If you’ve come to Tokyo to sample authentic Japanese eats, you’re not alone. Japanese food has become extremely popular overseas. It is the best cultural exports of the country. Therefore, many of the world’s foodies come to Japan’s capital city to taste Japanese food right from its source. While most of what the world knows as Japanese food comes from Tokyo. Tokyo does have specialities that aren’t that popular yet are sure to surprise you when you visit. Here is a list of eleven Japanese treats you must taste when in Tokyo.
Chankonabe
Chankonabe is the dinner of champions. Certainly, champion sumo wrestlers. A hot pot dish made with chicken or fish and vegetables in season. Chankonabe is rich in protein and other nutrients. It is also great comfort food for cold days.
Fukagawa-meshi
Fukugawa-meshi is a rice bowl. However, the rice is dumped with miso-based soup and topped with clams and chopped leeks. It was the typical fare for Edo-period fishermen who worked the mouth of the Sumida River. However, now it’s a popular fast food item in Japanese restaurants and eateries. So it is a must Japanese treats you should try when in Tokyo.
Japanese cheesecake
Unlike New York-style cheesecake, Japanese cheesecake was invented in the kitchens of Tokyo. It is very light and airy. To clarify, the reason here is because Japanese cheesecake is made with ricotta or fresh cream rather than cream cheese.
Kanto-style unagi
Unagi or eel is a Japanese speciality dish. But, it’s prepared differently in Japan’s Kanto region, where Tokyo is located. For one, the eel is cut from the back instead of from the belly. This is because belly slitting is reminiscent of hara-kiri, the samurai act of ritual suicide. Then the eel goes through a long preparation process, which includes boiling, steaming and grilling.
Monjayaki
Made with flour-based batter Monjayaki is a savoury pancake. Filled with shredded cabbage, bits of meat, and seafood. It’s similar to okonomiyaki except the batter uses water and, thus, is runnier.
Ningyo-yaki
Ningyo-yaki is small cakes with moulded faces. It’s sometimes available with a sweet bean filling. To clarify, traditionally it is moulded with the faces of the shichifukujin or the seven gods of good luck. But more recently, cakes moulded into the shapes of characters from children’s anime are growing in popularity.
Soba
Also known as buckwheat noodles originated in Tokyo, or Edo as it was known during Japan’s feudal period. For a few instances, it is acceptable to slurp while eating. To clarify, it is believed that slurping brings out the flavour of the buckwheat in the noodles. However, Soba is typically eaten drained and cold in summer, and hot and soupy in winter.
Sushi
Sushi is synonymous with Japanese food outside of Japan. But, what non-Japanese don’t know is that sushi preparation can vary from region to region. The type of sushi known outside Japan is Tokyo-style sushi, also referred to as Edomae-zushi. However, Edomae-zushi is smaller and uses fresh and raw, rather than fermented, seafood.
Tokyo Sayama Cha
Saitama and Tokyo produced Sayama Tea or known as green tea. But, the trees from which this tea is produced are characterized by their thick leaves. Which enable them to survive northern Japan’s frosty weather. However, the tea that comes from these thick leaves is sweeter and richer than regular green tea.
But, nothing beats the taste of authentic food made where it first originated. So, if you want to taste real, authentic Tokyo eats, you must go on a food trip holiday to Tokyo. Check out top Halal restaurant in Tokyo here and book your trip today!
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