What are the must-try representative foods when visiting Tokyo? (e.g., Sushi, Ramen, Tempura, Unagi, Monjayaki)

Hello! Seeing that you're heading to Tokyo is fantastic—it's absolutely a foodie paradise! I've put together a list of must-eat foods, all of which I make a point to eat every time I visit. Hope it helps. Don't get too stressed about all the guides; remember, the most important thing is enjoying your food!

What are the must-eat representative foods in Tokyo?

1. Sushi

When it comes to Tokyo, the first thing that pops into mind is definitely sushi! This is the “holy land” of sushi, renowned for its unparalleled freshness and service.

Why must you eat it? Tokyo is close to one of the world’s largest fish markets (formerly Tsukiji, now Toyosu), ensuring top-tier fresh seafood. Watching the sushi chef (Itamae) expertly prepare each piece right before your eyes is an experience in itself. Every bite offers the perfect harmony of the fish’s sweetness and the rice’s subtle tang.
Where to go?
- High-end experience (Ginza, Nishi-Azabu): If the budget allows, try omakase (chef’s selection), where the chef creates a personalized sushi course based on the freshest daily ingredients. It’s the ultimate dining indulgence.
- Market vibe (around Toyosu Market): Many sushi shops surround the market. Though queues might be long, you get incredibly fresh seafood at relatively reasonable prices, with a bustling atmosphere.
- Conveyor belt sushi chains: Perfect for a casual, fuss-free meal or if you’re with kids. It’s fun, affordable, and the quality is significantly better than similar places back home.
Pro tip: When eating sushi, dip the fish side into soy sauce – not the rice. Just a light dip, so the soy sauce doesn’t overpower the delicate flavor of the fish.

2. Ramen

Tokyo’s ramen scene is like a vast culinary world, with countless styles and unique flavors. It’s the ultimate soul food to soothe travel fatigue.

Why must you eat it? Every shop boasts its own signature broth – from rich pork bone (tonkotsu), to clear soy sauce (shoyu) and salt (shio), to hearty miso (miso). The variety is so immense you could eat it daily without repeating! You can often choose noodle firmness, soup richness, and even toppings.
Where to go?
- Ramen battlegrounds (Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Tokyo Station): These areas are packed with famous ramen shops. Tokyo Station’s basement “Ramen Street” is a haven for convenience, letting you sample multiple renowned shops in one spot.
- Tiny local joints: Don’t underestimate small hole-in-the-wall shops with only a few seats and long lines. They often hold the most surprising and delicious flavors favored by locals.
Pro tip: Many ramen shops have a vending machine outside. First, purchase your meal ticket (shokuken) from the machine, then hand it to the staff. When eating, don’t hesitate to slurp loudly! In Japan, this shows you think the noodles are delicious and is considered a compliment to the chef.

3. Tempura

In your mind, tempura might just be a side dish at a Japanese restaurant. But in Tokyo, an authentic tempura meal will completely change your perception!

Why must you eat it? Good tempura features an incredibly light, crisp, non-greasy batter, like a delicate veil enveloping the ingredient. It perfectly seals in the natural sweetness of shrimp, the fresh aroma of vegetables, and the tenderness of fish. Eaten freshly fried right before you, served piping hot with a satisfying crunch – it’s pure comfort.
Where to go?
- Specialty tempura restaurants: Highly recommended. Sit at the counter and watch the chef fry each piece before you. Pricey, but it’s an unparalleled experience.
- Casual eateries or soba shops: Here you can find tempura rice bowls (tendon) or tempura soba noodles at affordable prices, making them perfect introductory options.
Pro tip: Eat tempura immediately after it’s fried! You can dip it in the accompanying sauce mixed with grated daikon radish (tentsuyu) or simply sprinkle a bit of salt to appreciate the ingredient’s natural flavor.

4. Unagi Don (Grilled Eel Rice Bowl)

This dish instantly fills you with happiness and energy. Finely grilled unagi (eel) served over steaming rice with its fragrant, sweet-savory sauce is irresistible just from the aroma.

Why must you eat it? The Kanto-style (Tokyo style) preparation involves steaming the eel before grilling, resulting in exceptionally tender, melt-in-your-mouth flesh. Paired with each restaurant’s secret-recipe sauce that permeates every grain of rice, it’s a great way to enjoy a bowl of rice (gohan killer)!
Where to go?
- Historic specialty shops (Asakusa, Nihombashi, etc.): Many unagi restaurants boast histories spanning over a hundred years, preserving unique sauces and grilling techniques, making them worth a special trip.
Pro tip: Sprinkle a little sansho pepper powder on top while eating. Its slight numbing spiciness cuts through the sauce’s richness, adding depth and complexity to the eel’s flavor.

5. Monjayaki

This one might be less familiar. Similar to okonomiyaki, but with a significantly different texture, it’s a specialty dish of Tsukishima in Tokyo. The fun lies partly in preparing it yourself!

Why must you eat it? Monjayaki is a “cook-it-yourself” style of iron griddle cooking. Staff will help you sauté cabbage, seafood, meat, etc., on the griddle, forming a ring, then pour batter in the center. Once semi-solid with slightly crispy edges, you’ll use a small spatula (kote) to scrape it directly off the griddle. It looks a bit like a “savory goop,” but has a wonderfully salty-umami flavor and unique, appealing texture. It’s especially fun for friends to cook, eat, and chat together.
Where to go?
- Tsukishima Monja Street (Tsukishima Monja Street): For the most authentic monjayaki, head here! The whole street is lined with monjayaki shops; you can’t go wrong stepping into any of them.
Pro tip: Don’t worry if it’s your first time; feel free to ask staff for help preparing it. When eating, don’t rush. Enjoy the unique experience of scraping slightly crunchy bites directly off the hot griddle with your little spatula.

Hope this list helps you embark on a wonderful culinary journey in Tokyo! Wishing you a fantastic time exploring and, even more so, eating!