Japanese cuisine truly has something for everyone, especially in mega-cities like Tokyo! Here are some of my most and least favorites throughout our three-week study abroad trip to Japan.
⭐⭐⭐- good but nothing special
Oyakodon: a yummy chicken and egg bowl typically served with miso soup. The name oyakodon translates literally to “parent and child”. I found this dish during one of the many shopping sprees my friend Haruka and I took. It’s an easy introduction to Japanese cuisine that I enjoyed!
⭐⭐⭐⭐- memorable and delicious!
Gelato: I know, I know, not exactly Japanese but still delicious, nonetheless. Our group bought this from a gorgeous little store named Venchi in Chuo, a ward in Tokyo, and the raspberry dark chocolate combo was easily the best gelato I have ever had the pleasure of trying. We found this place (like most) while wandering in one of the many shopping centers during our free time (the perks of being a little too punctual)!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐- would fly to Japan for this
Fruit Sandwiches: maybe one of the most aesthetically pleasing treats in the world, and maybe one of Japan’s most famous. I was so excited to get my hands on a fruit sando during my stay. So was the rest of the country because it took me about a week and a half to finally find a 7/11 with one in stock. The one you see below is filled with strawberries, peaches, custard, and whipped cream and tasted like heaven incarnate. I would live in Japan solely for these sandwiches.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐- would fly to Japan for this
Japanese Pancakes: I had these on multiple occasions they were so good. Light and fluffy, yet somehow able to melt in your mouth, these pancakes are unforgettable. The first one I tried was topped with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and custard, while the second (only a few days later I’ll admit) featured strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries over vanilla ice cream and strawberry drizzle. They were both works of art.
Specifics of the Wagyu
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐- this gets a 6 because my mouth will never be the same
Kobe Wagyu Beef: I have never had anything more glorious touch my tastebuds. If you have any opportunity to try Kobe beef, please do.
⭐⭐⭐⭐- memorable and delicious!
Tanghulu: also known as candied strawberries, I had only ever seen these in various animes I had watched. When I found these at a street vendor in Harajuku with a friend, I knew I had to try them! Tanghulu is so yummy but make sure to bring a mouthguard for the moment your teeth break through the sugar because it can be sharp. Overall a very fun and delicious experience!
⭐⭐⭐- good but nothing special
Okonomiyaki: while this was good for the first ten minutes I was eating it, I soon became tired of the giant mash of flavors and textures that it offered. Many of my classmates loved it, but I wasn’t a huge fan. I would only have this again once or twice but it was still a great flavor experience!