Wondering what to eat in Japan? Discover 17 must-try street foods that will make your taste buds dance!
From the savory Okonomiyaki to sweet Choco Bananas, each bite offers a unique taste of Japanese culture.
Dive in to find out why these treats are unmissable, and let your culinary adventure begin! 😊
1. Okonomiyaki
Food trips in Japan are always a fun idea.
Start the adventure with some Okonomiyaki, a tasty pancake made of cabbage, seafood, and some meat. Savor each bite of this savory treat while exploring local markets.
The mouth-watering snack is a classic favorite in Hiroshima and Osaka.
Enjoy the delightful texture paired with the mayonnaise and tangy sauce. Of course, the bonito flakes are the perfect garnish.
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2. Takoyaki
Takoyaki, or octopus balls, are a beloved Osaka street food.
These golden, crispy spheres are filled with tender octopus, pickled ginger, and green onions, then drizzled with savory sauce and mayo, and sprinkled with bonito flakes.
Their hot, gooey center and delightful flavors make them an irresistible snack you’ll want to try again and again.
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3. Yakitori
The Japanese market scene is always full of life, and yakitori adds to the vibrant vibe. These skewered chickens are freshly grilled over charcoal, with aromatic smoke enveloping the stalls.
Breathe in the savory scent and choose your flavor of choice. Some of the classic favorites are salty, salty-sweet, and spicy.
Pair it with a local cold beer and bask in the tasty Japanese cuisine while chilling out.
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4. Ikayaki
If you can’t get enough of some charcoal-cooked treats, try the Ikayaki. This is a grilled squid that’s perfect for seafood lovers.
Delight in the smoky aroma of the squid from the toasted soy sauce.
The tender and slightly charred texture is too tempting to ignore. Feast on the seafood skewer with some sweet and savory glaze.
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5. Korokke
For those looking for tasty and handy Japanese snacks, try some Korokke. These Japanese croquettes offer a distinct texture of crispy exterior and soft interior.
Munch these golden snacks with a filling made of minced meat and mashed potatoes. Find these tasty balls during your street food pursuit.
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6. Choco Bananas
It’s easy to fall in love with these hearty and eye-catching snacks. Choco bananas are coated in luscious chocolate topped with some sprinkles.
Be captivated by the charming display of colors, from pink to blue to green. The lovely food design makes these treats popular in market stalls and even school events.
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7. Yakisoba
Revel in the savory stir-fried noodles as you navigate through the local streets. Yakisoba is a delectable dish made of noodles, carrots, cabbage, and your meat of choice.
The savory sauce with some hint of sweetness creates a flavor-perfect dish.
Don’t forget to top it with some seaweed flakes and pickled ginger. Surely, yakisoba is a staple in every food trip in Japan.
8. Kakigori
Treat yourself to some refreshing delights. Kakigori is a shaved ice dessert ideal for sweltering summer days. Cool down with these sweet delights bursting with fruity flavors.
Some of the popular syrup choices are mango, strawberry, and matcha.
The condensed milk creates a layer of sweetness in every bite. So, if you’re on the hunt for some cold treats, kakigori is truly a go-to option.
9. Crepes
Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat or a satisfying snack, you won’t go wrong with some crepes. These Japanese pancakes are street food favorites that come in various fillings.
Top filling options include whipped cream, chocolate, and fresh fruits. Some stalls also offer eggs, cheese, and ham as pancake filling.
Gobble up these appetizing crepes while wandering around the different corners of Japan.
10. Yaki Imo
In colder months, one of the best comforting snacks is the yaki imo. These are sweet potatoes roasted in perfection over hot stones.
The soft and sweet potatoes are truly satisfying after strolling the chilly streets.
More than its deliciousness, yaki imo are very healthy snacks. Potatoes are naturally rich in vitamins to boost your immune system, especially during autumn and winter.
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11. Dango
You can’t miss these traditional Japanese snacks because of their savory appearance.
Dango is a delightful bite-sized treat made of rice flour dumplings. These are skewered and sometimes added with sweet soy sauce.
But perhaps the most popular ones are those in pink, white, and green hues. The beautiful blend of charming colors is truly eye candy for visitors.
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12. Taiyaki
Enjoy some fish-shaped pastries with yummy fillings. Taiyaki is a delicious snack loaded with the classic sweet red bean. You may also request other fillings like chocolate or custard.
The manner of cooking taiyaki is the same as preparing waffles. Some stalls offer a unique taiyaki style by adding ice cream.
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13. Menchi Katsu
Do you want some deep-fried snacks? Go for the menchi katsu and indulge in its savory taste.
The breaded patties are packed with flavorful meat and onions and then cooked until golden brown.
Munch these crispy treats along with a tonkatsu sauce. If you want comfort food that fills your tummy, this is an excellent choice.
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14. Karaage
Of course, karaage is always a staple in the street food scene and all for good reasons. This Japanese fried chicken is appetizing and cooked to golden perfection.
The secret behind its aromatic flavors is the marinating and cooking method.
The chicken is masterfully marinated in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. So, savor a quick and flavorful snack with the famous karaage.
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15. Senbei
Perhaps you’ve come across some Japanese rice crackers while strolling around the market. These traditional snacks are called senbei, which are also famous treats during festivals.
Enjoy the crunch in every bite of these grilled or baked goodies. Sometimes, these are wrapped in nori for added texture and taste.
For a taste of traditional Japanese snacks, don’t miss this local delight.
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16. Nikuman
Fill your stomach with some succulent steamed buns. Nikuman are soft buns with a luscious pork and veggie mixture. These snacks are best served hot, especially during chilly days.
The tender dough and savory filling deliver a perfect combination. Luxuriate your palate with the warmth and deliciousness of the buns before continuing your food exploration.
17. Tako-Tamago
To cap off our list is the savory tako-mago. It’s easy to find these street food snacks because of their appearance.
Just look for small octopuses on sticks. These are often served upright, along with other seafood treats and skewers.
Plus, you’re in for a surprise. The inside of the octopus is a quail egg to add a richer flavor.
