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.

Tasting Japanese Street Food for the 1st Time
Japanese Street Food vendor

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.

Kuromon Market Osaka
Japanese street food
Fresh seafood
Sushi selection

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.

You might also enjoy:

Discover more from lyfe abroad

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading