Top 11 culinary specialities in Tokyo

Tokyo’s ‘washoku’ is yours! This term, which literally means “Japanese food”, refers to all the techniques and know-how that govern the country’s cuisine. Let’s talk about this extraordinary know-how for a moment, because it’s no coincidence that Japanese cuisine is one of the world’s favourites. Japan is renowned for its mastery of flavours and perfectly balanced dishes. Natural flavours rub shoulders with highly elaborate bowls, and raw produce meets the most artificial of recipes… This world of extremes and culinary paradoxes coexists harmoniously in Tokyo. You’ll find it quite fascinating!

Naturally, an island is always synonymous with seafood. In Tokyo, as elsewhere in Japan, you can sample the wonders of the local waters, sublimated in a typically Japanese way. Gourmets will also be delighted to sample street food and recipes of rare finesse. Taste the most meticulously prepared sushi and pastries with new flavours. In the same vein, a traditional cup of matcha tea is a must to round off a typical Tokyo culinary exploration.

What to eat in Tokyo Our selection of 11 Tokyo specialities

Psst… Here are a few tips to help you enjoy your meal in Tokyo. Firstly, always carry cash, as many restaurants still don’t accept credit cards. Secondly, never stick your Asian chopsticks in a bowl of rice. It’s tempting, but this sign is rather badly perceived. It echoes the position of incense sticks to pay homage to the deceased. Finally, you should know that when a good address is successful, the crowds are almost constant. So plan ahead and get there as early as possible!

1. Gyoza

This ravioli is a fine example of Japanese tradition. Gyoza takes a long time to prepare. Not for the ravioli dough, nor for the filling, but rather in shaping its pretty half-moon shape with its characteristic folds. Once shaped, the gyozas are steamed, then served as is or in a broth. The classic filling is a mixture of cabbage, ginger, garlic and green onions, added to minced pork. Nowadays, you’ll also find other adaptations, with prawns, chicken or vegetarian, for example.

2. Onigiri

This on-the-go speciality is a staple of local cuisine. They’re nutritious and easy to carry around. That’s why you’ll see them everywhere at lunchtime! Onigiri are basically rice, stuffed and wrapped in a sheet of nori seaweed. The stuffing is often fish, vegetables or an omelette. Be sure to try onigiri during your stay, especially if you’re pressed for time.

3. Yakitori

Adored in Asian restaurants in France, the typical recipe for these Japanese kebabs involves only pieces of chicken grilled over charcoal. But beware: real yakitori leaves no part of the bird out… Giblets, skin and cartilage included! As always, don’t worry if you’re a vegetarian, you’ll also have the chance to try grilled vegetable kebabs topped with a light sauce.

4. Tempura

Traditional tempura are deep-fried fritters – barely larger than a bite – and divinely crispy. What makes them special is that they are wrapped in a thin, light batter that adds a subtle extra texture to the basic product. Many different kinds of vegetables are used to make tempura: kabocha, mushrooms or aubergine, to name but a few… The best-known tempuras are shrimp tempura and grilled fish tempura, which accompany a wide range of dishes in Tokyo.

5. Sushi

This is the great classic of Japanese cuisine, and a must-try on your holiday! Sushi has been elevated to the status of an art form in Japan. Sceptics may not like it, but sushi is more than just a slice of raw fish on top of vinegared rice. Each sushi obeys a delicate balance of flavours and textures. The ingredients, preparation methods and even the name of the sushi are no joke. Here’s a little tip: to help you choose them without spelling out their names or describing them, simply point to them. It’s easier for everyone!

6. Ramen

First of all, let’s get the basics right. There are three main families: 1. soba, buckwheat noodles; 2. udon, XXL wheat noodles; 3. ramen, classic wheat noodles. As well as referring to a specific type of pasta, ramen is also an iconic noodle broth soup. There’s a whole symphony of thicker and thinner broths to try. Your bowl will then be garnished with slices of fish, roast pork, seaweed, chopped green onions or a soy-marinated soft-boiled egg.

7. Donburi

There’s nothing easier to eat in Tokyo than donburi! It’s a bed of rice topped with the filling of your choice. Tempura, sashimi, breaded pork, beef with onions, etc., are just a few common examples of donburi fillings. Simple and effective, you’ll soon have your mouth watering.

8. Okonomiyaki

Originating in the west of the island, this hot dish is omnipresent in Tokyo’s cuisine. Made with egg, it is a kind of patty filled with seafood or pork. There’s something comforting about this dish… It’s best eaten at the end of the day, when it’s at its best.

9. Tonkatsu

In Tokyo, you’ll never have to look far to try a tonkatsu. This speciality has a panko breaded pork chop at its heart. The crispy meat is served with finely chopped white cabbage, a bowl of rice, miso soup and various pickled vegetables.

10. Fluffy pancakes

Halfway between a pancake and a soufflé, Tokyo’s famous fluffy pancakes don’t go unnoticed. As you might expect, their texture is softer, lighter and airier than the classic version. This XXL cloud is accompanied by a vast choice of toppings, from the most basic to the most unusual, depending on what you fancy at the time.

11. Matcha ice cream

Tokyoites are big fans of ice cream. During your stay, you’ll have the chance to try some of the country’s innovative ice creams, particularly the famous matcha ice cream. Japan is the home of this ‘superfood’, a powerful tea whose whole leaf is ground into a delicate powder. For a long time, this tea with its many virtues was a privilege reserved for the nobility and Buddhist monks. Today, matcha is enjoyed by everyone and exported to the four corners of the world. So, back to our ice creams! This unusual flavour can be enjoyed at different levels of intensity. After all, matcha has a strong flavour, and only regular consumers will appreciate the most powerful versions.