Exploring Tokyo’s food scene is a must, but not all popular foods are worth your time. Some can be disappointing and overpriced.
In this guide, I’ll reveal 10 overrated foods to avoid, saving you from culinary letdowns.
Discover what to skip and where to find the truly delicious alternatives. Keep reading to make your Tokyo food adventure worthwhile! 😊
1. Giant Takoyaki
No one can deny the appeal of the giant Takoyaki. But the question is ― is it worth it?
Well, this popular food might disappoint you. These big octopus balls may lack the taste because of their size.
It often lacks the right balance of slight crispiness on the outside and gooeyness on the inside.
So, it’s best to stick with the traditional ones. The regular-size Takoyaki delivers the best blend of chewiness and tastiness.
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2. Animal-Shaped Doughnuts
While wandering around the local streets, you may have come across some animal-shaped doughnuts. These snacks are completely adorable, making them a fit for your Instagram gallery.
Beyond its charming appearance, there’s nothing to look forward to with this treat. The reason being is that the doughnuts are mainly mass-produced. Consequently, some may fall short in terms of tastiness.
Many claim that these are only decorative snacks with bland or overly sweet flavors. So, for doughnut lovers, choose traditional snack shops.
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3. Candied Fruits
It’s true that candied fruits are some of the most eye-catching treats in Tokyo.
But unfortunately, these sweet delights might be a disappointment. Their glossy appearance is all sugar-coating, overwhelming the fruit’s natural sweetness.
As a result, the exterior is overly sweet, affecting the overall taste of the fruit.
Plus, the texture can be of unappetizing, especially when the fruit inside gets mushy. It’s highly recommended to give their fresh fruits a try instead.
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4. Supermarket Sushi
Of course, sushi is one of the most popular local foods in Japan. When it comes to quality, it’s important that the sushi is fresh.
However, some sushi may be a letdown, especially those in supermarkets.
Most supermarket sushi displays are no longer fresh because of their lengthy time on the shelves. Plus, these are typically mass-produced, affecting the overall quality of the dish.
Ditch the supermarket sushi and skip the lack of freshness. You can find the delicate balance of sushi textures and flavors from a dedicated sushi restaurant.
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5. Yakisoba Sandwiches
Yakisoba is a cherished Japanese food. But in recent times, there have been modifications to this beloved dish. One example is the Yakisoba sandwich, which combines stir-fried noodles and sandwiches.
Although this new creation is fascinating, the overall food experience might be a letdown. The soft bun gets soggy because of the saucy noodles.
Plus, the bread absorbs the savory flavors of the yakisoba, creating a bland taste with every bite. If you want to enjoy the savory goodness of the noodles, eat them without any bread pairing.
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6. Gold Leaf Ice Cream
When it comes to luxurious snacks, there’s one popular treat you can find in Tokyo. The gold leaf ice cream easily stands out because of its sophisticated aesthetics.
But, the taste of this fancy dessert is disappointing. The gold leaf is simply for aesthetic purposes, adding no difference from typical ice cream. This means you are paying a hefty price only for the design.
To make the most out of your food adventure, discover more local dessert shops instead. These traditional stalls use premium ingredients for a taste like no other.
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7. Pre-Made Yakitori in Convenience Stores
If you’re super hungry, getting some yakitori in the convenience store is the norm. Despite the convenience, it’s still best to visit trusted restaurants.
The pre-made versions you can find in convenience stores do not stand close to freshly cooked yakitori.
Many of these ready-made grilled chicken skewers lack in juicy texture and smoky flavor. Plus, their meat can be overcooked or even dry.
So, it’s highly recommended that you drop by a yakitori specialty shop. These local restaurants deliver maximum flavor and soft texture.
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8. Imagawayaki
You may have seen these stuffed pancakes in supermarkets or along the local streets of Tokyo. Imagawayaki are tasty snacks filled with sweet red bean paste or sometimes custard cream.
While these are supposed to be delectable delights, some fall short in terms of taste and texture. Mass-produced and pre-packaged Imagawayaki may have a dry outer cake or overly sweet filling.
For the best-tasting Imagawayaki, look for local food stalls that specialize in them. See how locals prepare for these snacks and you’ll see the difference in taste.
9. Yaki Onigiri
Another popular snack is the Yaki onigiri, which is one of the many versions of onigiri. These fresh Japanese rice balls should be crispy outside with savory filings.
However, most pre-made versions lack the special texture and taste of these snacks. Often, the rice gets very dry and hard to eat. The unappetizing appearance makes it a downer.
If you want the best yaki onigiri experience, make sure to look for stalls grilling them fresh. Delight in the savory balance of crispiness and delicious fillings.
10. Shioyaki
When eating in Japanese restaurants, Shioyaki is something that might catch your attention. These are salt-grilled fish dishes that are truly delectable ― when cooked well.
Unfortunately, this cuisine can be a hit or miss because of a lot of factors.
Some chefs may use lower-quality fish that affect the taste. Others may not be skillful in the fish preparation, making the dish dry or overcooked.
For this reason, it’s crucial to look for renowned restaurants with Shioyaki expertise. These specialty restaurants can give you an exceptional experience.
