Oh man, I knew without a doubt, I was going to blow my budget once I arrived in Japan. Not only do I have to replenish my wardrobe and toiletries, that have been with me for the past 16 months, but there are so many things I want to eat! Tasting Japanese street food for the 1st time has been nothing short of amazing.
Wagyu
Having heard of wagyu for years now, I have been incredibly curious to try this beef. I love meat and beef is a biggie for me. However, I have not eaten a steak in probably five years or so, due to the fact that I simply cannot afford it. The prices of good, healthy foods in Canada are beyond my budget.
When I first arrived on Dotonbori Street, and saw all the stands selling meat on a stick, specifically Kobe and wagyu beef, I knew this was going to happen. I shopped around for the cheapest skewer I could find, and dove in.
My oh my, absolutely delish. Very fatty tasting, but soft and flavourful. The cost of these three thin pieces of meat was 1,000 yen or $9 CAD. Ouch. However, like I said this was the cheapest. I saw prices soar, up to 12,000 yen for a single stick of Kobe beef, that’s $108!!! WTF???
Takoyaki
Balls of I’m not sure what, with octopus chunks inside. OK, I’ll be honest here, I saw the lines, joined in, and didn’t have a clue what I was about to consume. 🤣 These lava hot balls of goo, were okay, but I would not purchase them again. Cost 500 yen or $4.50.
They look great, served up in the little dish, with the paper-thin pieces of dried fish dancing in the steam. But the taste is bland, such a liquidy centre they fell apart trying to pick them up and really the only thing I tasted was the BBQ sauce they were drenched in.
Mochi
Having seen this delightful goodie on TikTok, I knew I would be trying one should they cross my path. Cross, they did, and wow, was it ever delicious! I chose the Sakura one of course, being the season of cherry blossoms.
The mochi was perfect, chewy and not too sweet. The fresh strawberry was killer, one of the best I have ever eaten. And the filling was pasty, perfumy and beany, not a favourite texture, but paired with everything else, absolutely perfect.
Taiyaki
Wowzers, if I could eat these every day, I just might. These are a dense waffle like treat, quite large, and filled with either fresh custard or bean paste. Of course I chose the custard.
So warm, gooey, sweet but not overly so. The flour is hearty and a deep golden colour, definitely not the white flour we are used to in the west. Highly recommend these jewels should you see them whilst out and about.
Tuna
I have had sushi elsewhere of course, but having it in Japan is a dream come true. Now this wasn’t technically sushi per say, just the tuna goodness. I was at the Kuromon Market in Osaka, famous for its seafood delights.
A vendor with 90% of his goods tuna based, I picked him as the connoisseur I was seeking. Perusing his selection and trying to use my google translate app, I wanted the best or as close to my frugal pocket book could afford. I chose the smallest box of the deep red, at 550 yen or $5.
The old gentleman, popped open my box, placed a tray of soy sauce in front of me and pointed to the chopsticks. Oh my, just like butter. Absolutely zero fishy taste, creamy and warm. I could almost squish it against the roof of my mouth. Hands down the best raw seafood I have ever had in my life.
Well, writing this post is making my mouth water beyond belief so I will close up here. There will be more articles about the food I have had in Japan for I have indulged more here, than anywhere else I have been. There is such a huge selection of amazing things to eat, all cooked (or not) to perfection. I’m in heaven.
