Flavours of Japan
Tokyo is a dream destination for food lovers. From century-old culinary traditions to Michelin-starred innovations, the city offers an unparalleled variety of flavours, textures, and techniques.
Whether you're roaming alleyway izakayas in Shinjuku or sipping green tea in a serene teahouse, Tokyo's food scene will capture your heart and delight your taste buds. Here are the top must-try foods that define the Tokyo experience.
Edomae Sushi (Tokyo-Style Sushi)
Tokyo is the birthplace of Edomae sushi, the precursor to what we now know simply as sushi. Unlike its more modern interpretations, Edomae sushi uses techniques like curing and marinating to bring out umami. Expect fresh slices of tuna, anago (sea eel), and uni (sea urchin) presented with reverence. Sushi Dai or Sushisho Saito (if you can get a reservation), are well worth visiting.
Top tip: Sit at the counter for an omakase (chef’s choice) experience, it's an art form as much as a meal.
Ramen
Ramen is Tokyo's comfort food. From the creamy tonkotsu broths to the tangy shoyu varieties, there’s a bowl for every palate. Try the yuzu shio ramen at Afuri for a refreshing citrus twist, or slurp down a fiery miso ramen at Kikanbo if you're craving spice.
Top tip: Don’t be afraid to slurp loudly, it's a sign of appreciation.
Yakitori
Grilled chicken skewers, or yakitori, are a Tokyo izakaya staple. Go beyond basic thigh meat and try adventurous cuts like heart (hatsu) or cartilage (nankotsu), it’s the ultimate Tokyo street snack.
Top tip: Order “tare” (sweet soy sauce glaze) or “shio” (salt), you’ll find your favourite style quickly.
Mochi
Mochi is a Japanese delicacy deeply rooted in cultural tradition and seasonal rituals. Most famously associated with New Year celebrations, it’s made using a sweet rice flour pounded into a dough. In Tokyo, you’ll find mochi served plain, dusted with kinako (roasted soybean flour), or filled with anko (sweet red bean paste). It’s also used in savoury soups like ozoni or grilled with soy sauce and wrapped in nori (isobeyaki). Some mochi creations are modernised with flavours like matcha, strawberry, or even ice cream centres.
Top tip: For a hands-on experience, visit traditional mochi shops in Asakusa, where you might catch a live mochi-pounding (mochitsuki) demonstration during festivals.
Candied fruit
Candied fruit in Japan is more than just a sweet treat, it’s a work of art and a nod to seasonal appreciation. Often found at festivals and street stalls, these glossy, jewel-like confections range from crisp-coated strawberries to tiny skewers of baby apples, mandarins, or grapes. The sugar shell offers a satisfying crunch that gives way to juicy, tart fruit
Top tip: Try candied strawberries fresh from a market stall in Ameyoko, Ueno.
Takoyaki
A popular street food originally from Osaka but loved across Tokyo, takoyaki are crispy, golden balls of batter filled with tender chunks of octopus, green onions, and pickled ginger. Topped with a sweet-savory sauce, Japanese mayo, bonito flakes, and seaweed powder, they’re a delightful blend of textures and flavours.
Top tip: Look for takoyaki stands around Harajuku or Ueno, fresh off the grill is best!
Okonomiyaki
Described as a Japanese savoury pancake, okonomiyaki translates to grill what you like. It's made from a batter of flour, egg, shredded cabbage, and assorted toppings like pork belly, shrimp, or cheese. It's then cooked on a flat griddle and generously finished with okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, bonito flakes, and aonori. While it hails from western Japan, Tokyo offers its own take, often thinner and crispier.
Top tip: For a DIY experience, try an okonomiyaki restaurant where you grill your own at the table.
Matcha Tea
Tokyo offers a refined experience of matcha. It's a powder made from dried green tea leaves that's used in both casual and ceremonial contexts. From traditional teahouses in Kagurazaka to sleek modern cafes in Omotesando, you can enjoy matcha in many forms: whisked into a frothy brew, infused into lattes, or featured in parfaits and pastries. It's slightly bitter in taste with a rich earthy flavour, vibrant in colour and full of antioxidants.
Top tip: Visit a teahouse for a formal tasting or check out matcha cafes for fusion creations like matcha tiramisu or soft-serve ice cream.
Whether you're dining at a Michelin-starred sushi counter or grabbing a yakitori skewer from a bustling night market, eating in Japan is more than just nourishment, every bite tells a story. And don't forget about the vending machines that are more than just a way to grab a quick drink, they offer hot teas, coffees, soups, sandwiches, and more. You also can't miss out on a family mart or 7/11 where they sell sushi, fried chicken, mochi and smoothies. So come hungry, stay curious, and let Japan’s diverse and delicious cuisine lead the way.