10 foods you must try in Tokyo, if not you’ve never been there

Last Updated on 2016-05-19 , 1:35 pm

If you ever go to the land of the Rising Sun, you should definitely visit its bustling capital Tokyo. This is the largest city of Japan with the densest population, with skyscrapers everywhere and 24/7 shops. Besides shopping, Tokyo is also famous for its food. The Japanese pay lots of attention to food quality, and you will be amazed at the gastronomic delights that are available to tempt your tastebuds.

Sushi

Of course, you can’t miss out sushi when you go to Japan. However, the best place to visit in Tokyo would be Sushi Saito, which boasts 3 Michelin stars. Only eight people can be inside at any one time, making this restaurant super exclusive. Be prepared to reserve months in advance if you are serious about your sushi.

Tokyo Banana

Well, you really can’t say that you’ve been to Tokyo if you haven’t even tried the Tokyo Banana. This is possibly the most iconic food symbol that’s truly representative of Tokyo. It’s basically a sweet sponge cake filled with banana puree, and it comes in many flavours too.

Tempura

At Momose, there is always a queue during lunchtime for its tempura. The recommended option is the anago baraage-don, tempura salt water eel.

Taiyaki

Don’t just grab this hotcake from any Taiyaki stall. Visit the century-old Naniwaya, who is also famed as the original creator of the sweet red-bean stuffed snack.

Ramen

Afuri proves that having a lot of outlets doesn’t equate to having substandard food quality (we are staring at all the fast food outlets). The yuzu ramen has a twist of citrus that’s super refreshing!

Yakiniku

Your trip to Tokyo will not be complete unless you have been to a traditional Yakiniku joint, where they grill meat over charcoal. Nakahara has the best wagyu beef you can find, and you will have to book in advance if you want to try the beef tongue.

Tonkatsu

This traditional Japanese dish with the fried pork cutlet as a main is the most sinful dish ever, but we are willing to go all the way to Tokyo just for it. Maisen Tonkatsu has been around since 1965 (that’s as old as Singapore!) and is reputed to have the best tonkatsu in Tokyo, and some say Japan.

Udon

Udon need to guess if you are getting a fresh dish at Mentsu-Dan, as they prepare it right in front of you! The restaurant also provides a pictorial menu that helps non-Japanese identify what they want.

Teppanyaki

For the best experience, visit OMAE XEX. The chefs there are top-notch and even try to cater to your tastes if you put up a request. The ambience is also perfect for enjoying a quiet evening!

Omurice

The omelette-rice is perhaps one of the best dishes ever invented. Taimeiken does its own interpretation of it – instead of wrapping the rice in the omelette, the egg is placed on top of the rice so that the cream can soak through.

Top Image: Pushish Images / Shutterstock