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Exploring the markets in Tokyo with your loved ones as tourists can be a little tiring, as the city is bustling and full of life. Well, irrespective of the purpose of your visit, indulging in street food in Tokyo is a must as it caters to the requirements of almost every individual. This bustling capital city of Japan has a lot to offer its visitors in terms of food and dishes. Be it takoyaki or some appetising yakitori, the list of foods that you can try is long enough to fill your stomach with mouth-watering delicacies.
Top 10 Street Foods In Tokyo
Whether you’re wandering through lively markets or relaxing on a peaceful evening, the street food culture is a key aspect of Tokyo’s allure.
1. Takoyaki
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Takoyaki, which is sometimes referred to as “octopus balls,” is one of the most popular Japanese street foods. It is made up of batter-filled dough spheres with tender octopus served along with pickled ginger and green onions, and they are typically topped with a savoury sauce and mayonnaise. Although octopus is a traditional filling, some vendors serve creative menus by offering variations of ingredients like chicken, cheese, or vegetables. It’s frequent to see people enjoying takoyaki at street vendors in Tokyo, strengthening its status as a classic favourite.
Location: Taito City
Cost: ¥1,250 / ₹750
2. Okonomiyaki
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Okonomiyaki is a staple of Japanese cuisine that has become a beloved dish among the residents of Tokyo. Many street food vendors in Tokyo allow cooking Okonomiyaki, making it a fun way to enjoy your favourite comfort food with your loved ones. The dish is basically savory pancakes that offer fillings which are customisable, such as pork, seafood, cheese and even noodles, making it a likeable food item for everyone. The dish is typically served with green onions and pickled ginger, which means you will indulge in a lot of flavours at the same time.
Location: Shinjuku City
Cost: ¥1000 – 2000 / ₹600 – 1200
3. Yakisoba
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Yakisoba, known as yakisoba noodles, is a must-try street food in Japan. These stir-fried noodles are cooked alongside pork, tender vegetables, and seasoned with salt and tangy and thick yakisoba sauce, creating a strong savoury flavour with every bite. They are usually served hot, making the dish a favourite, especially in colder months. The ideal time to enjoy yakisoba in Tokyo is during festivals, as it is a dish loved by people of all ages. Catering to a large public who like this dish leads to street vendors often competing to attract more customers by customising dishes.
Location: Chiyoda city
Cost: ¥ 1000 / ₹600
4. Taiyaki
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Taiyaki is a traditional street dish in Tokyo, and the pastry is shaped like a fish, which, according to Japanese culture, reflects good fortune. This link to positive traditional values adds a unique charm to the treat, elevating it beyond just a simple snack. The fish-shaped pastry is served along with red bean paste (anko), and the waffle batter on the exterior gives a special texture to the dish whenever it is fried or served. Some vendors use fillings such as chocolate, cheese, and sweet potato to attract more customers, adding variety to their stalls.
Locations: Naniwaya and Shinjuku City
Cost: ¥1000 / ₹600
5. Korokke
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Korokke is a deep-fried dish made from mashed potatoes and ground meat, with several variations in fillings often used by vendors. The exterior side has a crunchy golden crust, which is a result of breadcrumbs being deeply fried. Korokke is inspired by a French dish, and through modifications by locals, it has become highly popular. The dish has a crispy coating equipped with soft and flavorful fillings. Moreover, the dish can be served both as a snack and a main dish, making it suitable to eat on every occasion.
Locations: Taito and Minato Cities
Cost: ¥1000 – 2000 / ₹600 – 1200
6. Nikuman
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Nikuman are steamed buns filled with spiced pork and vegetables. The soft exterior provides space for savoury filling of meat and a variety of vegetables. For busy commuters and tourists, Nikuman is an easy-to-carry food, which is why street vendors in Tokyo are consistently busy serving this comfort food. It is believed to have originated from the Chinese dish of Chinese baozi. Many people enjoy the snack during winters, pairing it with green tea to create a refreshing balance that makes it an ideal choice for a light meal or snack.
Location: Arakawa and Setagaya City
Cost: ¥1000 / ₹600
7. Karaage
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Karaage is a dish that is widely popular across Japan and is the most popular street food in Tokyo as well, with its crispy and flavorful appeal making it a favourite snack enjoyed by people across the nation. Karaage is a fried chicken, in which the chicken is marinated in a blend of soy sauce and ginger-garlic paste. Then, it is coated in dough and potato mixture before being deep-fried to a golden crisp. The outcome is a crunchy mouthwatering layer with a moist and tender chicken inside, and it is typically served with a squeeze of lemon, providing a tangy taste.
Location: Shibuya
Cost: ¥1000 / ₹ 600
8. Dango
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Dango is a traditional Japanese snack which is easily available as street food in Tokyo. Dango are made from rice dumplings that are further skewered on sticks. One of the main attractions of the dish is the various toppings, making it a must-try dish in Tokyo. The simple food reflects Japanese culture’s reliance on doing simple things and remaining modest. Moreover, the delicate sweet flavours along with chewy rice texture make the dish highly popular among children. There are many flavours like Mitarashi dango, hanami dango, and tskumi dango, which are much liked by the locals.
Location: Mukojima
Cost: ¥1000 – 1500 / ₹600 – 900
9. Hakata Ramen
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In the outskirts of bustling Tokyo city, a world-famous ramen dish known as Hakata ramen is prepared. It is a refreshing dish that combines pork broth with a rich and creamy texture, which is an important segment of this food item. Along with it, it is paired with thin, firm noodles, combining an overall perfect flavor to the thick broth. Hakata Ramen is a visually appealing dish which provides a deep aroma and appealing flavors that attract the taste buds of ramen lovers. The dish is served with a variety of toppings such as chashu pork slices, onions, soft-boiled egg, and pickled ginger.
Location: Adachi City
Cost: ¥2000 / ₹1200
10. Tamagoyaki
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The Japanese are known to blend international cuisines as per their comfort food. Tamagoyaki is one such example in which the food recipe is modified, taking into account Japanese heritage. The dish is not similar to Western-style omelette; it is an egg mixture seasoned with dashi, soy sauce and sugar, which eventually creates a delicate balance of sweet and savory flavours. The dish is enjoyed during breakfast as per Japanese culture, and it is recommended to consume it along with special Japanese green tea, which adds further flavour to its taste.
Location: Chuo City
Cost: ¥1000 – 2000 / ₹600 – 1200
Tokyo offers different varieties of street food options for its visitors, each catering to diverse taste buds and food preferences. From comforting dishes often liked by everyone, such as takoyaki, to the rich and flavorful delicacies like Hakata ramen, there’s something for every visitor in Tokyo. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy the vibrant street food in Tokyo; plan your next trip with TripXL and indulge in these delicious treats.
Cover Photo: JANG ‘S / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
