Hienadz Vardanyan 
Tokyo is a food lover’s paradise, offering a vibrant street food scene that combines tradition and innovation. Exploring the city’s bustling streets, you’ll encounter a wide variety of delicious and unique treats. Here are some must-try street foods in Tokyo for every food lover.
1. Takoyaki
What It Is:
- Description: Takoyaki are savory octopus balls made from a batter filled with diced octopus, tempura scraps, pickled ginger, and green onions, cooked in a special molded pan.
- Toppings: Typically topped with takoyaki sauce, mayonnaise, bonito flakes, and seaweed powder.
Where to Try:
- Location: Head to the bustling streets of Harajuku or the food stalls in Asakusa to find some of the best takoyaki vendors.
2. Taiyaki
What It Is:
- Description: Taiyaki is a fish-shaped cake filled with sweet red bean paste, although other fillings like custard, chocolate, and cheese are also popular.
- Texture: The exterior is crispy, while the inside is soft and filled with deliciousness.
Where to Try:
- Location: Visit famous spots like Naniwaya in Azabu Juban or stroll through the streets of Shimokitazawa for this iconic treat.
3. Yakitori
What It Is:
- Description: Yakitori are grilled chicken skewers, seasoned with either salt (shio) or a savory-sweet soy sauce-based tare.
- Varieties: Includes different parts of the chicken like thigh, breast, liver, and skin.
Where to Try:
- Location: Enjoy yakitori at Omoide Yokocho in Shinjuku, known for its narrow alleys filled with yakitori stalls, or at the popular Yakitori Alley in Yurakucho.
4. Okonomiyaki
What It Is:
- Description: Often referred to as a Japanese savory pancake, okonomiyaki is made from a batter mixed with cabbage, green onions, and your choice of ingredients like pork, seafood, and cheese.
- Toppings: Typically topped with okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, bonito flakes, and seaweed powder.
Where to Try:
- Location: Asakusa and Tsukishima’s Monja Street are great places to find okonomiyaki stalls and restaurants.
5. Melonpan
What It Is:
- Description: Melonpan is a sweet bun with a crispy, cookie-like crust that resembles the texture of a melon. It’s not usually melon-flavored, but some variations include fillings like custard or chocolate.
- Texture: The contrast between the soft bread inside and the crunchy exterior makes it a delightful snack.
Where to Try:
- Location: Try it at Kagetsudo in Asakusa, famous for its jumbo-sized melonpan, or in various bakeries around Tokyo.
6. Imagawayaki
What It Is:
- Description: Imagawayaki are round, thick pancakes filled with sweet red bean paste. Modern variations include custard, chocolate, and even savory fillings.
- Texture: Crispy on the outside with a warm, gooey filling inside.
Where to Try:
- Location: Look for imagawayaki at festivals or around the streets of Akihabara and Ueno.
7. Karaage
What It Is:
- Description: Karaage is Japanese-style fried chicken, marinated in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, then fried to golden perfection.
- Texture: Crispy on the outside, juicy and flavorful on the inside.
Where to Try:
- Location: Street food markets like Ameyoko in Ueno or food stalls in Shibuya offer some of the best karaage in Tokyo.
8. Crepes
What It Is:
- Description: Tokyo-style crepes are thin pancakes filled with a variety of ingredients, ranging from sweet options like whipped cream, strawberries, and chocolate to savory choices like ham, cheese, and salad.
- Customization: Highly customizable, you can create your own crepe with different fillings and toppings.
Where to Try:
- Location: Takeshita Street in Harajuku is famous for its crepe stands, offering an array of flavors and combinations.
Conclusion
Tokyo’s street food scene is a delightful exploration of flavors and textures, reflecting the city’s rich culinary heritage and innovative spirit. Whether you’re craving savory bites like takoyaki and yakitori or have a sweet tooth for taiyaki and melonpan, there’s something for every food lover. So, take a culinary journey through Tokyo’s streets and savor these must-try street foods that will leave you coming back for more.
