacks that pack a mean crunch. They’re usually made from glutinous or non-glutinous rice, mixed into a dough, and then shaped into rounds, squares, or even intricate designs. That dough is then grilled to achieve that satisfying crunch.
Classic versions are seasoned with soy sauce, giving them a rich, umami kick, while others might be sprinkled with sesame seeds, wrapped in seaweed, or have a sweet coating of sugar. If you’re wary of too much pressure on the teeth, consider purchasing a box of individually wrapped senbei to bring back home as a gift.
Best Area: Nakamise Street, Asakusa
Vendor Highlight: Asakusa Senbei shops
9. Dango
These chewy rice flour dumplings are usually skewered on sticks, making them easy and fun to munch on. There’s the classic mitarashi dango, coated with a sweet soy sauce glaze; anko dango, topped with rich red bean paste; and hanami dango, with its festive pink, white, and green colors perfect for cherry blossom season.
If you’re ever in Tokyo during the spring, don’t miss out the opportunity to bring a few skewers of hanami dango, some friends, and enjoy the blooming cherry blossoms along the Meguro River.
Best Area: Yanaka Ginza
Vendor Highlight: CHAYA MATSUO
10. Dorayaki
Dorayaki consist of two fluffy, pancake-like cakes made from castella, a type of sponge cake, sandwiched together with a rich filling of sweet red bean paste. This dessert is such a classic that there haven’t been any attempts to customize it beyond its original round form and red bean filling.
Dorayaki have existed for over a century, but there’s a reason they’ve managed to stay a relevant dessert in the everyday Japanese household. On a cold day, a hot fluffy dorayaki paired with a warm cup of green tea is simply unmatched.
Best Area: Nihonbashi
Vendor Highlight: Usagiya
These 10 iconic dishes, however popular and delicious they may be, are only a sliver of what Japanese street food has to offer. Come to Tokyo and discover for yourself the possibilities of street food in Asakusa, Tsukiji, and Harajuku with experienced guides on all thing delicious at Best Experience Japan!
