Tokyo’s signature dishes include Sushi, Ramen, Udon, and Tempura, showcasing the city’s diverse and vibrant food scene.
The 8 Dishes You Must Try Before You Leave
We’ve narrowed down the must-try dishes to 8, each with its unique flavor profile and recommended spot to try.
- Tonkatsu (Tohn-kah-tsoo) – Breaded pork cutlet, juicy and crispy, found at Tonkatsu Maisen Aoyama Honten, averaging 1,500 JPY ($11 USD)
- Yakitori (Yah-kee-toh-ree) – Grilled chicken skewers, savory and smoky, found at Toriki, averaging 500 JPY ($4 USD) per skewer
- Tsukemen (Tsoo-keh-men) – Dipping ramen, rich and umami, found at Tsukemen Gyoza no Ohsho, averaging 800 JPY ($6 USD)
- Tempura (Tem-poo-rah) – Fried seafood and vegetables, light and airy, found at Tempura Kondo, averaging 2,000 JPY ($15 USD)
- Sushi (Sooh-shee) – Fresh raw fish and vinegared rice, delicate and balanced, found at Sushi Saito, averaging 5,000 JPY ($37 USD) per piece
- Ramen (Rah-men) – Japanese noodle soup, hearty and comforting, found at Ichiran, averaging 890 JPY ($7 USD)
- Udon (Oo-dohn) – Thick wheat flour noodles, chewy and satisfying, found at Sanuki Udon, averaging 800 JPY ($6 USD)
- Onigiri (Oh-nee-gee-ree) – Triangular rice balls, simple and filling, found at 7-Eleven, averaging 100 JPY ($1 USD)
Street Food Guide: Where, What & How Much
Here’s what surprised us most – the street food in Tokyo is incredibly diverse and affordable.
Top 3 street food areas include:
- Shibuya’s Nonbei Yokocho, open from 6 pm to 2 am, try the Takoyaki at 500 JPY ($4 USD) per piece
- Shinjuku’s Omoide Yokocho, open from 5 pm to 11 pm, try the Yakitori at 200 JPY ($2 USD) per skewer
- Asakusa’s Nakamise Shopping Street, open from 9 am to 7 pm, try the Senbei at 200 JPY ($2 USD) per piece
Pro Tip: Always carry cash, as not all street food vendors accept credit or debit cards.
Where to Eat: By Budget
Street Food & Markets
Price per meal: 500-1,000 JPY ($4-8 USD), example dishes: Takoyaki, Yakitori, and Onigiri, found in neighborhoods like Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Asakusa.
Local Neighborhood Spots
Price per meal: 1,000-3,000 JPY ($8-25 USD), example dishes: Ramen, Udon, and Sushi, found in neighborhoods like Shimokitazawa and Kichijoji.
Tourist-Friendly Mid-Range
Price per meal: 3,000-6,000 JPY ($25-50 USD), example dishes: Tempura and Tonkatsu, found in neighborhoods like Roppongi and Omotesando.
Worth-the-Splurge Restaurants
Price per meal: 6,000-10,000 JPY ($50-85 USD), example dishes: High-end Sushi and Kaiseki, found in neighborhoods like Ginza and Tokyo Station.
Vegetarian, Vegan & Allergy-Friendly Options
Honestly, finding vegetarian and vegan options can be moderate to difficult, but there are some great spots, like the vegetarian restaurant, Mame & Shiba.
Useful phrases in Japanese include: “Bejitarian desu” (I’m a vegetarian) and “Dairy seihin wa irimasen” (No dairy products, please).
Pro Tip: Download the Happy Cow app to find vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants and cafes in Tokyo.
What Locals Actually Drink
The good news is that Tokyo has a wide range of traditional drinks, including Matcha, Sencha, and Mugicha.
Non-alcoholic drinks:
- Matcha, a green tea drink, averaging 500 JPY ($4 USD) per cup
- Sencha, a Japanese tea, averaging 300 JPY ($3 USD) per cup
- Mugicha, a roasted barley tea, averaging 200 JPY ($2 USD) per cup
Local alcoholic drinks:
- Sake, a Japanese rice wine, averaging 500 JPY ($4 USD) per cup
- Shochu, a Japanese spirit, averaging 300 JPY ($3 USD) per shot
Pro Tip: Try the local drink, Yuzu, a citrus-based drink, at a traditional izakaya.
Food Etiquette & Practical Tips
If we’re being honest, food etiquette in Japan can be complex, but here are some basics to keep in mind:
Tipping norms: 5-10% in restaurants and bars, but not expected in most cases.
Dining hours vs tourist hours: Restaurants usually open from 11 am to 11 pm, but some may have limited hours or be closed on certain days.
Reservation culture: Reservations are usually not necessary, but recommended for high-end restaurants.
Cultural rules at the table: Wait for the host to start eating, use chopsticks correctly, and don’t leave them standing upright in your rice bowl.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Tokyo for food?
The best time to visit Tokyo for food is during the spring and autumn seasons, when the weather is mild and the food festivals are in full swing.
How much does a meal cost in Tokyo?
A meal in Tokyo can cost anywhere from 500 JPY ($4 USD) to 10,000 JPY ($85 USD), depending on the type of restaurant and the location.
Can I find vegetarian and vegan options in Tokyo?
Yes, while it may be moderate to difficult to find vegetarian and vegan options, there are some great spots and apps that can help you navigate the city’s food scene.
Do I need to speak Japanese to order food in Tokyo?
No, many restaurants have English menus, and some even have picture menus, making it easy to order food even if you don’t speak Japanese.
Plan a Foodie Trip to Tokyo
Ready to start planning your foodie trip to Tokyo? Use our free AI trip planner to get personalized recommendations and itineraries: Destinexa’s free AI trip planner. And don’t forget to check out our other travel guides and tips for the best food and drink experiences in Tokyo.