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Ikayaki
Ikayaki (grilled squid) is a popular street food in Tokyo. Whole or part of a squid is dipped in a sweet soy sauce and seasoning, then skewered and grilled. It's popular at local markets and festivals, but you can also find ikayaki year-round in places like outside the Tsukiji fish market in the Chūō district.
Taiyaki
You might be surprised to see taiyaki everywhere in the city. These are traditional fish-shaped cakes filled with red bean paste (anko), although nowadays variations include other ingredients like cheese or custard. If you have the chance, try taiyaki from the famous Kurikoan brand in Akihabara.
Dango
Dango is a type of rice cake that shares similarities with mochi. Dango can easily be found in convenience stores, but the best are the "homemade versions" made directly on the streets, especially during festivals. Try the special hanami dango at the Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival or the famous charcoal dango from Mount Takao.
Takoyaki
Takoyaki, or octopus dumplings, are round dumplings cooked on a special grill with a variety of fillings, the most popular being octopus. Takoyaki is a staple at festivals and grocery stores. Try this popular dish at Gindaco restaurants throughout the city.
Crepe
Cute and colorful crepes have become an icon of the Harajuku area. As you stroll down Takeshita Street, you'll find rows of shops selling the most tempting crepes. Their delicious flavors and eye-catching decorations keep these crepe shops bustling with customers.
Okonomiyaki
Okonomiyaki are savory pancakes made with a batter base, filled with meat and vegetables (usually a lot of cabbage), and topped with sauce and mayonnaise. This dish is easily customizable and comes in many regional variations. You can find street-style okonomiyaki at local festivals or in specialty restaurants.
chestnut
Chestnuts are a favorite autumn and winter snack in Tokyo. Ōkunitama Shrine even holds a Chestnut Festival every September. During the season, you can "collect" freshly roasted chestnuts from vendors around pedestrian areas like Sensō-ji in Asakusa or Ueno Park.
Kasutera (Castella)
Kasutera are light and simple sponge cakes, and a popular street food. The recipe for Kasutera was brought to Japan by the Portuguese in the 16th century, so its enduring popularity today is a testament to its delicious taste. You can find Kasutera at local festivals and food fairs.
Yakitori
Skewers (yakitori) made from everything from heart and liver to gizzard are a popular snack in Japan, ensuring that no part of the animal goes to waste. In izakayas (a type of pub), yakitori is a main dish on the menu but is also enjoyed as a street food snack at festivals. Memory Lane (Omoide Yokochō), also known as Piss Alley, is famous for its tempting small yakitori skewers.
Kakigōri
Kakigōri is a popular summer street food in Tokyo. It's shaved ice topped with fruit-flavored syrup or, more modernly, caramel and chocolate. Kakigōri is sold at summer festivals and during fireworks displays (hanabi).
