Handn blog Japan’s yatai (street food) scene offers a tantalizing array of flavors and experiences that attract countless tourists. Found in bustling neighborhoods, festivals, and tourist spots, these food stalls provide a perfect introduction to Japanese culinary culture. In this article, we will introduce you to some musttry Japanese yatai dishes, detailing their unique features and how best to enjoy them.
Features
Takoyaki are round, ballshaped snacks made of wheat flourbased batter and typically filled with minced or diced octopus, tempura scraps, pickled ginger, and green onion. They are cooked in a special takoyaki pan and topped with takoyaki sauce, mayonnaise, green laver (aonori), and bonito flakes.
Recommended Places
Osaka (Dotonbori): Known as the birthplace of takoyaki, Osaka boasts numerous takoyaki stalls and shops offering various flavors.
Tokyo (Asakusa): Around the Kaminarimon and Nakamisedori, you can find many takoyaki stalls.
Enjoying Takoyaki
Takoyaki is best enjoyed hot and fresh. The outside should be crispy, while the inside remains soft and gooey. Generously top them with sauce, mayonnaise, aonori, and bonito flakes for the full experience. Let them cool slightly to avoid burning your mouth.
Features
Okonomiyaki is a savory pancake made with flour, eggs, shredded cabbage, and a variety of other ingredients such as meat, seafood, and cheese. It is typically topped with okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, bonito flakes, and aonori. There are two main styles: Kansai (Osaka) style, where the ingredients are mixed into the batter before cooking, and Hiroshima style, where the ingredients are layered.
Recommended Places
Hiroshima (Okonomimura): A building filled with okonomiyaki restaurants, specializing in Hiroshimastyle okonomiyaki.
Osaka (Shinsekai): Numerous stalls and restaurants serving delicious Kansaistyle okonomiyaki.
Enjoying Okonomiyaki
Eat okonomiyaki hot off the grill. The combination of the savory pancake with rich toppings like sauce and mayonnaise is delicious. You can also add extra toppings like pickled ginger or pork belly for additional flavor.
Features
Yakisoba is a stirfried noodle dish made with wheat noodles, pork, cabbage, and carrots, flavored with a sweet and savory sauce. It is often garnished with aonori, beni shoga (pickled ginger), and sometimes katsuobushi (bonito flakes).
Recommended Places
Tokyo (Ueno Park): Various stalls offering yakisoba in a lively park setting.
Nagoya (Nagoya Castle): Enjoy local versions of yakisoba in this historical area.
Enjoying Yakisoba
Yakisoba should be eaten hot, allowing you to savor the balance of sweet, salty, and savory flavors. Mix well to evenly distribute the sauce, and add pickled ginger for a refreshing contrast.
Features
Jaga Butter is a simple yet delicious dish of boiled or baked potatoes served with butter. The combination of the fluffy potato and the rich, melted butter is incredibly satisfying.
Recommended Places
Sapporo (Odori Park): Enjoy fresh Hokkaido potatoes with butter at various stalls.
Tokyo (Asakusa): Many stalls in Asakusa serve this popular snack.
Enjoying Jaga Butter
Eat it while it’s hot, allowing the butter to melt and soak into the potato. A sprinkle of salt and pepper enhances the flavor, making it a simple yet delightful snack.
Features
Mochi are rice cakes made from glutinous rice, pounded into a paste and molded into shape. They come in various forms and flavors, including those coated with kinako (soybean flour) or filled with sweet red bean paste.
Recommended Places
Kyoto (Gion Festival): Enjoy mochi at one of Japan’s most famous festivals.
Tokyo (Asakusa): Find various mochi treats in this historic district.
Enjoying Mochi
Mochi is delicious on its own or with a sweet or savory coating. Try different varieties to discover your favorite. Roasted mochi with a slightly crispy exterior and soft interior is particularly tasty.
Features
Kushikatsu are skewered and deepfried pieces of meat, seafood, and vegetables. These skewers are typically dipped in a special sauce before eating.
Recommended Places
Osaka (Shinsekai): The birthplace of kushikatsu, with numerous stalls and restaurants specializing in this dish.
Tokyo (Akihabara): Many yatai offering kushikatsu in this bustling area.
Enjoying Kushikatsu
Dip your kushikatsu in the sauce provided, but remember the common rule: no doubledipping. Enjoy the variety of skewers available, from meats to vegetables.
Features
Yakitori are skewered and grilled chicken pieces seasoned with salt or tare sauce. Various parts of the chicken are used, such as thighs, wings, and liver.
Recommended Places
Tokyo (Shinjuku): Numerous yakitori stalls and restaurants in this vibrant area.
Osaka (Dotonbori): Many stalls offer delicious yakitori.
Enjoying Yakitori
Try different parts of the chicken to experience varying textures and flavors. Pairing yakitori with a cold beer is a popular and enjoyable combination.
Features
Korokke are deepfried patties made from mashed potatoes and ground meat. They have a crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior.
Recommended Places
Tokyo (Ikebukuro): Numerous stalls and shops offering freshly fried korokke.
Osaka (Tennoji): Enjoy korokke at various yatai in this area.
Enjoying Korokke
Korokke is best enjoyed hot. Add some sauce or mayonnaise for extra flavor. They pair well with other yatai dishes for a balanced meal.
Features
Choco Banana is a fun treat made by dipping a banana in chocolate and adding colorful sprinkles or nuts. It is a favorite among both children and adults.
Recommended Places
Tokyo (Asakusa): Numerous stalls offering colorful choco bananas.
Osaka (Tempozan): Popular near the Tempozan Ferris Wheel.
Enjoying Choco Banana
Eat your choco banana before the chocolate hardens completely for a deliciously gooey texture. Choose your favorite toppings for a personalized treat.
Features
Taiyaki are fishshaped cakes filled with sweet fillings such as red bean paste, custard, or chocolate. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Recommended Places
Tokyo (Harajuku): Try various flavors of taiyaki in this trendy area.
Osaka (Shinsaibashi): Many stalls offer delicious taiyaki.
Enjoying Taiyaki
Taiyaki is best enjoyed hot, with the crispy exterior and the warm filling creating a delightful contrast. Try different fillings to find your favorite.
Japanese yatai cuisine offers a vibrant and delicious snapshot of the country’s rich culinary culture. From savory treats like takoyaki and okonomiyaki to sweet delights like choco banana and taiyaki, there’s something for everyone. Enjoying these street foods fresh and hot is key to experiencing their full flavors. As you explore Japan, make sure to indulge in its diverse and delightful yatai cuisine for an unforgettable gastronomic adventure.
