The wonderful world of Japanese street food

Japanese street food is a vibrant and essential part of the country’s culinary culture, offering an array of delicious and unique treats. During the summer months of June through September, Japan comes alive with natsumatsuri (夏祭り), or summer festivals, where street food takes center stage. In this enchanting atmosphere, the cool, reserved demeanor often seen in Tokyo melts away, replaced by a shared joy in the festivities and, of course, in enjoying Japanese street food.

As summer winds down, don’t worry — there are still plenty of places to enjoy Japanese street food beyond the festival season. In this article, we dive into the most common Japanese street foods and guide you on where to find the best street food in Tokyo.

• Japanese Street Food Classics
• Japanese Street Food Sweets
• Internationally Influenced Street Foods
• Where To Eat Japanese Street Food in Tokyo

Japanese Street Food Classics

Japanese street food vendors are known as Yatai and offer various traditional foods in Japan. Here are some savory classics:

• *Takoyaki*** (たこ焼き):** Stodgy octopus balls (not testicles) topped with mayonnaise and sauce, similar to Worcestershire sauce.
• *Yakisoba*** (焼きそば):** Stir-fried noodles with chopped cabbage, carrots and bean sprouts flavored with a Worcestershire-like sauce.
• *Ikayaki*** (いか焼き):** Grilled whole squid, often served with a slice of lemon, mayonnaise and shichimi pepper.
• *Yakitoumorokoshi*** (焼きとうもろこし):** Grilled sweet corn on the cob, typically brushed with soy sauce.
• *Okonomiyaki*** (お好み焼き):** A savory pancake with sliced cabbage, bonito flakes and various toppings; the name literally means “cook to your choice.”
• *Ayu no Shioyaki*** (鮎の塩焼き):* Sweetfish (ayu*) salted on the tail and fins, then slow-cooked over a glowing charcoal barbecue.
• *Isobeyaki*** (磯辺焼き):* Mochi* (pounded rice cake) brushed with soy sauce and wrapped in dried seaweed.
• *Kushiyaki*** (串焼き):** Anything grilled, baked or barbecued on a stick. Often meat, seafood, fish cake or a mix with vegetables.
• *Karaage*** (唐揚げ):** Japanese-style fried chicken, often marinated in soy sauce and garlic.
• *Gyoza*** (餃子):** Pan-fried dumplings filled with minced pork, cabbage and seasonings.
• *Nikuman*** (肉まん):** Steamed buns filled with seasoned pork or other savory fillings.
• *Korokke*** (コロッケ):** Japanese croquettes, often filled with mashed potatoes and minced meat, then breaded and fried.
• *Menchi Katsu*** (メンチカツ):** A deep-fried breaded meat patty made from minced meat, often pork or beef and onions.
• *Kare Pan*** (カレーパン):** A deep-fried bread filled with Japanese curry, offering a crispy exterior and a flavorful curry filling.

Japanese Street Food Sweets

These are the choices your kids will probably beg you for:

• *Kakigori*** (かき氷):** Shaved ice topped with syrup flavors like strawberry, melon, lemon and the mysteriously named “blue Hawaii.” Perfect for cooling down in the summer heat.
• *Ringo Ame*** (りんご飴):* Candied apples, also known as toffee apples. In recent years, vendors have expanded to include candied grapes, strawberries, pineapples and mikan* (tangerines).
• *Wataame*** (綿あめ):** Fluffy cotton candy or fairy floss, often packaged in bags designed with popular Japanese characters, is a top favorite among children at festivals.
• *Choco Banana*** (チョコバナナ):** Bananas on a stick, dipped in chocolate and often coated with colorful sprinkles.
• *Anzu Ame*** (あんず飴):** Canned fruits dipped in syrup, then chilled on ice. Served with an edible wafer plate, similar in texture to an ice cream cone.
• *Baby Castella*** (ベビーカステラ):** Miniature versions of the traditional Japanese honey cake, often molded into fun shapes or characters, such as Doraemon.
• *Taiyaki*** (鯛焼き):** Fish-shaped cakes filled with sweet fillings like red bean paste, custard or chocolate.
• *Dorayaki ***(どら焼き):** Pancake-like patties filled with sweet red bean paste or other fillings like custard or whipped cream.
• *Oobanyaki*** (大判焼き) / Imagawayaki (今川焼き):** A waffle-like cake with various fillings depending on the region.
• *Dango*** (団子):** Skewered rice dumplings, often grilled and glazed with sweet soy sauce or topped with sweet red bean paste.
• *Yaki Imo*** (焼き芋):** Roasted sweet potatoes with a caramelized sweetness.
• *Age Manju*** (揚げ饅頭):** Deep-fried buns filled with sweet red bean paste, offering a crispy exterior and soft interior.

Internationally Influenced Street Foods

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