Japan is a country with a rich culinary history, boasting cuisine that has made its way far beyond the island nation and into restaurants and homes all over the world. Tokyo, Japan’s capital, is a cultural hub, and the best place to get a true taste of the country’s culinary offerings. If you get the chance to visit this incredible city, consider trying these ten foods and drinks, each of which represents a significant part of Japanese culinary culture.
Tempura at Fukamachi
Tempura is a Japanese classic, straightforward but well-liked. It’s pretty much just battered and deep-fried seafood or vegetables, but if you’ve never tried it before you’ve been missing out. Fukamachi, a modest but beloved establishment, has many fans insisting there’s no better tempura in Tokyo. Check out the omakase menu (where you leave your meal choice to the chef) and revel in the batter-fried goodness!
Ramen at Kagari
You might associate ramen with midnight college “meals,” but Tokyo will give you a new category for this noodle dish. Kagari is a ramenya with a devoted following, and it’s the perfect place to teach your college self that ramen can be fantastic. You’ll never look at those noodles the same way again.
Sake Cocktails at Sake Hall Hibiya Bar
Sake is Japan’s national drink, so it makes sense that most Japanese dishes pair well with it. While it is certainly common to encounter sake in Tokyo, you do not come across places making cocktails from sake. Other than Sake Hall Hibiya Bar, that is. They are the world’s first bar dedicated to sake cocktails, dividing their space into seven rooms that each feature sake from different breweries. Start by trying the sake nic, a cocktail made with sake, soda water, tonic water, and an orange peel.
Kaiseki at Ryugin
Okay, kaiseki isn’t actually a food—it’s a meal. But this traditional multi-course Japanese dinner is a necessary experience if you want to dive into Japanese culinary culture. Ryugin is one of the best kaiseki places you’ll find, with three Michelin stars to its name. Kaiseki at Ryugin is seasonal, so the menu can be drastically different in each time of year, but you can trust that your meal will always be a transcendent experience.
Nigiri Sushi at Sushi Saito
Sushi, like ramen and tempura, is a pretty broad category. Your best bet is usually to sample a number of different items, and Sushi Saito might just be Tokyo’s best restaurant for such exploration. Another of Tokyo’s three-Michelin-star restaurants, Sushi Saito was referred to as “the best sushi restaurant in the world” by the legendary Joel Robuchon. Serving mackerel, tuna, sea urchin, eel, and more, your sushi experience here will be unforgettable.
Coffee at Café de l’Ambre
Café de l’Ambre is the place to visit if you want a genuine kissaten experience. Kissatens are traditional Japanese tea and coffee houses, and, unfortunately, most have of them have disappeared. L’Ambre, however, has stayed around since 1948. Centenarian owner Ichiro Sekiguchi is dedicated to premium coffee beans, some of which he ages for decades.
Tonkatsu at Butagumi
If you haven’t tried tonkatsu, make sure you visit Butagumi. Tonkatsu is breaded deep-fried pork, and Butagumi’s is simply incomparable. Serving premium cuts from dozens of regional heirloom breeds, all their meats are perfectly cooked and served with the traditional shredded cabbage accompaniment.
Unagi at Nodaiwa
Serious explorations into Japanese cuisine can’t be complete without sampling unagi, freshwater eel. It’s a Japanese delicacy, and Nodaiwa prepares their unagi expertly. The eels are filleted to order every time, then broiled over charcoal and basted with a sweet, savory sauce. Whether you want a multi-course banquet or simple donburi (rice bowl), Nodaiwa will make you fall in love with this unique dish.
Green Tea at Souen
Green tea has a long history in Japan, so don’t skip trying some. Souen, a specialist tea room, is a beautiful and calming location perfect for your first Tokyo tea sample. Book a session at Shinya Sakurai’s counter and let him serve you a flight of tea and tea-infused spirits. Chances are you’ve never experienced green tea like this.
Wagashi at Toraya
Wagashi are traditional Japanese confections, originally made to accompany ceremonial tea. You’ll be hard-pressed to find better wagashi than those made at Toraya, which has been crafting these delicious treats since the early 16th century. If you have a sweet tooth and an eye for aesthetics, you’ll love the little confections Toraya has to offer.
Hungry for true Tokyo delicacies? Contact Gavel International for more information about travel incentives and meeting planning in Tokyo, Japan.
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