6 Best Street Food You Must Try In Shinjuku, Tokyo

street food in shinjuku
Nduku
Nduku 
Updated

Shinjuku is an awesome city that never sleeps due to a large number of businesses and large population. In this city, you will come across many eateries, restaurants, hotels, bars, clubs, boutiques, casinos, galleries, and many more. Other than that, this cultural region has inspired various delicious cuisines that you will see across the streets in many eateries and restaurants. The majority of the street food are quick to eat, saving you time to complete other errands. Read below for more information on the best street food you must try in Shinjuku, Tokyo for an exciting experience.

1. Mitarashi dango

Mitarashi dango 001
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ocdp used under CC0

Enjoy a sweet traditional Japanese delicacy offered at various eateries in Shinjuku. Mitarashi Dango is prepared when the sweet dumplings are known as ‘dango’ are coated with soy sauce for a completely delicious taste. The dumplings are then kept in a skewer of three or four for a decorative presentation. Dango is made from either short-grain rice or sweet rice flour which tends to affect the texture of the final product. These two products known as shiratamako and joshinka are only preferences and depend on the customer’s needs.

2. Tempura

Tempura
Source: Pixabay

Tempura is a tasty Japanese dish made of either vegetables or seafood. This delicious dish is popular among the locals as it is offered across various eateries. The process of making this dish is quite simple. Some of the ingredients you need for the preparation of the dish include canola oil, egg, flour, potato starch, and many more. After the dish is well-prepared, you can accompany it with salt, lemon, or tentsuyu. This dish is always served while hot to retain the original flavor.

3. Anpan

Bean-jam-bun,anpan,katori-city,japan
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user katorisi used under CC BY 3.0

Munch on a special Japanese dish known as Anpan on the streets of Shinjuku. The bun is prepared by filling it with various food items such as sesame, green beans, and chestnut. You will find the bun quite pleasing to the eye and also delicious. Eating this traditional food was once considered a ritual in the past. The snack is best eaten with a beverage to maximize the overall experience and taste. Due to its popularity, it is found in most local eateries and restaurants around the region.

4. Yakitori

Tsukune @ Yakitori skewers @ Tori Don @ Toritcho @ Montparnasse @ Paris
Source: Photo by user Guilhem Vellut used under CC BY 2.0

Yakitori is a wonderful dish prepared by skewered chicken. The nicely cut chicken pieces are then grilled and occasionally brushed with sauce to enjoy the flavor. The sauce is usually combined with other ingredients such as chives, garlic powder, ginger, and sake. The chicken should be marinated with the sauce before being grilled to bring out the tenderness. The final product should come out golden in color and a bit crunchy. Normally, the dish is accompanied by vegetables for added taste. This dish is ideal as an appetizer or lunch snack.

5. Ramen

Ramen
Source: Pixabay

Ramen is a traditional Japanese dish available in various eateries around the region. The dish consists of well-prepared wheat noodles accompanied with meat or seafood. Some soy sauce is added to spice up additional flavor and taste. Ramen soup is made from pork or chicken and combined with several ingredients such as onion, beef bones, sardines, and tuna flakes. The dish is tasty and easy to make thus being a popular dish among the locals. This delicacy is usually served while hot to maximize its taste.

6. Ikayaki

Ikayaki (7629347178)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user suri used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Try out this special traditional fast food of grilled squid usually accompanied by some sauce, ginger, and rice wine. The dish is usually prepared fast for a final fleshy finishing that leaves you salivating. It is normally thoroughly washed to prevent its smell from spreading to the meat while cooking. The final product varies from skewered or chopped depending on your preference. In most cases, you will find the delicacy in various markets, in events, and on the streets. The dish can be served with mayonnaise and pepper.

Bonus: Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku (99 USD)

street food in shinjuku | bonus: tokyo night foodie tour in shinjuku
Source: Magical Trip

Shinjuku Station is the busiest railway station in the world, handling more than two million passengers daily which means it’s constantly on the go! But that also means Shinjuku is one of the liveliest places you can visit in Tokyo! As soon as the sun sets, Shinjuku becomes a picturesque landscape of vibrant lights, and hidden inside its busy streets are noteworthy restaurants worthy of a nighttime food trip! During the tour, try three of the best that Japan has to offer: Sushi, served to you by an authentic sushi chef; authentic Japanese wagyu barbecue, grilled using a Japanese shichirin (BBQ stove); and top it all off with artisanal gelato while you’re surrounded by the lights and sounds of Kabukicho! A perfect end to a day in Japan.

Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku

Duration: 3 hours

Price: 99 USD

Savor delicious Japanese specialties at Shinjuku

Shinjuku is known for its exciting food scene, as seen in various eateries offering you tasty delicacies. Come with your loved ones for an awesome experience and a pure taste of Japan.

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Nduku Mulwa is an experienced online freelancer who has traveled in different countries such as Canada, South Africa, Ghana, and Japan. She moves around in search of magnificent views, culture,...Read more

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