Planning a trip to Tokyo feels like preparing for a culinary adventure especially when you are considering what to eat in Tokyo. Every corner offers something delicious. If you’re a food lover, Tokyo will overwhelm you – in the best way. From sushi that melts in your mouth to unforgettable street food, this city is paradise.

A food tour of this vibrant city is truly spectacular. This guide highlights the best dishes to try and where to find them. It also offers tips on navigating Tokyo’s incredible food scene.

Tokyo’s Signature Dishes

Sushi: A Taste of Perfection 

Let’s start with the obvious: sushi. When people think of Tokyo, they often think of its legendary sushi. Fresh, delicate, and artfully prepared, sushi here is more than just food—it’s an experience.

• Where to Try:
  • Tsukiji Outer Market: Freshness, flavor, and authenticity-packed sushi in a heritage rumbustious market.
  • Sushi Saito: An Exercise in Three-Michelin-Star Quality and Craft.
  • Sukiyabashi Jiro is an icon of a sushi restaurant, well-renowned for masterly preparation with unmatched flavors.

Ramen: Comfort in a Bowl

If sushi is Tokyo’s high art, ramen is its comfort food. This hearty bowl of noodles is perfect after a long day of exploring. 

• Where to Try:
  • Ramen Street in Tokyo Station: A variety of top ramen shops, including the famous Rokurinsha.
  • Nakiryu: A Michelin-starred ramen shop renowned for its spicy Tantanmen.
  • Ichiran Ramen: A unique solo dining experience with customizable tonkotsu ramen.

Tempura: Crisp and Delicate 

Tempura, lightly battered and deep-fried seafood and vegetables, is another must-try in Tokyo. The key to great tempura is in the freshness of the ingredients and the lightness of the batter.

• Where to Try:
  • Tempura Tsunahachi in Shinjuku: A historic spot offering classic tempura with fresh ingredients.
  • Kondo: A Michelin-starred restaurant known for its exceptional tempura craftsmanship.
  • Ginza Tenichi: A long-standing tempura establishment with a focus on quality and tradition.

What to Eat in Tokyo: Street Food Delights

Takoyaki: The Ultimate Snack

Tokyo’s street food scene is just as exciting as its fine dining. One such snack, much loved and found everywhere, ranging from street stalls to festivals, is takoyaki—or octopus balls. These little dough balls are filled with tender octopus and then heaped up with tangy takoyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes that wave around in the heat.

Yakitori: Grilled Goodness on a Stick

Yakitori is the perfection of chicken skewers grilled in an open flame, becoming the best snack ever consumed with a cold beer in an izakaya in Tokyo. One of the best experiences would be in Omoide Yokocho, literally meaning “Memory Lane” and also part of Shinjuku. It’s famous for its small, atmospheric yakitori restaurants huddled together where you can sample these smoky, char-grilled goodies.

Traditional Japanese Dining Experiences

Izakaya Experience

One of the best ways to experience Tokyo’s food scene can be done with an izakaya—a casual bar with small dishes giving you the possibility to easily have some snacks over a couple of drinks with friends. Grilled skewers, sashimi, fried snacks—an izakaya at night is just one heck of a relaxed way to try everything.

Kaiseki Dining

Kaiseki epitomizes fine dining in Japanese cuisine. Restaurants like Ryugin and Kitcho will take you through an epicure of a multicourse meal that reflects the seasons, with each course to be presented on carefully selected plates: sashimi to grilled fish and delicate sweets-kaiseki is but a feast in the tradition of Japanese culinary art.

Tea Ceremonies

While not technically food, if you’re into dining culture, a traditional Japanese tea ceremony has got to be on your bucket list. Do a quintessential tea ceremony in the relaxed setting of the Japanese Tea Garden at Shinjuku Gyoen in Tokyo, and learn about just what goes into the preparation of matcha (green tea) in Japan, and enjoy the pretty tranquil, almost meditative ambiance.

Tips for Dining in Tokyo

How to Eat: A Question of Manners

Eating out in Tokyo is not only about the food on the plate but also the eating etiquette. Using chopsticks to eat, for instance, it is a big taboo to stick them upright in your rice since this is associated with funerals. On the contrary, slurping noodles is quite recommended since this is one way of showing appreciation for the meal.

Navigating Menus

Language may be a problem for diners in Tokyo; let that not be a hindrance to going out. Most restaurants have picture menus or plastic food displays at the front of their stores for ease of choosing. If ever in doubt, a translation app can save you.

Cash vs. Card

While Tokyo is a modern city, cash is still king in many smaller restaurants and street food stalls. Make sure to carry enough yen with you, especially if you’re planning to eat at more traditional or local spots.

Explore Tokyo’s Food Scene With A Guided Tour

Are you ready to take an expenditure into Tokyo’s incredible food scene? Book your tour with us today and let’s embark on a delicious journey!