What Japanese street foods are worth trying besides sushi and ramen?

Of course! When it comes to Japan, besides the well-known sushi and ramen, the street food hidden in every corner is the real treasure, full of local flavor. Next time you visit Japan, be sure to try these:

Savory Snacks (Super satisfying!)

1. Takoyaki (たこ焼き) This is definitely the king of street food! Golden, round little balls, crispy on the outside, soft and gooey batter inside, encasing a small, chewy piece of octopus. The sight of the chefs deftly flipping the balls with small skewers is a performance in itself. Finally, they're drizzled with special sauce, mayonnaise, and sprinkled with "dancing" bonito flakes. Eat them hot, one after another, but be careful not to burn your tongue!

2. Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き) You can imagine it as a "Japanese savory pancake." Cabbage, batter, eggs, meat/seafood, and various other ingredients you like are mixed together and grilled sizzling on a teppan (iron griddle), then artfully drizzled with sauce and mayonnaise. The preparation varies by region; for example, the Hiroshima style adds a layer of stir-fried noodles, making it even more substantial and incredibly satisfying.

3. Yakisoba (焼きそば) This is super common at summer festivals and street stalls. It's not a soup noodle, but rather noodles stir-fried on a griddle with cabbage, bean sprouts, and pork slices, seasoned with a sweet and savory sauce. The aroma is irresistible. Sometimes you'll find "Yakisoba Pan," which is yakisoba sandwiched in a hot dog bun – it might sound a bit strange, but the carb-on-carb combination is truly delightful!

4. Karaage (唐揚げ) Japanese fried chicken is a bit different from what we usually eat. It typically uses chicken thigh meat marinated beforehand in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, then coated in a thin layer of flour and deep-fried. The finished product has a crispy exterior, but one bite reveals juicy, tender chicken inside – so delicious you can't stop eating it. Even the convenience store versions are excellent, making them a perfect energy boost during your travels.

Sweet Snacks (Ready for a second stomach?)

1. Taiyaki (たい焼き) A fish-shaped cake – don't be fooled by the name, there's no fish inside! The outer shell has a waffle-like texture, and it's filled with various fillings. The most classic is red bean paste, which is sweet but not cloying. Nowadays, there are many new flavors like custard cream, chocolate, matcha, and even savory options. It's best eaten hot, fresh out of the mold.

2. Dango (団子) Three or four chewy mochi (glutinous rice) dumplings skewered on a bamboo stick. The most iconic is "Mitarashi Dango," which are white dumplings grilled and then drizzled with a sweet and savory soy sauce glaze, offering a soft and chewy texture. In spring, you'll also find "Hanami Dango" with pink, white, and green dumplings, which are very cute.

3. Japanese Crepes (クレープ) Especially in Takeshita Street in Harajuku, Tokyo, you'll see everyone holding one. Japanese crepes differ from French ones; they are rolled into a cone shape and generously filled with whipped cream, ice cream, fresh fruits (strawberries and bananas are a perfect match!), and even chocolate sauce, cheesecake, and more. The ingredients are super luxurious, making it a paradise for dessert lovers.

4. Kakigori (かき氷) Japan's "life-saver" in summer. It's not rough ice shavings, but rather finely shaved ice, like snowflakes, that melts in your mouth, produced by a special machine. It's topped with various premium syrups (like strawberry, matcha, mango), and often accompanied by condensed milk, red beans, and shiratama (mochi balls), making it refreshing and cooling.

Hope these give you new expectations for Japanese cuisine! When you travel, open your stomach and eat your way from street to alley!