Tokyo is a paradise for food lovers, offering a dizzying array of culinary delights ranging from traditional Japanese dishes to innovative fusion cuisine. This guide will take you on a mouth-watering journey through the must-try dishes in Tokyo and the best places to find them.
1. Sushi at Tsukiji Outer Market
Highlight: Freshest Sushi
Although the inner market has moved to Toyosu, the Tsukiji Outer Market remains a bustling hub for food enthusiasts. Here, you can enjoy some of the freshest sushi at small, local eateries and food stalls.
2. Ramen at Ichiran
Highlight: Personalized Dining Experience
Ichiran is famous for its unique dining experience where you can enjoy a bowl of ramen in a private booth, allowing you to fully savor the rich flavors of the broth and noodles.
3. Tempura at Tempura Kondo
Highlight: Light and Crispy Tempura
For a high-end tempura experience, head to Tempura Kondo in the upscale Ginza district. The restaurant is renowned for its light and crispy tempura made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
4. Wagyu Beef at Ginza Steak
Highlight: Melt-in-Your-Mouth Wagyu
Indulge in the luxurious experience of tasting top-grade wagyu beef at Ginza Steak, where the meat is grilled to perfection right in front of you.
5. Okonomiyaki at Asakusa
Highlight: Customizable Savory Pancake
Asakusa is a great place to try okonomiyaki, a savory Japanese pancake that you can customize with a variety of ingredients like seafood, pork, and vegetables.
6. Unagi at Nodaiwa
Highlight: Grilled Eel Specialty
Nodaiwa, located near Tokyo Tower, specializes in unagi (grilled eel). This traditional dish is served with a sweet and savory tare sauce and is a must-try for its unique flavor and texture.
7. Yakitori at Omoide Yokocho
Highlight: Traditional Japanese Skewers
Omoide Yokocho, also known as Memory Lane, in Shinjuku is a narrow alley filled with small izakayas (Japanese pubs) that serve delicious yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) in a nostalgic atmosphere.
8. Matcha Desserts at Nana’s Green Tea
Highlight: Matcha Everything
For matcha lovers, Nana’s Green Tea offers a wide range of matcha-infused desserts and drinks, from matcha parfaits to matcha lattes, all served in a modern, relaxing environment.
9. Kaiseki at Ryugin
Highlight: Traditional Multi-Course Meal
For a truly exquisite dining experience, book a table at Ryugin, a Michelin-starred restaurant that offers kaiseki, a traditional multi-course meal that highlights seasonal ingredients and intricate preparation.
10. Convenience Store Delights
Highlight: Affordable and Tasty
Don’t overlook Tokyo’s convenience stores, known as konbini, for quick and affordable food options. From onigiri (rice balls) to bento boxes, these stores offer surprisingly high-quality and delicious snacks and meals.
