When you think of Japanese cuisine, you’re probably picturing the traditional meal your grandparents would prepare at home. A bowl of miso ramen, perhaps, or a bento box filled with traditional sushi and sashimi. But street food is so much more than fast food. It’s the unpretentious and informal side of Japanese cuisine. And it’s one of the biggest strands of Japanese culture outside of the country itself. In fact, Japan has more than 30,000 food vendors across the country. From traditional restaurants to unique food carts, no matter where you go in Japan, you’re almost guaranteed to find a food vendor selling some street food. Why? Because it’s casual, fast, and unpretentious. And the variety of Japanese street food is astounding. From small vendors selling yakitori and okonomiyaki to large restaurants dishing out yakitori, soba, ramen, and other traditional fare. If you’re planning a trip to Japan, there’s a good chance you’ll run across at least one street food vendor. Here’s an overview of the most popular types of Japanese street food.
Yakisoba
Yakisoba is a type of soba served in a hot broth. It’s become one of the most well-known types of Japanese street food in recent years. Although it may sound like a strange combination, yakisoba is actually quite delicious. There are two different types of yakisoba. One is served cold, and the other is served hot. Both types are traditionally served with a side of ginger vinegar, which adds a bit of heat to the dish.
Ramen
If you’re looking for a quick, cheap meal that’s easy to find in any part of Japan, you should try Japanese ramen. Japanese-style ramen is usually very cheap, yet surprisingly filling. And with the variety of different ramen you can find in Japan, it’s easy to find one you love. Some of the most popular types of ramen include shoyu ramen, miso ramen, and dashi-flavored ramen. It may sound strange, but many people also come to enjoy the vegetarian ramen options.
Okonomiyaki
If you’re in search of a quick, inexpensive meal that’s full of crazy ingredients, you should try okonomiyaki. This Japanese pizza is made with cabbage, eggs, seafood, pork, and mayonnaise. And it’s usually served by street vendors who often don’t speak much English.
Shaved Ice
One of the most popular street foods in Japan is shaved ice. The thick, soft, and icy ice is commonly flavored with fruit and sweet syrup. The syrup can range from just a simple sugar-water combination to something more exotic like green tea or matcha. Shaved ice is considered an easy and quick treat, which is why it’s favorites among tourists and locals alike. It’s often served in a paper cup, which means you can easily customize your flavor combination.
Tsukumu (Stuffed Bun)
Another type of street food that’s been around for centuries is takoyaki. This may be the most famous type of Japanese street food outside of Japan. Takoyaki is made by frying balls of octopus in a special type of octopus oil. It’s then served with a ponzu dipping sauce. This may sound like a strange combination, but takoyaki is actually very delicious.
Takoyaki
If takoyaki is sushi for non-conformists, you might enjoy this popular Japanese street food. Takoyaki is made from balls of octopus, and it’s commonly served with a ponzu dipping sauce. It’s often compared to Japanese sushi, due to the fact that it’s also ball-shaped. But it’s definitely different than traditional sushi. There are dozens of different types of takoyaki, and you can easily find one you like among the many street vendors in Japan.
Gyoza
Another type of Japanese street food that’s been around since the Edo period is gyoza. These are pork dumplings that are often served with a sweet soy-vinegar mixture. This mixture, called gochujang, is one of the most common flavors of Japanese street food. It’s often compared to Chinese chile sauce, so you can easily customize it to your liking. You can find dozens of different types of gyoza, and it’s always a great choice for a quick, cheap, and hearty meal.
Desserts
If you’re staying in a neighborhood with a lot of street vendors, you should definitely try some of the desserts they offer. From strawberry-flavored okonomiyaki to green tea-flavored takoyaki, you can’t go wrong. If you’re looking for a quick dessert, you can find a variety of different types of ice cream, fruit, and gelato.
Conclusion
Japanese street food is a very casual, unpretentious, and fast type of food. It’s usually served from small vendors who often don’t have a kitchen. You can choose from a wide range of items, such as okonomiyaki, takoyaki, gyoza, and ramen. These are definitely worth trying if you’re in Japan! Japanese street food is found in almost every neighborhood in the country. It can be very cheap, and usually served from a cart or a small food stand.
How Does Holistic Swimming Focus on the Mind
The Best Hair Clippers and Trimmers on the Market
Where to Travel to for a Dining Tourism Experience?
30 Countries with Exquisite Street Food Delights
The Flavors of Hong Kong's Best Street Food
Izakayas Japanese Culinary
Street Foods Found in the Middle East
Discover the Street Foods of Korea
Exploring the Street Foods of China