Japanese Street Food: 8 Dishes That You Need to Try in Japan – A Foodie’s Guide to Japan

When it comes to experiencing the full range of Japanese street food, there are several cities and locations that stand out as culinary hotspots. Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Sapporo are known for their vibrant street food scenes, with bustling markets and food stalls offering a wide variety of options. If you are staying at a hotel near Odori Park, for instance, you’ll be perfectly positioned to access street food haunts. Most tourist hotels like Travelodge Sapporo Susukino also offer a variety of street food delights.

A popular street food originating from Osaka, Takoyaki refers to little round balls made from a savoury batter filled with octopus pieces, green onions, and pickled ginger. Cooked in special moulds and topped with a sweet and tangy sauce, mayonnaise, bonito flakes, and seaweed powder, Takoyaki offers a delightful explosion of flavours and textures.

This is a unique street food that combines tender octopus and quail eggs. Octopus is skewered on a stick, coated in a soy-based sauce, and grilled. A boiled quail egg is then placed on top of the octopus, creating a delicious and protein-packed treat. Tako Tamago is not only visually appealing but also offers you a delightful profile of flavours.

A traditional Japanese dessert, Dango is made from sweet rice flour. These chewy dumplings are skewered on a stick and served with a variety of toppings and sauces. Some popular variations include Mitarashi Dango, which is coated in a sweet soy glaze, and Hanami Dango features three different colours that will remind you of spring.

A delectable street food, Kushiten features skewered pieces of meat and vegetables that are deep-fried. From succulent pork and chicken to crispy vegetables, Kushiten offers a wide variety of options to choose from. These flavorful skewers are often served with a side of tangy sauce, and they will make for a satisfying meal.

Another beloved street food in Japan, Korokke is reminiscent of Western-style croquette. It consists of a creamy and savoury filling, usually made with mashed potatoes, ground meat, or vegetables, and they are breaded and deep-fried until golden brown. The result is a crispy exterior with a warm and flavorful interior. Korokke is often accompanied by a tangy tonkatsu sauce.

This is a classic Japanese snack that goes back centuries. Senbei refers to crispy rice crackers that come in various shapes, sizes, and flavours. They are typically made from glutinous rice, which is pounded into flat sheets and then baked or grilled. From savoury soy sauce and seaweed flavours to sweet varieties sprinkled with sugar, Senbei offers a delightful crunch and a burst of umami.

A staple of Japanese cuisine, Onigiri is a popular street food option. These portable rice balls are made by shaping cooked rice and filling it with various ingredients like grilled salmon, pickled plum, or seaweed. Onigiri is often wrapped in a sheet of seaweed to hold it together and provide an extra burst of flavour.

This is a savoury noodle dish that is widely enjoyed as a street food in Japan. It consists of stir-fried wheat noodles, vegetables, and bite-sized pieces of meat or seafood, all cooked together on a hot grill or griddle. The noodles are flavoured with a tangy and slightly sweet sauce, which gives them a delicious and addictive taste. Yakisoba is often topped with pickled ginger and a sprinkle of dried seaweed for the benefit of flavour addicts.