Joanna James
Japanese street food is a delightful culinary adventure that offers a taste of Japan's diverse flavours. From savoury takoyaki to sweet dango, here are five must-try dishes you can savour while exploring the bustling streets of Japan.
One of Japan's quintessential street foods, takoyaki, deserves a special place in your culinary journey. These golden, ball-shaped snacks are made from a flavourful wheat flour batter filled with tender chunks of octopus, tempura scraps, pickled ginger, and green onions. What sets takoyaki apart is its irresistible toppings: a sweet and savoury takoyaki sauce, Japanese mayo, fragrant green laver, and dancing bonito flakes. You'll find takoyaki stands all over Osaka, and they're perfect for on-the-go munching.
Tako tamago, translating to "octopus egg," is a delightful creation that blends the ocean's richness with the essence of the land. These red-glazed octopuses are stuffed with whole quail eggs and skewered on bamboo sticks. Believed to have originated in Kyoto's Nishiki Market, they have become a popular street food snack throughout the Kansai region. If you make a day trip to Osaka while holidaying at a hotel near Nagoya Station the likes of Travelodge Nagoya Sakae, make sure to visit Kuromon Ichiba Market to experience the unique and savoury joy of tako tamago.
Kushiten, often referred to as tempura skewers, offers a delightful twist on traditional street food. Made from pureed surimi (white fish paste), these skewers are steamed, grilled, or deep-fried to perfection. The name "kushi" in kushiten signifies "skewer," making these fish cakes easy to enjoy on bamboo sticks. Interestingly, kushiten is a common sight at festivals, setting it apart from similar skewered izakaya favourites like kushikatsu and kushiyaki. Trust the locals and savour the flavourful kushiten during your street food adventure.
Dango, a beloved Japanese street food, offers a delightful chewy experience. These skewered rice dumplings are crafted from a blend of uruchi and glutinous rice flour, resulting in a mochi-like consistency. Dango's charm lies in its various coatings and glazes. Among them, mitarashi dango shines with its sweet-savoury glaze made from soy sauce, sugar, and starch. Other popular dango variations include hanami dango, kinako dango, and anko dango. Whether enjoyed with green tea, as a dessert, or at festivals, dango is a must-try for any food lover.
Korokke, the Japanese interpretation of croquettes, showcases the delightful fusion of French and Japanese culinary influences. These breaded and deep-fried patties are created by combining chopped meat, seafood, or vegetables with mashed potatoes or a white sauce. Rolled in wheat flour, eggs, and crispy panko breadcrumbs, korokke achieves a glorious golden-brown perfection. What makes korokke a street food favourite is its accessibility; you can find these savoury delights not only on bustling streets but also in groceries and konbinis across Japan. Many variations of korokke exist, offering a wide range of flavours and fillings to satisfy the diverse palate of Japanese food enthusiasts.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
