What you need to eat in Tokyo
When you’re in Tokyo and it’s time to eat your options are limitless. But where do you start in the most Michelin-starred city in the world? It’s tough. And the first step is accepting that you may not get it all in. It was definitely difficult for me given that I was only visiting for three days.
In that time, I decided I should check off the “must haves” one by one as much as I could. Below you’ll find what I deemed as Japanese “must haves” while visiting Tokyo. This is not a final list by any means, but I’m hoping it will serve as a good starting point for your next trip!
Here’s what you need to eat in Tokyo
Tonkatsu
Tonkatsu is basically a deep-fried pork chop. But not the kind your mom made you eat as kid that was dry and flavorless (sorry mom)! I tried Tonkatsu for the first time in Hong Kong and was not blown away. Although, let’s be serious, I’m a sucker for anything that’s deep-fried. However, I typically don’t enjoy pork and have found it be bland and generally not worth the stomach space (all of that space was being saved for the last item on this list, anyway).
So, when I got to Tokyo, I was reluctant to give Tonkatsu another try, but I am so glad that I did. Upon the first bite, I was totally on board with the hype. It amazes me how something can be so crunchy on the outside and yet so juicy (almost creamy) on the inside. There are different types of Tonkatsu with each one bringing a different flavor to your palate.
We took our shoes off and ate on the floor for our dining experience at Katsu Maisen Aoyama Honten.
Ramen
According to CNN Travel, there are more noodle shops in Tokyo than any other city in the world. Lots and lots of noodles, but did you know there are a few different kinds? Ramen is probably one of the more famous noodle varieties. Interestingly enough, ramen is actually a Chinese dish that was made popular by the Japanese.
Ramen is a Chinese-style wheat noodle in a flavored broth with toppings. These toppings can be customized, but I would highly recommend including the soft boiled egg, it’s my favorite of all the bits included in the bowl. We enjoyed our ramen at a small shop near Chiyoda; no website to share!
Yakiniku (grill yo meat!)
For our first night in Tokyo we eased our way in with some Yakiniku, cook-your-own-meat at Ebisu Yakiniku Kintan in Shibuya. If you’re looking for delicious wagyu and kobe beef, this is your jam. We opted for the six-course tasting menu and quickly realized we were in way over our heads. So. Much. Meat. But all so very delicious. I even tried the ox tongue, which was chewy, but good.
Sushi
And last but not least, the crème de la crème of Japanese cuisine: sushi. I could do an entire post just on sushi because there is SO MUCH to choose from. From your department store sushi to the top-of-the line fancy stuff, you can find all price ranges and varieties in Tokyo.
We had the best experience at Tsukiji Kagura in Tsukiji (no website to share). The entire place can only seat about 10 people and doesn’t look like much from the outside, but that’s how you know you’re in the right place and about to get the most authentic, awesome experience.
Thanks to a local friend of ours, we were immediately thrust into the vast world of sushi. We sat at a counter while the chef prepared the rolls and laid each one before us. This continued for the next hour.
Honestly, rolls on rolls on rolls, and an oyster the size of my face. These are the moments where I have to take a step back and realize how thankful I am. Seriously, there I was sitting in the middle of Tokyo face to face with an incredible sushi maker (what’s the proper term?) while he hand-delivered each roll and waited for my thumbs up. That’s how we communicated the entire time. I like to think we’re friends for life now.
One of my favorites was the sea urchin. He (my friend for life) gestured for me to hold my hand out for this one. Upon doing so he placed the sea urchin in my palm and told me it had to be eaten in one bite – basically throw it back like a shot. You guys, it was the bomb. Much to his delight, I asked for seconds of this one.
I was so consumed with the amazing food and experience that I didn’t take any photos! Major fail. Although, I guess living in the moment is good too.
Ah, until we meet again, Tokyo.
Some other delicious foods to try:
Taiyaki: hot, freshly made cakes filled with a variety of flavors.
Udon & Soba noodles: Don’t just try the Ramen! These other two noodle varieties are made from different dough, and each bring different texture and flavor.
Yakitori: A Japanese type of skewered chicken grilled over charcoal fire
Tempura: seafood or veggies, battered and deep fried
Final note: Although all of this food is great and I can’t wait to go back, Tokyo is pretty tough when it comes to the actual online searching for good food. We relied heavily on locals who either told us where to go, or went with us and assisted in the ordering process. Restaurant websites basically aren’t a thing (as you can see from what I've shared), and even sites like Yelp, aren’t much of a help either. And there is no service like Open Table, Chope or Quandoo (sites I’ve used in other countries) to make reservations and read reviews. I recommend doing your food research in advance!