Takoyaki is one of the best street foods in Tokyo that's both fun to eat and delicious. This dish consists of little round balls made from batter, filled with diced octopus, green onions, and pickled ginger. They cook it on a special hot plate and add takoyaki sauce, mayo, and bonito flakes. Takoyaki isn't just delicious; it's also a budget-friendly snack that will keep you returning for more.

What makes Takoyaki more attractive is the variety of toppings and decorations that come with it. These dumplings get a tasty drizzle of sweet sauce and Japanese mayo, and they're topped with nori (dried seaweed) and chopped green onions or bonito flakes. One of the best things about Takoyaki is that you can watch the street food masters prepare these octopus-filled. Using a special round pan, pour the batter, add the octopus, and flip them with chopsticks until they're golden brown.

With its unique combination of texture and flavor, Takoyaki has become a popular dish at Japanese festivals and eateries. It's more than just a dish; it's an experience that brings people together to enjoy the simple pleasures of good food and great friends. Whether you're wandering the busy streets or checking out local markets in Tokyo, don’t miss trying some Takoyaki for a real taste of Japanese street food culture.

Main ingredients: eggs, wheat flour, dashi, soy sauce, octopus, scallions, ginger, and tenkasu

Recommended places: Ameyoko Shopping District in Tokyo, Japan

Price range: 300-500 JPY (less than $5) for 6 - 10 balls

Similar to omelets or pancakes, Okonomiyaki also belongs to the top 10 best street foods in Tokyo. The dough is made from eggs, flour, water, shredded yam, and shredded cabbage. Additional ingredients such as fish, seafood, meat, vegetables, or cheese is also sometimes added to the mix.

The batter is then pan-fried with added condiments such as Japanese mayonnaise, pickled ginger, fish, or seaweed flakes and topped with a sauce similar to the thick Worcestershire sauce. This dish is eaten everywhere in Japan, but it is most popular in the Kansai region. The style and the ingredients of Okonomiyaki also depend on the region. The most famous types are Osaka and Hiroshima-style.

The Osaka or Kansai type is considered the more traditional and popular type, in which the spices are usually mixed and placed on top of the pancakes. The Hiroshima cake often includes yakisoba noodles and large amounts of cabbage, and decorations are often placed on top of the cake. Japanese restaurants typically offer two choices - prepare the dish yourself or order the already-cooked Okonomiyaki.

Main ingredients: eggs, flour, yam, cabbage, dashi, salt, sugar, and oyster sauce

Recommended places: Aobadai in Tokyo, Japan

Price range: about 870 JPY or $8

Yakitori is a staple in Tokyo, and you can find it at countless food stalls and izakayas throughout the city. Yakitori is a Japanese-style grilled chicken dish in which pieces of chicken are skewered using a special skewer called kushi (which can be made from steel or bamboo) and then traditionally grilled over a charcoal fire.

Depending on the cut of the chicken and the method of preparation, there are many types of this dish. An important step in the making of Yakitori is the seasoning, either salty or salty-sweet, which can be done during or after grilling. Salty seasoning is just salt that can sometimes be combined with pepper, while salty-sweet seasoning is tare sauce made from mirin, soy sauce, sake, and sugar.

You can enjoy this delicious dish with your hands, straight from the skewer, and serve it with grilled vegetables on the side, while each bite should be washed down with ice-cold beer. For the best Yakitori, you have to go to Omoide Yokocho in Shinjuku, also called Memory Lane or Piss Alley. It's a cozy alley with small bars and restaurants that serve delicious yakitori. The sizzle, the smell, and the cozy atmosphere make it feel like a special place.

Main ingredients: chicken, salt, sauce, sake, and sugar

Recommend places: Hatanodai in Tokyo, Japan

Price range: around 100-200 JPY per stick (from approximately $0.7 to $1.3)

Dango is a traditional Japanese dessert with sweet rice flour dumplings on a bamboo stick. These little round balls covered in powdery "stuff" might seem strange at first, but once you try Dango, you'll see why it's a Tokyo street food favorite.

Dango are sweet, chewy dumplings made from sticky rice flour. What makes Dango so fun is the variety of toppings and flavors. You can find them covered in sweet soy sauce, red bean paste, or roasted soybean flour (kinako). Each type brings a different taste, so there's something for everyone.

These small dumplings are an important part of Tokyo's street food scene. They are suitable for satisfying your sweet tooth. As you wander the streets of Tokyo, you'll find Dango at various food stalls and sweet shops, each with its twist on this classic dish. The seemingly simple appearance of a Dango hides an explosion of sweet, delightful flavors waiting for you in every bite. You'll find them at Ameyoko in Ueno Park and festivals and events.

Main ingredients: sticky rice flour, sugar, soy sauce, red bean paste, and roasted soybean flour

Recommend places: Asakusa in Tokyo, Japan

Price range: around 100 - 150 JPY per stick (from $0.7 to $1)

The famous Japanese dish Gyoza is a crescent-shaped dumpling that originated from the traditional Chinese jiaozi dumplings. The recipe was changed to suit Japanese tastes, and Gyoza quickly became one of Japan's favorite dishes. Gyoza, typically served as an appetizer in restaurants, is commonly enjoyed as a delightful snack, often paired with a glass of cold beer or traditional sake. Also, although it is not a side dish, Gyoza often accompanies ramen.

They consist of a thin wrapper made with wheat flour, eggs, and water, which is then stuffed with a mixture of meat and vegetables. Depending on the area, they put different stuff inside, but most commonly include minced pork or chicken, cabbage, chives, a certain amount of garlic, ginger, and green onions.

There are three classic ways to prepare them. Pan-fried gyoza is the most well-known; it is fried and then quickly steamed. Other types include boiled gyoza, usually served in broth, and the less common deep-fried variety. What makes Gyoza special is the way they are cooked. They are often pan-fried to perfection, giving them a crispy bottom and a soft, juicy center. You can often find them served with a delicious dipping sauce for added flavor.

Main ingredients: wheat flour, eggs, pork (or chicken), cabbage, chives, garlic, and ginger

Recommended places: Jingumae in Tokyo, Japan

Price range: from 300 to 600 JPY (around $2 - $4)

Onigiri, also known as rice balls, are a common grab-and-go snack in Tokyo. These are like rice sandwiches, made by shaping cooked rice into handy, triangle, or cylindrical shapes. What's special about Onigiri is the tasty fillings they're packed with. Moist, chewy, and hearty, Onigiri or Omusubi are Japanese rice balls and a favorite picnic food since the 11th century. Typically, onigiri is wrapped in nori seaweed, but that practice did not come about until the late 16th century.

The delicious fillings vary, with options like tender salmon, zesty pickled plum, flavorful grilled seaweed, and countless others, making it easy to find a filling that suits your taste. Today, Onigiri is often made at home and sold everywhere throughout Japan, from parks and beaches to convenience stores or upscale grocery stores.

Whether you're exploring the bustling streets, moving between tourist attractions, or resting in a peaceful park, Onigiri is a quick and satisfying snack or meal option. In addition, Onigiri also represents Japanese cuisine, showing the country's emphasis on simple yet flavorful dishes.

Main ingredients: uruchimai, nori, umeboshi, shiitake, salmon, kombu, and preserved tunas

Recommend places: Marunouchi in Tokyo, Japan

Price range: 115 to 150 JPY (about $0.7 to $1)

Tokyo is famous for its crepe stands that offer a variety of sweet and savory fillings. These thin pancakes come with a variety of fillings, catering to both sweet and savory preferences. You can find them filled with fresh fruits, whipped cream, chocolate, ice cream, and even savory options like ham and cheese.

What makes Tokyo Crepes so special is that there are so many options. Whether you're exploring the bustling streets or shopping, you're likely to come across crepe stalls or specialty shops offering a wide selection of fillings and toppings. Crepes in Tokyo, a popular choice among locals and tourists alike, are often enjoyed as a quick snack or a delightful dessert.

With their easy-to-eat nature, they're perfect for enjoying on the go while taking in the sights and sounds of the city. The wide appeal of Crepes makes them a must-try food for anyone visiting Tokyo. Whether you have a sweet tooth or prefer something savory, the plenty of options ensure a perfect crepe waiting to be enjoyed on your Tokyo tour.

Main ingredients: unsalted butter, milk, weak flour, eggs, sugar, and salt

Recommended places: Takeshita Street in Tokyo, Japan

Price range: about 350 JPY to 650 JPY (depending on toppings, ~ $2.3 - $4.3)

Taiyaki is a Japanese fish-shaped cake often eaten as a snack, made from flour and filled with sweet azuki beans. They make it by pouring pancake batter into a fish-shaped mold and cooking it until it's golden brown and crispy on the outside. This unique cooking process results in a visually appealing dish that's as fun to look at as it is delicious to eat.

Taiyaki is a delightful Japanese dish that combines beautiful presentation with delicious flavors. Traditionally, it is filled with sweet red bean paste, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and texture. The smooth, sweet filling contrasts perfectly with the crispy outer shell, creating a satisfying experience. While red bean paste remains the classic choice, modern variations have expanded the range of options. Nowadays, you can find Taiyaki filled with custard cream, rich chocolate, or gooey cheese, catering to a variety of flavor preferences and adding a fun twist to this timeless snack.

Its warm and comforting aroma, coupled with its sweet taste, makes it a perfect snack. Especially in the cold season, this is an interesting dish for a day out visiting and exploring. It is usually served warm and is often found at most Taiyaki stands at any winter festival in Japan. Although there are many different flavors and varieties of Taiyaki today, the basic remains a favorite.

Main ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, eggs, milk, red bean paste, and vegetable oil

Recommend places: Nihonbashiningyocho in Tokyo, Japan

Price range: 100 JPY to 200 JPY each (~ $0.7 to $1.3)

Even though Tempura is crispy and fried, it keeps the Japanese style of clean and simple flavors. They still focus on using just a few good ingredients. It involves deep-frying seafood, vegetables, or even some meats, resulting in a light and crispy coating that perfectly complements the tender, juicy interior.

The batter is the most crucial part of Tempura, consisting of flour, eggs, and water, keeping the ingredients moist and flavorful. The contrast between the crispy batter and the fresh, flavorful fillings makes tempura a beloved cooks delight. They usually serve it with a dipping sauce called tentsuyu, made from dashi, soy sauce, and mirin. This sauce adds extra flavor to the dish. With its light batter and fresh ingredients, Tempura makes for a really tasty meal.

The art of preparing and frying Tempura is often considered a culinary skill. The perfect balance between temperature and time is needed to achieve the ideal crispiness without affecting the natural flavor of the ingredients. Tempura is an iconic dish that is served in a wide variety of ways: on its own, over rice, with tentsuyu or soy sauce, or even as a filling in sushi rolls.

Main ingredients: ice water, flour, egg yolks, soda water, baking soda, cornstarch, and potato starch

Recommended places: Ginza in Tokyo, Japan

Price range: range from 600 JPY to 800 JPY (around $4 to $5.3)

Ichigo Daifuku is one of the most interesting versions of the traditional Japanese Daifuku sweets. Ichigo is special because it uses whole strawberries inside. This delightful treat is all about bringing together the goodness of fresh, seasonal strawberries, sweet red bean paste, and soft, chewy mochi rice cake. This unique combination of flavors and textures creates a perfect blend that is both refreshing and comforting.

Modern variations may switch the anko with white bean paste, and the mochi shells are sometimes light red to represent the color of strawberries. Ichigo Daifuku is a seasonal confection, often popular in the spring when strawberries are in season. The sweet red bean goes well with the sour strawberry, and the chewy mochi adds a nice contrast to the juicy fruit.

When cut, this sweet treat has an appealing combination of red berries, dark anko powder, and a layer of off-white mochi. The creation of Ichigo Daifuku is an art. Talented sweet makers make each piece to ensure the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Attention to detail and the use of high-quality ingredients contribute to the overall appeal of this beloved Japanese dish.

Main ingredients: glutinous rice, strawberries, and red bean paste

Recommended places: Sumiyoshicho in Tokyo, Japan

Price range: about $2.3 to $3 per piece