The Best Food in Japan

Disclaimer: there are (almost) no bad restaurants in Japan. These are my personal favourites:

Ramen

There are several famous ramen places in Tokyo. The chains Ippudo and Ichiran spring to mind and are very good. My favourite spot for tonkatsu (ie pork broth, the richest kind) ramen is Menya Musashi Kosho. For a consistent shio (salt) ramen try Afuri (there are a few branches around Tokyo), which does a special, yuzu-flavoured version. 

Taiyaki

I have tried many, many taiyaki over the course of the last 6 months. The key is to get them freshly made. If they look cold, thin or a bit saggy they probably won’t be good. My favourite are the sardine shaped ones (red bean and cream cheese) from OYOGE, Roppongi. Other flavours such as melon or custard are available seasonally. They are always freshly made and have a crisp crust, thick outer layer and deliciously thick filling. 

Other dishes, ‘deliciously’

1. Sushi and sashimi (including kaitenzushi!)
2. Katsu – chicken (Imakatsu is blow-your-socks-off good), pork or even beef (a Kyoto speciality), they’re all delicious
3. Hitsumabushi – grilled eel on rice, eaten four ways
4. Seafood donburi – like here!
5. (surprisingly) pizza – like here (Beatle-mania included free)
6. Fried chicken – all over Japan, including your favourite combini (ie convenience store)

PS I’ve made a Google Maps list of all my favourite places in Japan from my 6 months, which you can access here.