Tokyo is a food lover’s paradise, with a dizzying array of dishes that make the city one of the best culinary destinations in the world. From iconic sushi to hidden gems you might only find in the city’s back alleys, Tokyo’s food scene is as diverse as it is delicious. As you wander through bustling markets, charming izakayas, and even convenience stores that take fast food to the next level, you’ll discover that each dish tells a story worth tasting. That said, navigating the seemingly endless options can be quite overwhelming. For that reason, we’ve handpicked 10 must-try foods that will give you an authentic taste of Tokyo! We’ve also included a bonus selection of surprisingly tasty snacks that you can grab from pretty much any konbini (convenience store).
⬇️ Check out our Tokyo Food Tour video for a closer look at our experience! ⬇️
And if navigating the Tokyo food scene on your own sounds intimidating or maybe you just want to learn more about the delicious foods you're having, consider booking a guided food tour! Here’s the tour we took 👉🏻 The 10 Tastings of Tokyo With Locals: Private Street Food Tour
Now, if you’re ready to eat your way through the city and dive into the best of Tokyo’s culinary treasures… Let’s dig in!
Sushi
Sushi in Tokyo is truly a delicate art form. Whether you're at a conveyor-belt sushi joint or a high-end restaurant in Ginza, you'll be treated to the freshest cuts of fish, including tuna, salmon, and sea urchin. For an unforgettable experience, head to Tsukiji Outer Market, or grab a seat at a small sushi bar where the chef crafts each piece right in front of you. Each bite is a melt-in-your-mouth moment that will leave you craving more. We had the pleasure of experiencing sushi three different ways while in Tokyo… one at a conveyor belt sushi restaurant, one at a standing sushi joint, and the other at a high-end sushi bar, and to be honest… Not a single one of them disappointed. Moral of the story? Eat sushi when you’re in Tokyo.
Where: Gentle Sushi Bar (5-47-6 B1F Jingumae, Shibuya-ku);
Uogashi Nihon-Ichi Shibuya Dogenzaka (2 Chome-9-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya City); Sushiro (multiple locations)
Ramen
A visit to Tokyo isn’t complete without slurping a hot bowl of ramen. From the creamy, pork-bone broth of tonkotsu to the light, soy-based shoyu, the lighter-bodied and flavored shio (salt), and the thick and complex miso (soybean paste) having ramen in Tokyo feels like a rite of passage. Whether you choose the famous Afuri for its refreshing yuzu shio ramen, Ichiran for its rich tonkotsu, or any of the other outstanding ramen restaurants in the city, you won’t be disappointed. The noodles are firm, the broth packed with umami, and the toppings – like soft-boiled eggs, chashu pork, and nori – add layers of flavor you won’t find anywhere else. It’s comfort in a bowl and the perfect meal after (or during) a long day of exploring.
Where: Tsuta (Michelin Starred - 3 Chome−2−4, Nishihara, Shibuya City); Ginza Hachigo (Michelin Starred - 3 Chome−14−2, Ginza, Chuo City); Konjiki Hototogisu (Michelin Starred - 2 Chome−4−1, Shinjuku, Shinjuku City); Afuri (multiple locations); Ichiran (multiple locations)
Tempura
Tempura is a simple yet elegant dish where seafood, like shrimp or fish, and seasonal vegetables are lightly battered and deep-fried to golden perfection. The batter is airy, and the fry is so delicate that it lets the natural flavors of the ingredients shine through. Tempura is often enjoyed with a dipping sauce, a bowl of rice, or even on top of soba noodles. For one of the best tempura experiences, visit the Michelin-starred Fukamachi, where the skilled chef turns each bite into a crispy, flavorful delight right in front of your eyes.
Where: Fukamachi (Michelin Starred - 2 Chome−5−2, Kyobashi, Chuo City); Tempura Shinjuku Tsunahachi Souhonten (3 Chome-31-8 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City); Tempura Kondo (5 Chome−5−13, Ginza, Chuo City)
Yakitori
Yakitori, or grilled chicken skewers, is a staple of Tokyo’s casual dining scene. You’ll find skewers of chicken thigh, wing, heart, and more, seasoned with either salt or a sweet soy-based tare sauce. In addition to chicken, you’ll often find grilled vegetables and other meats on offering as well. It’s a popular item at izakayas (Japanese pubs) and pairs perfectly with a cold glass of beer or sake. We had yakitori on at least three different occasions during our visit and truly enjoyed the simplicity and versatility of the dish. So, whether you're enjoying a quick bite on the street or sitting down for a full meal, yakitori is a savory treat worth trying.
Where: Torishiki (2 Chome-14-12 Kamiosaki, Shinagawa City); Yakitori Imai (102 3 Chome-42-11 Jingumae, Shibuya City); Yakitori Omino (1 Chome−38−4, Oshiage, Sumida City)
Katsu (Tonkatsu, Gyukatsu, Chikinkatsu, Menchikatsu, etc.)
Katsu refers to a variety of breaded and deep-fried cutlets and you’ll find a wide variety of katsu offered throughout the city. Tonkatsu (pork), gyukatsu (beef), chikinkatsu (chicken), and menchi katsu (minced meat) are all popular options. The crispy cutlets are typically served with rice, shredded cabbage, and sometimes curry. Each variation offers a unique flavor, but we particularly enjoyed the gyukatsu at Gyukatsu Motomura Ueno where you cook your own meat on a hot stone which made for a fun and interactive way to enjoy a meal. In addition to the hand-on experience, the beef cutlet was tender and juicy with the perfect amount of flavorful, crispy goodness in the breading making for a delicious bite! 10/10 recommend!
Where: Gyukatsu Motomura Ueno (Beef - 4 Chome−10−17, Ueno, Taito City); Tonkatsu Nanaido (Pork - 3 Chome−42−11, Jingumae, Shibuya City); Torikatsu Chicken Shibuya (Chicken - 2 Chome−16−19, , Dogenzaka, Shibuya City); Asakusa Menchi (Minced Beef & Pork - 2 Chome-3-3 Asakusa, Taito City); Satou Kichijōji (Minced Beef - 1 Chome−1−8, Kichijoji Honcho, Musashino)
Soba
Soba noodles are a Japanese favorite made from buckwheat flour, which gives them a slightly earthy, nutty taste. The noodles are thin and firm and have a unique chewy texture that’s heartier than pasta but still feels light and refreshing. Soba can be served either chilled with a savory dipping sauce, perfect for hot days, or in a warm broth for a comforting, cozy experience. The dipping sauce, called tsuyu, typically has a blend of soy sauce, mirin, and dashi (Japanese stock), adding a delicate, umami-rich flavor. The simple yet flavorful experience that soba offers makes it an easy go-to for anyone exploring Japanese cuisine for the first time.
Where: Kanda Matsuya (1 Chome-13 Kanda Sudacho, Chiyoda City); Ueno Yabu Soba (6 Chome-9-16 Ueno, Taito City); Kameya (1 Chome-2-10 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City)
Karē Pan
Karē Pan, or curry bread, was one of the unexpected delights that we discovered during our visit. Karē Pan is a deep-fried bread filled with savory Japanese curry that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The mild and slightly sweet flavor of Japanese curry encased in a warm pillowy dough made each bite deliciously warm and comforting. You’ll find Karē Pan at bakeries across Tokyo making it a convenient way to enjoy the rich flavors of Japanese curry in a street food format.
Where: Tokyo Curry Pan (1 Chome-20-4 Asakusa, Taito City); Kandagawa Bakery (1 Chome-11-14 Takada, Toshima City); Tarui Bakery (4 Chome-5-13 Yoyogi, Shibuya City)
Taiyaki
Taiyaki is a fun Japanese treat shaped like a fish and filled with deliciously sweet fillings. The outside is a warm, golden-brown pancake or waffle-like shell, crisp on the edges but soft and fluffy inside. Traditionally, taiyaki is filled with smooth red bean paste, which has a subtly sweet and earthy taste, but it also comes in other flavors like custard, chocolate, and even matcha for a green tea twist or the seasonal sakura-flavored (cherry blossom) bean paste. You can find Taiyaki at street vendors and food stalls throughout the city so be sure to grab one of these edible souvenirs on your visit!
Where: Naniwaya Sōhonten Azabu Juban (1 Chome-8-14 Azabujuban, Minato City); Tsukiji Sanokiya (4 Chome-11-9 Tsukiji, Chuo City); Taiyaki Hiiragi (1 Chome−4−1, Ebisu, Shibuya City); Kurikoan (1 Chome-1-7 Kichijoji Honcho, Musashino)
Takoyaki
Originating from Osaka but loved in Tokyo, Takoyaki is a popular street food snack made of round, golden-brown balls with a crispy exterior and a gooey, creamy center. Each ball is filled with pieces of tender octopus (tako), tempura scraps, green onions, and pickled ginger, giving them a delicious mix of flavors and textures. They’re usually served hot off the grill, topped with a drizzle of tangy takoyaki sauce (similar to Worcestershire), a squiggle of creamy Japanese mayo, and a sprinkle of dried seaweed and bonito flakes, which dance with the heat. The result? A bite-sized burst of umami, creamy, and crunchy goodness—perfect for adventurous foodies!
Where: Takobiva (5 Chome-10-8 Shinbashi, Minato City); Gindaco Takoyaki (4 Chome−7−5 1F, Tsukiji, Chuo City); Asakusa Takomaru (2 Chome-3-24 Asakusa, Taito City)
Shabu-Shabu or Sukiyaki
Shabu-shabu is a Japanese hot pot dish that’s as much about the experience as it is the taste. Imagine a bubbling pot of savory, lightly seasoned broth set at your table, into which you dip thin slices of meat (often beef or pork) and fresh vegetables. The name "shabu shabu" comes from the sound of swishing the meat in the hot broth—it cooks in just a few seconds! This quick dip keeps the meat tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Once cooked, you can dip it in sauces like a sesame-based goma sauce or a citrusy ponzu. Similar to Shabu-shabu, Sukiyaki has many of the same ingredients and similar flavors but is served in a single-serving bowl rather than a communal setting. Pair this classic dish with an immersive experience like a sumo demonstration, and you’ve got the perfect dinner and a show experience! Book your tickets HERE!
Where: Shabuzen (multiple locations); Ginza Syabuki (5 Chome−9−5, Ginza, Chuo City); Wagyu Sukiyaki (3 Chome−17−10, Tsukiji, Chuo City); Asakusa Imahan (3 Chome-1-12 Nishiasakusa, Taito City)
*BONUS*
Convenience Store Food
(7-Eleven, Lawson, Family Mart)
Tokyo’s convenience stores (konbini) offer a surprising variety of quick, delicious, and affordable food options. Here are a few must-try items:
Egg Salad Sandwich – The famous tamago sando (egg salad sandwich) is soft, pillowy, and filled with creamy egg salad that’s perfectly seasoned. This simple yet flavorful snack has gained a cult following and can be found at 7-Eleven, Lawson, and Family Mart. It’s perfect for a light, satisfying meal on the go.
Fried Chicken Cutlet (Karaage-kun) – For a quick bite of fried goodness, try the karaage (fried chicken) at any convenience store. Lawson’s Karaage-kun is particularly popular, offering juicy, crispy chicken cutlets. And if you really want to experience convenience store euphoria, sandwich this hot chicken cutlet between two haves of an egg salad sandwich! So good!
Fruit Sandwich – Not typically found in the US, these fruit sandwiches feature whipped cream and slices of seasonal fruit, like strawberries or peaches, sandwiched between soft, fluffy white bread. They are sweet, colorful, and the perfect mix of dessert and snack.
Onigiri – Picture a compact triangle or oval of tender, slightly salted rice, often wrapped in a sheet of nori (seaweed) for a hint of briny flavor. Inside, there’s a hidden filling—sometimes savory, sometimes a bit sweet—like tangy pickled plum (umeboshi), flavorful salmon, or tuna mixed with creamy mayo. The rice is soft and slightly sticky, making it easy to hold and bite into. Onigiri is portable, delicious, and offers a fun surprise with each unique filling. It's Japan's version of comfort food on the go!
Vending Machines
With over 4 million vending machines in the country (that’s about 1 vending machine for every 30 people in the country), Japan is without a doubt the vending machine capital of the world! But it’s not just sheer numbers that make the vending machine scene so unique here. These machines are legendary for offering more than just cold drinks. In Tokyo, you can find vending machines dispensing hot coffee, tea, and even ramen! And keep an eye out for unique offerings like hot corn soup, canned bread, edible insects, and more! These machines are everywhere, and they’re a convenient way to quench your thirst, grab a quick snack, or tickle your curiosity while exploring the city.
Where: Any and everywhere throughout the city!
We hope that this guide has helped you navigate Tokyo’s food scene and get an authentic taste of this incredible city, and if it has, we hope you’ll consider following us on Instagram and subscribing to our YouTube channel for more travel content!
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