Tokyo is one of the greatest food cities in the world. With more Michelin stars than any other destination, thousands of family-run eateries and a dazzling mix of street food, sushi counters and ramen joints, this city treats food as both art and everyday joy. Every train station, market and alleyway offers a different flavor to explore.
But Tokyo food is more than sushi. It's sweet, salty, comforting, experimental — a reflection of tradition and innovation coexisting in perfect harmony. If you're wondering what to eat in Tokyo, let this guide take you beyond the basics and straight into the heart of Japan’s culinary capital.
1. Sushi
Tokyo is the birthplace of modern sushi, and there’s no better place to try it. From omakase experiences in Ginza to conveyor belt sushi in Shibuya, each piece of nigiri is a bite of precision and purity. Tuna, sea urchin and scallops are especially popular, often sourced fresh from Toyosu Market.
2. Ramen
Slurp-worthy and soul-warming, ramen in Tokyo comes in endless regional variations. Whether it's rich tonkotsu (pork bone), soy-based shoyu or miso broth, this dish is a staple of Tokyo food culture. Visit a standing ramen bar or try a vending machine-style shop for a truly local experience.
3. Tempura
Light, crispy and cooked to perfection, tempura is one of the best dishes in Tokyo for those who love simple elegance. Shrimp, vegetables and fish are dipped in a delicate batter and fried until golden, then served with dipping sauce, rice or soba noodles.
4. Tonkatsu
This breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Often served with shredded cabbage and a sweet-savory tonkatsu sauce, it’s a comfort food favorite for both locals and travelers alike.
5. Okonomiyaki
Sometimes called “Japanese savory pancakes,” okonomiyaki is made from a batter of flour, yam and cabbage and loaded with ingredients like pork belly, shrimp and cheese. Topped with mayonnaise, bonito flakes and okonomiyaki sauce, it’s cooked right on a griddle and served sizzling hot.
6. Yakitori
Grilled over charcoal and seasoned with tare (a sweet soy glaze) or simple salt, yakitori skewers are a staple of Tokyo izakayas (Japanese pubs). From chicken thighs to gizzards and scallions, the variety is endless — and always delicious with a cold drink.
7. Soba
These thin buckwheat noodles can be served chilled with dipping sauce or in a hot broth. Soba is refreshing, earthy and versatile, often found in Tokyo train stations and traditional noodle houses alike.
8. Wagyu Beef
Known for its marbled richness and melt-in-your-mouth texture, wagyu beef is one of the most luxurious foods to try in Tokyo. Enjoy it grilled yakiniku-style, as a steak or even lightly seared as sushi. It's a premium experience worth the splurge.
9. Japanese Curry
Thick, hearty and mildly spiced, Japanese curry is a comfort food favorite. Often served with breaded pork (katsu curry) and rice, it’s a fast, filling meal you’ll find everywhere — from vending machine diners to specialty curry shops.
10. Tamagoyaki
This slightly sweet, rolled omelet is a staple of Japanese breakfasts and bento boxes. Watch it made fresh at food markets like Tsukiji, where chefs expertly layer and roll the egg on rectangular pans into golden spirals.
11. Onigiri
These triangular rice balls wrapped in seaweed and filled with ingredients like pickled plum, salmon or tuna mayo are the perfect snack on the go. Found in every convenience store, they’re simple, satisfying and surprisingly flavorful.
12. Monjayaki
A Tokyo specialty, monjayaki is similar to okonomiyaki, but with a runnier batter. It’s cooked on a hot plate right in front of you and eaten with a small metal spatula. Chewy, crispy and savory, it’s a fun and interactive dining experience.
13. Japanese Sweets (Wagashi)
Delicate and artistic, wagashi are traditional Japanese confections made from mochi, red bean paste and seasonal ingredients. Try them with matcha tea or as a dessert after a kaiseki meal. Flavors are subtle, textures are soft and the presentation is always elegant.
14. Taiyaki
These fish-shaped pastries are filled with red bean paste, custard or even sweet potato. Warm and slightly crispy, taiyaki is a popular Tokyo street snack (and a sweet way to end your food adventure).
15. Matcha Everything
Tokyo has embraced matcha in every form — ice cream, cakes, lattes, mochi and parfaits. The earthy, slightly bitter flavor of green tea is balanced with creamy or sweet elements, making it a must-try for dessert lovers.
What Is the National Dish of Japan?
Japan’s national dish is widely considered to be sushi, thanks to its global recognition, cultural significance and deep roots in Japanese culinary tradition. In Tokyo, where sushi evolved into the refined nigiri style we know today, it remains a must-try experience — whether enjoyed at a high-end omakase counter or a neighborhood kaitenzushi spot.
What Are the Best Foods in Tokyo?
If you're wondering what to eat in Tokyo, start with the classics like sushi, ramen and tempura, then dive deeper into savory street food, crispy katsu and melt-in-your-mouth wagyu. From slurping noodles in hidden alleys to tasting matcha sweets in quiet tea shops, Tokyo food is a multisensory journey through one of the world's most exciting culinary scenes. These best dishes in Tokyo go beyond taste — they offer a window into Japanese culture, craftsmanship and the everyday beauty of eating well.
