As dynamic and sensory as the streets of Japan are, reeling travelers into a stimulating soirée of hues and futuristic architecture, the food culture, traditional restaurants, and quirky cafes of Tokyo is a must-visit labyrinth to explore to gain an experience of all five senses. The cultural experience of Tokyo isn’t just limited to anime, nightclubs, and cherry blossoms; it is much more diverse when one sets out to discover the authenticity of the city, from the eclectic streets of Harajuku to the historical attractions of Asakusa–and what better place to start than the ubiquitous alleys dotted with savory, exotic flavored yatais (street food)? Wonder where to eat street food in Tokyo (and what to eat) no more; here are some of the best Japanese dishes to try when walking the streets of the country's capital.

Related: 10 Best Restaurants In Tokyo

1 Monjayaki

A traditional Monjayaki dish in Japan, filled with toppings and mayonnaise.
Photo 173666069 © Noh Shi Young | Dreamstime.com
A traditional Monjayaki dish in Japan, filled with toppings and mayonnaise.

A pancake with a twist– Monjayaki is not a usual custard-filled, maple syrup-topped delicacy, but it is definitely a burst of flavors. A true-to-type for the streets of Tokyo, Monjayaki, known as the ‘soul food’ of Japan, is prepared uniquely over a hot griddle till the seafood, vegetables, and meats-filled ingredients ooze out of the batter. The best part of this highly stimulating dish is that it is customizable to one's preferences– even the consistency of the batter!

  • Grab a bite at: Tsukishima Area, also known as the Mecca of Monjayaki

Owing to its thick and gooey texture, Monjayaki can be a little challenging to eat for first-time travelers unfamiliar with handling chopsticks.

2 Yakisoba

A plate of Japanese Yakisoba
Image by Van Machado from Pixabay 
A plate of Japanese Yakisoba

When in Japan, a finger-licking, palate-explosive bowl of noodles is a must. Yakisoba is an umami-rich stir-fried noodle bowl that makes a filling and affordable meal. Mixed with sauces and garnished with green onions, green and red pickled ginger along with bonito flakes, it is an on-the-go snack that can be customized with a choice of meat, each combination and permutation exhibiting a taste better than the last.

  • Grab a bite at: Yanaka Ginza, also known as the ‘Town of Cats’!

Some outlets even offer vegetarian variants with cheese and different sauces, and even gluten-free noodles!

3 Katsu Sando

Katsu Sando, a japanese sandwich with breaded pork chop, cabbage.
139347985 © Olena Danileiko | Dreamstime.com
Katsu Sando, a japanese sandwich with breaded pork chop, cabbage.

A Japanese-style sandwich? Yes, please! For many travelers just unwinding in the streets of Tokyo in between their itinerary items, Katsu Sando is the perfect, stroll-friendly finger food to go that is even available at convenience stores. Sandwiched between fluffy Japanese bread slices, the succulent meat cutlet is deep-fried and served with tonkatsu sauce or mustard, leaving a tangy, juicy, and well-balanced flavor in the mouth. In fact, the neatly garnished arrangement of cutlets makes an Instagram-worthy visual to share.

  • Grab a bite at: Sakurai, Ueno Ameyoko
  • Pair it with: Beer

A range of customizations as per dietary restrictions are available for this dish, from whole wheat bread to choice of filling, Katsu Sando packs a zingy punch of tastes.

4 Imo Mochi

Baked sweet potato, made from mochi bread with Purple Sweet Potato inside.
237753324 © Warunporn Thangthongtip | Dreamstime.com
Baked sweet potato, made from mochi bread with Purple Sweet Potato inside.

Soy is delicious (and healthy)! As Mochi ice creams become more and more staple across the world, it is only fair to uncover the traditional and flavorful source of this sweet confection. Imo Mochi is widely famous for not only its complex texture and flavor profile but also its nutritious essence. Mashed sweet potatoes, glutinous rice, and kinako (soybean flour) coating– while an odd combination to hear at first, the earthy and nutty flavor of Imo Mochi is sure to change minds–and even hearts!

  • Grab a bite at: Namjatown and Kagawa-ya in Asakusa District

Imo Mochi, while traditionally made with just three main ingredients, has now evolved into a palatable dessert offering a range of flavors to choose from: Matcha, Black Sesame, Chocolate, Chestnut, and even a fruity-blast with options like strawberry, blueberry, and mango among others!

5 Yakitori

Yakitori being prepared at Suginoko Park, Sapporo, Japan
Photo by Magic Mary on Unsplash
Yakitori being prepared at Suginoko Park, Sapporo, Japan

Grill ’em all! No, seriously–Yakitori, in its literal transliteration, means ‘grilled bird.’ Made from a range of skewered chicken parts, Yakitori offers a culinary experience like no other! Glazed with the sweet overtones of tare, a type of soy-based sauce, the pieces are stacked on a thin, flattened bamboo stick and placed on a grill till perfection.

  • Grab a bite at: Shinjuku, Shibuya and Roppongi
  • Pair it with: Sake

To top it all up, dip each bite into delectable dips such as the sharp, pinching taste of wasabi, or tangy freshness of yuzu, and even the spicy kicks of shichimi.

Related: Tokyo's Michelin Delights: 10 Top Restaurants To Dine In The City That Never Sleeps

6 Takoyaki

Japanese Takoyaki: octopus balls
Image by kojikamei from Pixabay 
Japanese Takoyaki: octopus balls 

A showstopper for the summer food festival of Japan, Takoyaki is a must-order for every traveler looking to explore Tokyo for more than just its vibrancy and nightlife. Commonly understood as a Japanese Octopus Cake, Takoyaki has emerged as every tourist's favorite street food. Octopus balls, coated in flour, eggs, and dashi (dried fish and kelp stock) and drizzled with Okonomiyaki sauce (similar to Worcestershire sauce), Takoyaki is revered for its unique and savory undertones of crunch exteriors and soft, chewy interiors.

  • Grab a bite at: Tsukiji Outer Market and Harajuku

Custom options find a home in Japan! With an array of fillings such as cheese, bacon, and mayonnaise, Takoyaki can be a foodie’s goldmine of experiments!

7 Oden

Oden Soup, a famous winter dish in Japan.
17954849 © Ppy2010ha | Dreamstime.com
Oden Soup, a famous winter dish in Japan.

Naruto and One Piece lovers, this is your cue! Typically, a winter dish, Oden is a hotpot, one-pot flavor galore meal that is packed with ingredients such as boiled eggs, daikon radish, konjac, and fish cakes, stewed in an appetizing dashi broth. As a matter of fact, it is famous for its comforting and tender tastes since the base, having been simmered for several hours, imbues the tastes of other added ingredients.

  • Grab a bite at: Shinjuku, Asakusa, Kanda
  • Note: While Oden is prevalent throughout the year across supermarkets and convenience stores, it is best enjoyed in winter owing to its warm and flavorful soup. So, if one is looking to immerse in the authentic flavors of Japan– the colder months are ideal.

8 Dorayaki

Anko (red bean filling) enveloped between two Castellas (sponge cake)
Photo by Jelleke Vanooteghem on Unsplash
Anko (red bean filling) enveloped between two Castellas (sponge cake)

Does anyone remember those fluffy cakes that Doraemon would ravage on a daily? Well, to set the record straight, and possibly even enliven most childhood dreams, it is a real dish in Japan, and it is called Dorayaki (No, it isn’t named after the cartoon series.) These red bean-filled (anko), honey-infused double-sided pancakes are actually popular confectionery items in Japan!

  • Grab a bite at: Yanaka Ginza

One can find these throughout supermarkets and find freshly baked Dorayakis across the city. In fact, for those who would like a snack slightly on the lighter end, Ningyoyaki is another alternative!

9 Kakigori

Kakigori, shaven ice refresher
Photo by Hiroshi Tsubono on Unsplash
Kakigori, shaven ice refresher 

An avalanche of freshness indeed, Kakigori is a cooling treat for a hot boiling summer day. Drizzled with the flavor of one’s choice (and mind you, there are many), this block of shaven, fluffy ice is to melt for. In fact, this cone of angel snow with its various toppings with items such as mochi, condensed milk, and fresh fruit is sure to whet one’s appetite!

  • Grab a bite at: Takeshita Street

Shops with Kanji symbols on their flags generally reflect their availability of Kakigori–making it easier than ever to spot!

Related: Tokyo By Night: 10 Best Izakayas To Visit

10 Daigaku Imo

Candied Sweet Potato, Daigaku Imo, traditional Japanese food deep fried sweet potato coated with sweet syrup on the black plate
191365904 © Chagiya1818 | Dreamstime.com
Candied Sweet Potato, Daigaku Imo, traditional Japanese food deep fried sweet potato coated with sweet syrup on the black plate. 

In a country like Japan, where plates of seafood and meats make most of the menu items, it can seem overwhelming to find vegetarian alternatives. But, Daigaku Imo, with its plant-based ingredients is sure to satiate any voracious longing for a meatless meal. Known as the ‘University Potatoes,’ Daigaku Imo gained popularity rather swiftly among students, serving as an alternative and a cost-effective dish that would be filling. Caked in sweet syrup and iced with sugar and black sesame seeds, these wedges are deep-fried to offer a crispy, authentic and nostalgic taste of Japan. Who said travelers can't enjoy Tokyo on a budget? They certainly can if they stick to eating Daigaku Imo!

  • Grab a bite at: Tanioka Stall in Daikokuya

Traditionally prepared Daigaku Imo is gluten-free, however, many vendors add their creative twists to the existing recipe. So, getting a rundown on how it is being prepared is best.

While these are just a few of the most scrumptious street foods that Tokyo has to offer, Japan in itself packs a culinary experience that has been handed down through generations, making each food item a tantalizing feast for the senses. While the savory aroma of sizzling takoyaki, the subtle umami flavor of freshly-made sushi, and the crispy texture of golden-brown tempura are certain to set one’s taste buds tingling, it is the diverse experience of Tokyo's interactive and immersive street food that is prepared in front of one’s eyes that is truly a moment to be in. Indeed, there are many unique things to Tokyo, and food is certainly one of them.