What to eat in Tokyo? Our selection of 11 Tokyo specialties

Psst… Here are some good tips to enjoy yourself serenely in Tokyo. First, always have cash on hand, as restaurants are still (very) numerous in not accepting card payments. Next, never stick your chopsticks in a bowl of rice. It's tempting, yet this sign is quite poorly perceived. It echoes the position of incense sticks to pay tribute to the deceased. Finally, know that when a good address encounters success, the crowd is almost constant. So, think about anticipating the tasting to go there as early as possible!

1. Gyoza

This dumpling is a beautiful example of Japanese tradition. Indeed, gyoza requires a fairly long preparation time. Not for the dumpling dough, nor for the filling, but rather in shaping its pretty crescent shape with the pleats that characterize it. Once they are shaped, gyozas are steamed, then served as is or in a broth. The classic filling consists of a mixture of cabbage, ginger, garlic and green onions, added to minced pork. Nowadays, you'll also find other adaptations, with shrimp, chicken or vegetarian for example.

2. Onigiri

This grab-and-go specialty is a must of local gastronomy. They are nourishing and very practical to transport. For this reason, you'll see them everywhere at lunch time! Onigiris are essentially composed of rice, a filling, then wrapped in a nori seaweed sheet. The filling is often made of fish, vegetables or even omelet. Make onigiri your reflex during your stay, especially if you happen to be pressed for time.

3. Yakitori

Adored in France in Asian restaurants, the typical recipe of these Japanese skewers only involves pieces of chicken grilled over charcoal. Beware, real yakitoris don't leave any part of the poultry aside... Offal, skin and cartilage included! As always, no worries for vegetarians, you'll also have the opportunity to taste grilled vegetable skewers glazed with a light sauce.

4. Tempura

Traditional tempuras are fried fritters – barely bigger than a bite – and divinely crispy. Their particularity is that they are wrapped in a thin and light batter that brings a subtle additional texture to the base product. Many kinds of vegetables are used to make tempuras: kabocha, mushrooms or eggplant, among others... The most famous tempuras remain shrimp and grilled fish tempuras to accompany a large number of dishes in Tokyo.

5. Sushi

Here's the great classic of Japanese gastronomy, to taste imperatively during your vacation! Know that sushi is elevated to the rank of Art in Japan. No offense to skeptics, it's not just a simple slice of raw fish placed on vinegared rice. Each sushi obeys a delicate balance of flavors and textures. Needless to say, we don't joke about the ingredients, their preparation method and even their name. A little tip, to choose them without butchering their name or venturing to describe them, simply point at them. It's simpler for everyone!

6. Ramen

First of all, let's establish the basics. There are three major families: 1. Soba, buckwheat noodles; 2. Udon, XXL wheat noodles; 3. Ramen, classic wheat noodles. In addition to designating a specific type of noodle, ramens are also an emblematic noodle broth soup. There's a whole symphony of broths more or less thick and more or less rich to taste. Your bowl will then be garnished with slices of fish, roasted pork, seaweed, chopped green onions or a soft-boiled egg marinated in soy sauce.

7. Donburi

Nothing simpler to enjoy in Tokyo than donburis! It's a bed of rice covered with the topping of your choice. Tempuras, sashimis, breaded pork, beef with onions, etc., are some common examples of toppings for donburis. Simple and effective, you'll quickly be drooling over them.

8. Okonomiyaki

Originating from the west of the island, this hot dish is omnipresent in Tokyo gastronomy. Made with egg, it's a sort of pancake topped with seafood or pork. You'll notice that this dish has something comforting about it... Enjoy it ideally at the end of the day, that's when it's at its best.

9. Tonkatsu

In Tokyo, you'll never have to look far to enjoy tonkatsu. This specialty has a pork cutlet breaded with panko as its central element. The perfectly crispy meat will be served with very finely cut white cabbage, a bowl of rice, miso soup and various pickled vegetables.

10. Fluffy pancakes

Halfway between a pancake and a soufflé, Tokyo's famous fluffy pancakes don't go unnoticed. You can imagine, their texture is softer, lighter and airier than the classic version. This XXL cloud is to be accompanied with a vast choice of toppings, from the most basic to the most unusual, according to your desires of the moment.

11. Matcha ice cream

As it happens, Tokyo residents are great ice cream lovers. Your stay will be an opportunity to taste the country's innovative ice creams, particularly the famous matcha ice cream. Japan is the homeland of this "superfood," a powerful tea, whose entire leaf is ground to obtain a delicate powder. This tea with multiple virtues long remained a privilege reserved for nobility and Buddhist monks. Today, matcha is consumed by everyone and exported to the four corners of the world. Well, let's get back to our ice cream! This unusual flavor is enjoyed at different intensity levels. Because, you'll agree, matcha is strong in taste and only regular consumers will know how to appreciate the most powerful versions.