Ever wondered what culinary delights you might be missing out on in Tokyo? The city’s gastronomic landscape is vast, featuring everything from ramen and sushi to tempura and yakitori.
Here are 17 must-try foods that promise an unforgettable taste of Tokyo, complete with recommendations on where to savor each dish.
Use this guide as your culinary map to ensure none of these local delicacies escape your plate on your next Tokyo adventure! 😊
1. Ramen

As a culinary paradise, Tokyo is full of delectable treats. One of the most popular foods that should be in your must-try list is their ramen.
Indulge in a bowl of goodness filled with a tasty noodles and succulent broth.
This famous dish offers a selection of variations to excite your taste buds. Savor the broth that’s usually made of soy sauce, pork bone, miso, and aromatic spices.
Of course, some toppings are added to make the dish even more mouthwatering. Common toppings include boiled egg, tender pork, green onions, and nori.
Recommended Restaurants: Ichiran, Konjiki Hototogisu and Fuunji
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2. Tempura

When it comes to delectable snacks, tempura is always part of the recommendations.
This lightly battered snack is made of seafood and vegetables. Take a bite of this deep-fried treat while visiting Tokyo.
Don’t forget the dipping sauce for a more delightful experience. The tempura sauce features a combination of sweet and salty elements that’s worth the try.
Or, if you want a simple yet savory bite, try sprinkling some sea salt. The freshness and umami notes reflect the true Japanese culinary delight.
Recommended Restaurants: Washoku Satoumi Satoyama, Tempura Shinjuku Tsunahachi Souhonten and Tendon Tenya
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3. Sushi and Sashimi

Dive into the freshness of local seafood and enjoy a platter of sushi. Tokyo is renowned for its gastronomic delights that bring together cultural traditions and creativity.
For an exceptional sushi experience, make your way to Tsukiji Fish Market.
This is the ultimate destination for anyone who loves sushi and sashimi. Take a stroll around the stalls and find freshly prepared seafood goodness.
If it’s your first time trying these local foods, choose sashimi and savor the raw fish.
If you want a combination of seafood and rice, opt for sushi. Whatever you choose, these exotic delicacies are simply delectable.
Recommended Restaurants: Sushi no Midori, Sushi-zanmai and Mawashizushi Katsu Seibu Shibuya Store
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4. Yakitori

How about some grilled skewers? Yakitori is a delightful street food typically made of chicken. These are quite popular in local markets and izakayas.
Treat yourself to some well-seasoned and perfectly grilled skewers during your adventure. The aromatic elements of soy sauce, sake, mirin, and other seasonings create a rich blend of flavors.
Watch the grilling process or simply dive into the appetizing allure of yakitori. Pair them with a sake, beer, or drink of your choice.
Recommended Restaurants: Toritake, Torigin Honten, Torikizoku and Ginza Torishige
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5. Tsukemen

As you explore the vibrant market scene, you’ll come across some tsukemen. These are traditional ramen with a delectable twist.
Instead of combining the broth and the noodles, the main ingredients are separated. Bask in the thicker and more concentrated broth that delivers an explosion of flavors.
To complement the savory broth, the noodles are much thicker. Feast on this distinct ramen with some toppings, like pork slices, boiled eggs, and nori.
Recommended Restaurants: Fuunji, Kanda Katsumoto and Ginza Oborodzuki
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6. Soba Noodle

If you’re looking for more noodle variations, try some soba noodles. This is a nice option for those who are health-conscious.
Delight in these buckwheat-made noodles that are quite versatile. Eat them either cold or hot, whatever you want.
There’s also a dipping sauce to elevate your dining experience. The tsuyu sauce is a combination of local seasonings like mirin, dashi, and soy sauce.
Toppings include tempura, fish cakes, and green onions. Nori and wasabi are the perfect pairings for cold soba.
Recommended Restaurants: Fukudaya, Yomoda Soba Ginzaten, Namiki Yabusoba
7. Japanese Curry Rice

In terms of delectable Japanese comfort food, there’s the Japanese curry rice. The mild taste with a hint of sweetness creates an interesting burst of flavors.
Enjoy the tender meat of your choice, from pork to beef and chicken. Vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions make the dish even tastier.
So, if you’re looking for a fulfilling rice meal, you won’t get wrong with this one. Satisfy your heart’s out with this hearty cuisine.
Recommended Restaurants: Mokubaza, Shinjuku Nakamuraya Manna and Hinoya Curry
8. Tonkatsu

Tonkatsu is a pivotal part of the Japanese culinary scene. The crunchy exterior and tender meat delivers a palatable experience to your senses.
Take a bite of this famous dish that’s often paired with rice and shredded cabbage. Miso soup is another delicious side dish you wouldn’t want to miss.
Of course, the tangy sauce offers a luscious blend of zest from veggies and fruits. Without a doubt, this is an incredibly mouthwatering dish for both locals and tourists.
Recommended Restaurants: Tonkatsu Maisen, Tonkatsu Marugo and Gyukatsu Motomura
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9. Gyukatsu

For tonkatsu lovers, another alternative is the gyukatsu. Instead of pork, this dish uses premium beef for a luxurious taste.
Eat your fill with this lightly fried cuisine that comes with tender meat and crispy covering.
It’s also best to pair gyukatsu with Japanese rice, cabbage, and miso soup. For a more appetizing bite, dip the meat into its sauce. Surely, you’ll be craving more once you get a taste of this local treat.
Recommended Restaurants: Gyukatsu Motomura
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10. Udon

There’s another noodle variation that’s highly recommended. Udon is made of chewy and thicker noodles, offering a more appetizing texture with every munch.
If you want something flavorful, opt for the cold udon paired with sauce. You can also eat the noodles hot and enjoy its savory broth.
Most broths use ingredients like soy sauce, mirin, and dashi for a luscious umami flavor.
Udon also offers a variety of toppings to entice foodies. Some options include raw egg, fish cake, and tempura. With the combination of textures and flavors, it is no wonder this is very popular.
Recommended Restaurants: Shin Udon, Tsurutontan Ginza and Godaime Hanayama Udon Ginza
11. Gyudon

Treat yourself to a budget-friendly rice bowl during your Tokyo adventure. Gyudon is a well-known dish that’s ideal for any season.
The rice is garnished with sliced beef and sweet-style sauce. The succulent and sweet taste comes from mirin, dashi, and soy sauce, complementing the tender beef.
Slurp the hint of sweetness from the onions and sauce. You can find this appetizing dish all over the city, from restaurant chains to food stalls.
Recommended Restaurants: Tatsuya Shinjuku, Yoshinoya and Matsuya
12. Unagi

Do you want something unique while wandering Tokyo? Try this local specialty that’s made of grilled freshwater eel. Feast on some unagi for a savory meal perfect for special occasions.
This mouthwatering dish features a caramelized appearance. Each bite is a delight, offering a tender texture and sweet-style sauce. The steamed rice even makes the meal more enticing.
Grab a spoonful of this cuisine along with some pickles. Most restaurants also offer a light soup for a memorable dining moment.
Recommended Restaurants: Unatetsu, Unatoto Asakusa and Hitsumabushi Bincho
13. Yakiniku

Grill some meat to perfection. Yakiniku gives you the opportunity to cook some delicious barbecue and vegetables. Discover a wide selection of yakiniku restaurants scattered around the metropolitan.
There are plenty of options to choose from, including beef, chicken, pork, and seafood. These come in different cuts to cater to your preferences.
Some meat selections are marinated for a more appealing taste. Explore the variety of choices, from sweet soy to citrusy and smokey. Grill all you want and delight in the array of flavors!
Recommended Restaurants: Oreno Yakiniku Ginza, Jiromaru and Hinomaru
14. Takoyaki

Of course, Takoyaki is always part of the list. These round snacks are made of batter from wheat and seafood. Common ingredients include octopus, tempura, cabbages, and green onions.
Watch how these local treats are perfectly cooked in a special pan. Dig in the crispy exterior and soft interior of the takoyaki.
Don’t miss its own mouthwatering sauce and seafood powder. Bonito flakes are also a favorite topping.
Catch these delicious balls as you traverse through the bustling streets. Truly, these are the perfect go-to snacks for everyone.
Recommended Restaurants: Ginza Fukuyoshi and Tsukiji Gindaco
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15. Okonomiyaki

Okonomiyaki is a local snack mainly made out of eggs, pancakes, and cabbage. Special ingredients such as cheese and seafood can also be added.
The meaning of okonomiyaki translates to grill as you like it. So, consider your preference and savor the delectable flavors of okonomiyaki.
See the preparation of the snack while waiting for it. Locals are widely skillful in the process. Don’t forget the toppings and some tasty sauce for a satisfying meal.
Recommended Restaurants: Teppan Baby, Harajuku Okonomiyaki Yai-yai and Okonomiyaki Kiji
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16. Teppanyaki

Have you ever seen foods cooked on an iron griddle? Teppanyaki is a remarkable method of cooking different types of dishes.
Some Teppanyaki favorites include steak, seafood, and vegetables. Fried rice is another commendable choice.
Marvel at how each dish is prepared straight from the chef’s table. Local chefs are highly skillful in food preparation, from slicing to dicing and flipping.
In addition, Teppanyaki restaurants use high-quality ingredients for an umami experience.
Recommended Restaurants: Hakushu, Ginmeisui Ginza and Teppanyaki Misono Shinjuku
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17. Yoshoku

Wrapping up my list is the Yoshoku, which is a Japanese meal with a hint of international tang.
Some crowd favorites include omelet rice, curry rice, and hamburg steak. The beautiful blend of local and Western flavors.
There are plenty of yoshoku restaurants around the city to satisfy your cravings. Wander around the streets and look into local food stalls for these tasty meals.
If you want some fluffy omelet with ketchup, go for Omurice. For something distinct, try the Hamburg steak. Whatever you have in mind, you’ll fall in love with the options in the city.
Recommended Restaurants: Yoshoku Yoshikami and Sekiguchitei