#1 Yakitori
Yakitori is Japanese skewered chicken grilled over charcoal. Almost all parts of the chicken can be grilled. Of course, the not so adventurous ones will go for popular items such as chicken skin, thighs and winglets. Yakitori is best paired with beer and the company of friends.
2 Yakiniku
Yakiniku is Japanese grilled / barbecued meat. The meat is usually beef since Japan is famous for Kobe and Wagyu. There are of course some restaurants that cater to those who do not take beef, offering pork and chicken options. Here’s a tip: Lightly roast the meat to keep the meat succulent! You should only leave your meat to grill for 15-30 seconds before turning it to the other side. Otherwise, the meat will be overcooked and will be tough.
3 Sushi
Sushi needs no introduction and if it’s your first time to Tokyo, head over to Tsukiji Fish Market for the freshest raw seafood you can get in Tokyo. You can choose to join long queues at popular restaurant Sushi Daiwa or one which is not as popular but still offers good and quality sushi as its counterparts at Iwasa Sushi. If you are still not full, head over to Tsukiji Outer Marketwhere you can find even more street food!
4 Crab Feast at Kani Doraku
Ever tried crab sashimi? For fresh seafood, the best place to try is definitely in Japan. Kani Doraku originates from Osaka but has since spread all over Japan and you can find it even in Kyoto and Tokyo. You can’t miss the signboard of the restaurant as it has a huge crab on it. You need to experience a full crab feast for yourself, at least once in your life!
5 Shabu-Shabu
Shabu-shabu is a Japanese style of steamboat / hotpot. Usually served with a light soup stock, you put thinly sliced meat (beef or pork), vegetables and noodles into it. Before eating, you dip it into the dipping sauce provided. Proper shabu-shabu is a slow dining affair unlike when you are eating at restaurants offering shabu buffet. You need to have the real shabu-shabu dining experience in Japan.
6 Chicken / Karaage
Fried chicken might not be as mainstream as in Korea but the Japanese also love their chicken, usually in karaage or yakitori form. You know that you have found a good karaage in Japan when you see a shop specialising in it!
7 Ramen
Ramen is probably the cheapest meal you can get in Japan. The soup stock is boiled for many hours and it makes a very hearty meal. It is popular with those dining alone as it can be finished within minutes. There are many variations of ramen but the most popular and my favourite turns out to be the ones from Ichiran Ramen. Diners here finish the whole bowl including the soup! For those who are looking for muslim-friendly ramen, do check out Menya Kaijin situated at Shinjuku.
8 Tendon
Tempura is dish not to be missed in Japan. They usually consists of prawns or vegetables, lightly battered and fried. Good tempura are those that is not oily when served. For a complete and filling meal, people usually order tendon, which is tempura served on top of the rice. A good place for tendon has at be at Asakusa area.
9 Soba
Soba is simply buckwheat noodles and this is served in both hot and cold options. For a different and unique experience, I recommend you to go for cold soba since you can easily find hot and warm noodles anywhere around the world. You usually dip the noodles into the light soy sauce provided.
10 Gyoza
You can find gyoza at many Japanese restaurants but I go for the best and this place specialises in gyoza! You have a choice of grilled and steam options. The grilled option offers a different texture which is unique!
