The best street food in Tokyo - an eating adventure

Tokyo is home to the most Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, but this doesn’t mean you need to spend big to eat like royalty. Join Dean in our 'Best Street Food in Tokyo' video as he sets off to find the best cheap local eats in Tokyo

From delicious snacks to affordable bites, these are some of our favourite Japanese street eats in Tokyo, perfect for a food tour around the city.

Tsukiji Fish Market for Tamagoyaki

Head to the Tsukiji Fish Market, not for sushi but to try tamagoyaki – a multi-layered, sweetened Japanese omelette on a stick. You can grab a serving from several stalls around the outer market. We love the freshly made ones at Marutake.

Location: Marutake
Address: 4 Chome-10-10 Tsukiji, Chuo City, Tokyo

Takoyaki

Sample the popular favourite – takoyaki. Gooey octopus balls are grilled to perfection and topped with sweet thick gindako sauce, mayonnaise, onions and bonito flakes. The dish is originally from Osaka, but we try takoyaki at one of the best spots in Tokyo, Daihachi Takohanamaru.

Location: Daihachi Takohanamaru
Address: 5-11-3 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Melon Pan

For something sweet: melon pan. This sometimes-messy dessert is the Japanese version of an ice-cream sandwich that uses a sweet bun with a crispy, sugary top. We loved the version at 'Sekai De 2-ban-me Ni Oishī Meronpan'aisu' which is considered one of the best in japan.

Location: Sekai De 2-ban-me Ni Oishī Meronpan'aisu
Address: 1-15-9 Jinnamn, Iwase Bldg., Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Harajuku's Takeshita Street for Sweet Treats

Stroll down from Shibuya to vibrant Takeshita Street in Tokyo’s Harajuku district to try some of the best street food in Tokyo. Try the gigantic multi-coloured stick of fairy floss at Totti Candy Factory that looks as good as it tastes. One of our absolute favourite Harajuku street food dishes is the crispy cream puff filled with Hokkaido milk custard at Zaku Zaku. It's super crispy and tastes unlike anything you've tried before. End the Harajuku journey with iconic pan-fried gyoza at the famous Harajuku Gyozarou.

Location: Totti Candy Factory
Address: 1-16-5 Jingumae, RYU Apartment 2F, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Location: Croquant Chou Zaku Zaku
Address: 1 Chome-7-1 Jingumae, Cute Cube Harajuku, 1F, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Location: Harajuku Gyozarou
Address: 6 Chome-2-4 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

The Best Katsu Sando in Ginza

To balance out the sweetness, head to upscale Ginza for the simple but delicious breaded pork cutlet sandwich at Ginza Bairin. High-quality pork is breaded, deep-fried and placed between super-soft white slices of bread. Our favourite Katsu Sando in Tokyo.

Location: Ginza Bairin
Address: B1, 7 Chome-8-1 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo

Iconic Izakaya Eats

For a dinner that allows you to try lots of different Japanese eats you can't miss eating (and drinking) at an izakaya. These busy local bars serve beers and mixed drinks and are packed after work. We like Andy's Shin Hinomoto, a special (and foreigner friendly) izakaya right underneath the train tracks of Yūrakuchō Station. Settle into the lively spot and try typical izakaya eats such as sashimi, yakitori, and karaage, which go perfectly with an ice-cold beer.

Location: Andy's Shin Hinomoto
Address: 2 Chome-4-4 Yurakucho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo

Cheap Snacks at Family Mart

The best place to try a lot of Japanese snacks without breaking the bank is your local Family Mart. Empty the shelves and eat some onigiri, Japan's favourite quick bite. The triangle-shaped rice ball is wrapped in seaweed and stuffed with different fillings like salmon, tuna, beef, and pickled plum. End your eating adventure with the kare pan, a sweet and savoury bun filled with Japanese curry.

Location: Family Mart
Address: All around you

Watch us eat all the best Tokyo Street Food and more in our latest episode of Hawker Style, our original video series exploring street food around the world.

CREDITS

Director & Writer: Vikash Autar
Editor: Tara Juan and Michael Thompson
Producer: Chelsea Li
Presenter: Dean Vowles
Production Company: ANYDOKO Studios