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Japanese street food is the magical gateway to understanding the culture of the land of the rising sun. Have you savored the exquisite delights of Japanese cuisine yet?
With hundreds of festivals happening throughout the year, the street food menu in Japan often changes to fit the event themes and weather. However, in the Land of the Rising Sun, there are timeless classics you can't miss no matter which season you visit. #teamKlook, you can pre-book dining vouchers from Klook for a delightful and cost-saving Japanese culinary adventure. Plus, there are plenty of free discount coupons waiting for you. Don't miss out!
1. Baked Sweet Potatoes - Yaki-imo
Yaki-imo is a common street food in Japan. In any neighborhood, from rural to urban areas, you'll easily hear the familiar call, 'Yaki-imo, yaki-imo, yaki-imo!' Sweet Japanese sweet potatoes are tender and naturally sweet, especially enticing on chilly days.
This centuries-old traditional street food has never lost its popularity, despite its simple ingredients and preparation. Surrender to the experience! Stop by a cart with a wooden stove, and there you have it – Yaki-imo!
2. Japanese Savory Pancake - Okonomiyaki
If you're unsure what to eat in Japan, go for Okonomiyaki. This distinctive Japanese savory pancake is renowned for its abundant fillings, including octopus, shrimp, pork belly, potatoes, or cabbage. The savory filling combined with the crispy exterior creates a true explosion of flavors. Don't forget to add mayonnaise and sweet sauce for an even richer taste!
Pro tip for #teamKlook: Okonomiyaki pancakes are a famous specialty in Osaka. Be sure to indulge in this dish if you ever visit the coastal city!
3. Grilled Tube Squid - Irayaki
An interesting aspect of Japanese street food is that the preparation is often minimal yet yields fantastic flavors. Grilled tube squid, Irayaki, is a prime example. To prepare this dish, vendors simply grill squid with sweet soy sauce. Japanese tube squid is large, with thick and tender meat that pairs well with rice or as a snack. It's also a specialty in the Osaka region, Japan.
4. Shaved Ice with Syrup - Kakigori
It seems both Vietnamese and Japanese folks need shaved ice with syrup to cope with the intense heat of summer. Japanese shaved ice consists of four main components: shaved ice, condensed milk, syrup, and sweet toppings. Toppings, ranging from red beans to fruits or even gummy candies, are considered the 'soul' of the dish and cater to diners of all ages. Escaping the summer has never been so quick and cost-effective!
5. Fish-shaped Pastry - Taiyaki
Don't be fooled by the appearance of this sweet treat; Taiyaki is not made from seafood. Taiyaki fish-shaped pastries are widely sold in Tokyo ( in most famous tourist areas) and are considered a dessert closely associated with Japanese childhood. Typically, vendors use red bean paste, milk ice cream, chocolate, or cheese to fill these golden fish.
To this day, the Japanese are still debating the correct way to eat Taiyaki. Bite the head first, or nibble the tail first? However you like it, just enjoy!
6. Rice Cracker - Senbei
Savoring fresh green tea with crispy, flavorful rice crackers is simply delightful. Senbei rice crackers come in many variations, from size and shape to flavor. The crackers are often grilled over charcoal for an extra rich taste. In Nara's Ancient Capital, even the roaming deer are familiar with this renowned snack; some have even learned to bow before indulging in the treat.
7. Soft and Fragrant Rice Cake - Dango
Also made from rice but not as crispy as Senbei, Dango is soft, chewy, and has a more fragrant rice aroma. This treat has versatile applications. Grill Dango for a lightly charred exterior, skewer them, and drizzle with a sweet soy sauce for a perfect snack. Many also turn Dango into sweet dumplings served with sugar water and irresistible syrup.
Tip for #teamKlook: If you prefer a mildly sweet flavor, opt for the adorable Hanami Dango. For those with a sweet tooth, seek out Ikinari Dango with its superb sweet potato filling that's both delicious and chewy.
8. Octopus Ball - Takoyaki
Takoyaki octopus balls are a familiar name to Vietnamese food enthusiasts. However, there's no better place to savor them than in their place of origin. The crispy outer layer encapsulates a fresh, juicy, and flavorful octopus filling. Take a big bite of this legendary dish to experience its enchanting allure. And perhaps there's no need to explain much; you already know Takoyaki is a specialty of Osaka, Japan. Right?
9. Lunch Box - Bento
During peak hours, Bento lunch boxes often sell out in less than an hour. These vibrant boxes contain a rich mix of meat, rice, and vegetables, neatly and scientifically arranged in a compact container. It's an excellent choice for travelers on picnics or those who are frequently on the move. You can find this dish in most supermarkets, roadside eateries, or dining areas in Japan.
10. Meat Buns - Nikuman
Nikuman meat buns are quite popular among the Chinese community in Japan. It's a delicious and quick solution for hunger. The Japanese-style meat bun isn't much different from the Chinese version, with pork filling mixed with onions, steamed, and seasoned with rich spices. In the freezing winter, having a Nikuman to fill your stomach and warm your hands is incomparable.
11. Doraemon Pancakes - Dorayaki
If you're a die-hard fan of the Doraemon manga, you'll surely be curious about why Doraemon, the 'cat robot,' is addicted to this cake. With simple yet refined ingredients, Doraemon pancakes are an enticing combination of soft and smooth outer layers and a fragrant red bean filling. With its distinctive flavor, Dorayaki has become a favorite Japanese street food for many.
This type of cake is widespread across the country and has no specific geographical region. However, many bakeries and sweet shops in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are renowned for their special and high-quality Dorayaki. Don't hesitate to join the Walking Food Tour in Kyoto to experience a plethora of enticing dishes!
12. Japanese Ramen
Ramen stands out as one of the most popular and beloved dishes in Japan. It consists of a bowl of noodles with broth and various spices, often accompanied by pork, chicken, or seafood. Each region in Japan has its own ramen cooking style, contributing to the diversity and uniqueness of this dish.
Tokyo and Yokohama are known for popular ramen types like Shoyu (soy sauce-based ramen), Shio (salt-based ramen), Miso (flavorful ramen with miso paste), and Tonkotsu (pork bone broth ramen).
In the Hakata region of Fukuoka Prefecture, Tonkotsu Ramen is considered the most characteristic and famous. Additionally, in Sapporo on Hokkaido Island, ramen takes on a richer broth, often referred to as Sapporo Ramen.
13. Japanese-Style Omelette - Tamagoyaki
Tamagoyaki is a fascinating Japanese-style rolled omelette. Made with simple ingredients like eggs, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar, this dish is fried and rolled into an interesting shape. With its sweet and savory flavor, Tamagoyaki is often enjoyed with rice and vegetables, making it a delicious and nutritious breakfast. Experience the unique taste of Tamagoyaki when in Japan!
14. Japanese-Style Grilled Chicken Skewers - Yakitori
Yakitori is considered a culinary specialty of Japan and is sold on various streets, eateries, and outdoor events. Small pieces of chicken are skewered on bamboo or metal sticks, then grilled over charcoal or open flame. The chicken is cooked until tender and golden brown, often brushed with a distinctive soy-based sauce and served with raw vegetables or garlic-sautéed spinach.
There are various types of yakitori, including skewers made from whole pieces of chicken, finely shredded chicken, chicken liver, heart, skin, wings, corn on the cob, shiitake mushrooms, Japanese pumpkin, bell peppers, turnips, and eggs. Yakitori is known for its deliciousness and popularity in Japan. Try it at Local Food Experience at Sunamachi Ginza Shopping Street to enjoy the best yakitori and numerous delightful Japanese street foods.
15. Cotton Candy Candy - Watame
Watame cotton candy is one of the beloved street snacks in Japan. With a crispy outer layer enveloping the sweet cotton candy, this treat will keep you indulging without getting bored. And it's not just for kids – adults can't resist the allure of Watame cotton candy with its adorable shapes.
16. Grilled Corn - Tomorokoshi
If you find yourself wandering the chilly streets of Japan in winter, indulge in the delightful grilled corn - Tomorokoshi. The cool sweetness of corn blends with the savory taste of sauce, creating a fantastic tasting experience.
The corn is grilled and then coated with a hint of butter, miso, or soy sauce, delivering a rich and enticing flavor. This traditional Japanese street food is warm, comforting, and sure to make you feel cozy during the cold winter days.
17. Japanese Curry Rice
Japanese curry differs significantly from Indian curry, offering a robust, mildly sweet, and less spicy taste. Typically served with various toppings like fried chicken, squid, or shrimp, Japanese curry rice creates a delightful combination of hot rice and flavorful curry. Nothing beats enjoying a warm bowl of Japanese curry rice during the freezing winter.
18. Crepe
While French crepes are well-known, have you tried Japanese crepes? This street food has become a unique specialty in Japan. Japanese crepes are crafted with diverse and innovative ingredients such as fresh cream, chocolate, and delicious fruits. With a thin, smooth pancake filled with the delightful taste of butter and warmth, Japanese crepes will leave you unable to forget their distinctive flavor once you've tasted them.
19. Hot Spring Boiled Egg - Onsen Tamago
Onsen Tamago is a traditional Japanese light dish prepared by cooking eggs in hot spring water from natural sources. In Japanese, 'onsen' means 'hot spring,' and 'tamago' means 'egg.'
Known for its delightful flavor, perfectly cooked eggs with a evenly set white and a runny yolk, Onsen Tamago has become an integral part of Japanese cuisine and a beloved dish worldwide.
20. Crispy Skin Baked Potatoes - Jaga Bata
Jaga Bata, the characteristic and enticing Japanese street food, features peeled potatoes baked to perfection, creating a crispy and fragrant outer layer.
What makes this dish special is the unique and enjoyable sensation when biting into the deliciously buttery-coated potato slices. Jaga Bata, crispy skin baked potatoes, is the perfect choice for your snack, promising a unique and unparalleled culinary experience.
Explore Japanese Street Food with Klook - No Worries!
Want to indulge in Japanese street food without language barriers? With Klook, you've got it covered. Simply list the Japanese dishes you want to savor, browse Klook's dining vouchers (for up to 50% off), book your voucher, show up at the restaurant on the scheduled day, and live out your culinary dreams.
Check out more on the Klook Blog for regularly updated travel guides such as: 14 Tours to Explore Kyoto's Thousand-Year-Old Capital, 2 Days 1 Night Kyoto Travel Experience from Tokyo, 12 Famous Places to Visit in Kumamoto, Japan, 4 Days 3 Nights Okinawa Travel Guide,...
And don't forget to prepare your Japan Visa application, get your JR Pass, and gather numerous tips for self-guided travel in Japan from Klook. Enjoy all the best Japanese street food delicacies hassle-free!
