Focus on: Japanese street food
[:it]Se amate il Giappone non potete non amare la sua cultura per il cibo e in particolare lo street food giapponese.
photo credit: jackwilson
Profumi, colori e sapori si mescolano per le strade del Giappone. che si tratti di eventi speciali o di un giorno qualunque, le tradizionali bancarelle di cibo da strada, comunemente chiamate Yatai, offrono meraviglie culinarie. Dolci o salate, queste leccornie non si trovano normalmente nei ristoranti oppure hanno un sapore molto più intenso cucinato dal venditore ambulante.
Tutte le appetitose pietanze on-the-go sono particolarmente economiche, ma sempre di altissima qualità. La selezione che gli Yatai offrono varia spesso tra le stagioni e anche tra le regioni del Giappone. Nonostante questo, l’elenco delle prelibatezze è talmente vasto che preferisco non dilungarmi in chiacchiere: iniziamo subito questo speciale viaggio sensoriale!
Alcuni degli street food più famosi
photo credits: jmettraux
Okonomiyaki
Diffuso soprattutto ad Osaka è anche conosciuto come “Pizza di Osaka”. Lo お好み焼き letteralmente okonomi = ciò che vuoi, yaki = alla griglia, è la versione giapponese di un classico pancake. Tuttavia questo piatto non è dolce ma a base di scaglie di verza, farina e uova, con l’aggiunta di ingredienti a piacere come carne e pesce. Il tutto viene cucinato su una piastra calda. Ne esistono delle varianti ad Hiroshima e Tokyo, ma questa sorta di “frittata” è divenuta famosa anche grazie all’anime “Ai shite Naito” (愛してナイト), da noi noto come “Kiss Me Licia”. Ricordate il padre di Yaeko (Licia), Shige-San (per noi Marrabbio)? Infatti era proprio lui il proprietario dell’okonomiyaki-ya, il ristorantino tipico specializzato in okonomiyaki!
photo credits: favy-jp.com
Wataame
Immaginate di poter mangiare una soffice nuvola e avrete il Wataame o Watagashi (綿あめ), il dolce zucchero filato giapponese. Questa semplice leccornia amata soprattutto dai bambini, si può trovare ovunque. Infatti li troviamo presso gli Yatai, in cui è possibile vederne la realizzazione, oppure acquistarlo già pronto e confezionato in pacchetti colorati e spesso decorati con personaggi manga.
photo credits: jpninfo.com
Yaki Imo
Lo yakiimo o Ishi Yaki Imo (焼き芋/ 石焼き芋) è un piccolo tesoro autunnale autentico della tradizione giapponese. Realizzato con la satsuma-imo, una patata dolce giapponese dal sapore di caramello, essa cuoce in un forno a legna ed è servita avvolta in carta marrone. E’ facile individuare lo yatai che offre questa specialità. Infatti, se si tendono le orecchie, si potranno udire delle canzoni che si diffondono per le strade per attirare i clienti!
Molto tempo fa gli yaki imo ya san (焼き芋屋さん, come vengono definiti i venditori ambulanti di patate arrosto) attraversavano le strade della città con i carrelli. Tuttavia, oggi è più facile vederli spostarsi su piccoli camioncini.
photo credits: littlejapanmama.com
Crepes
Le crepes, originarie della Francia, si sono diffuse presto anche nel Sol Levante. infatti, sul finire degli anni ‘70, divennero lo snack dolce on the go soprattutto nel quartiere di Harajuku. La classica pastella viene cucinata sulla piastra calda e farcita con nama kurimu (panna montata delicatamente dolce), cioccolato, gelato e frutta, variegate con vari sciroppi, piegate nella tipica forma a cono e servite avvolte nella carta per facilitarne il consumo.
photo credits: nonilo.com
Imagawayaki
L’imagawayaki (今川焼き) è un dessert che si trova spesso in vendita nei banchi dei festival. In base alla regione il suo nome varia in Ooban yaki (大判焼き) o Kaiten Yaki (回転焼き). Tuttavia, “wagashi” (和菓子) è il nome originario di questo dolce che si diffuse durante il periodo Edo. La pastella, a base di farina, uova ed acqua, viene versata in una speciale piastra e farcita con i fagioli rossi (azuki). Con il tempo si sono diffuse molte varianti che prevedono un’ampia varietà di ripieni. Possiamo trovare infatti crema alla vaniglia, creme e confetture di frutta, curry, carne, verdura e patate.
photo credits: italianfoodacademy.com
Nikuman
Questi irresistibili panini rotondi ripieni di carne (niku) solitamente carne di maiale (buta) e cotti al vapore, sono un’istituzione a Yokohama! Il loro nome però varia da Nikuman (肉まん) nella regione del Kanto a Butaman (豚まん) nella regione del Kansai. Assaporati da soli o accompagnati dalla salsa di soia, sono uno spuntino perfetto, assolutamente da provare!
photo credits: jetsettingfools.com
Ikayaki
L’Ikayaki (いか焼き, イカ焼き o 烏賊焼, calamari al forno o alla griglia) è uno degli snack “da strada” preferiti dai giapponesi! Solitamente sono accompagnati con salsa di soia, teriyaki o una tradizionale salsa che in genere include vino di riso, pasta di miso, zenzero e salsa di soia. Ciò che rende questi calamari teneri e paffuti è la loro rapida preparazione e vengono serviti immediatamente una volta fuori dalla griglia.
Trovare gli ikayaki è abbastanza semplice: mercati, santuari e feste locali offrono sempre questa prelibatezza!
photo credits: zojirushi.com
Yaki Tomorokoshi
In Giappone, lo Yaki Tomorokoshi (焼きとうもろこし) è uno degli street food stagionali che è possibile trovare alle fiere e durante i festival. Esso consiste un una pannocchia grigliata, ricoperta da una miscela di salsa di soia dolce e pepe speziato.
photo credits: favy-jp.com
Choco Banana
Un dessert estremamente semplice eppure unico nel suo genere: le choco banana sono un must dei festival in Giappone! Deliziose banane ghiacciate ricoperte da qualsiasi tipo di cioccolato e decorate con granella di zucchero o nocciole. Servite su un bastoncino, le choco banana possono far sorridere noi occidentali grazie alla loro forma equivoca, ma una volta assaggiate non potrete più farne a meno!
photo credits: matcha-jp.com
Taiyaki
Il profumo paradisiaco del Taiyaki (たい焼き) è unico ed è impossibile resistervi! La loro forma è quella tipica “a pesce” (“tai”, farciti con crema di fagioli rossi o panna, ma anche tantissime variazioni stagionali come le patate dolci e le castagne!
photo credits: Hayley Casarotto
Takoyaki
I takoyaki (たこ焼き polpo fritto o grigliato) sono polpette fritte di pastella ripiene di polpo, cipolle verdi, zenzero e pezzi di tempura. Esse vengono poi condite con una salsa Otafuku, l’alga aonori tritata, maionese e katsuobushi (fiocchi di tonnetto striato essiccato e affumicato). E’ una specialità della cucina di Osaka, ma i venditori di queste delizie si possono trovare in quasi tutte la nazione.
photo credits: hubjapan.io
Yakisoba
Gli Yakisoba (焼きそば, spaghetti saltati) sono uno dei comfort-food per eccellenza della cucina giapponese ed uno degli snacks più venduti dalle bancarelle durante i festival! La pietanza consiste in noodles saltati in padella con pezzetti di maiale. Accompagnati da varie verdure come cavoli, carote e cipolle e conditi con una salsa speciale che conferisce loro il tipico sapore speziato. Per la strada si possono trovare persino serviti in stile hot-dog all’interno di un panino e conditi con maionese e zenzero sottaceto!
photo credits: pellgen (@1179_jp)
Ayu No Shioyaki
Gli Ayu no Shioyaki (鮎の塩焼き) sono pezzi di pesce tipico del Giappone grigliato e condito solamente con sale. Questi vengono poi infilzati nello spiedino e rappresentano un must estivo che richiama la pace e l’energia dei fiumi.
photo credits: e-sumida.gr.jp
Kare Pan
Il kare pan (カレーパン) è un insolito e gustoso snack consistente in curry giapponese avvolto in un impasto leggermente dolce, impanato e fritto. Il curry utilizzato è molto diverso da quello che noi conosciamo qui in occidente. Infatti, è di un colore scuro ha un sapore più delicato che bene si adatta a questa particolare ricetta.
photo credits: e-sumida.gr.jp
Senbei
Una griglia a carbone, farina di riso, acqua e una miriade di sapori, sono i fondamenti dello Senbei (せんべい). Conosciuti anche come crackers di riso giapponesi, nessuno può resistere. Dolci o salati, i croccanti senbei si presentano di varie forme e dimensioni e per 300 yen. Uno snack assolutamente da provare!
photo credits: M’s photography
Dango
All’esterno dei Templi Shintoisti, fanno capolino i venditori di dango (団子)! Questi sodi gnocchi rotondi di farina di riso glutinoso e acqua sono tipicamente serviti su uno spiedino e ne esistono di diversi tipi. An-Dango sono i più popolari in Giappone a base di anko addolcito. Invece, Bocchan Dango sono i più famosi ed estetici. Infatti, noi siamo abituati a vederli un po’ ovunque online e negli Anime. Sono disponibili in 3 colori: il primo è colorato dai fagioli rossi (rosso), il secondo da uova (Giallo), e il terzo dal tè verde (verde). I Chichi dango invece sono leggermente zuccherati, mentre i Goma dango hanno i semi di sesamo e possono essere sia salati che dolci. Passiamo poi ai Kinako dango a base di farina di soia tostata e ai Mitarashi dango ricoperti da una glassa di salsa di soia dolce.
photo credits: Justin C.
Kakigōri
Sarebbe un’eresia definire il kakigōri (かき氷) come un granita: è qualcosa di più speciale, dalla consistenza soffice come la neve! Il ghiaccio così tritato viene aromatizzato con un sciroppo fruttato (fragola, ciliegia, limone, tè verde, uva, melone, prugna dolce) e addolcito con il latte condensato. Ne esiste una versione originaria di Kagoshima, il shirokuma (白熊, letteralmente “orso polare”), aromatizzato con latte condensato, piccoli mochi colorati, frutta (mandarino, ciliegia, ananas e uvetta ) e pasta di fagioli dolci (gli azuki).
photo credits: yutaka.london
Candy Fruits
La frutta candita è tra la più diffusa per le strade del Sol Levante. Ichigo Ame (fragole candite), Mikan Ame (mandarino giapponese candito), Ringo Ame (mele candite) e Anzu Ame (albicocche candite) sono irresistibili. Se siete degli amanti dei dolci non potete perderveli. Succosi frutti immersi nello sciroppo caramellato e infilzati da uno spiedino per essere mangiati on-the-go mentre i vostri occhi si riempiono delle meraviglie del Giappone!
Questi street food sono solamente un indizio di tutto quello che il Giappone può offrire. Tuttavia, se vi viene fame mentre state camminando per la strada perchè un buon profumo vi ha tentati, allora non esitate! Correte ad assaggiare queste specialità e fateci sapere cosa ne pensate![:en]If you love Japan you surely love its culture for food and in particular Japanese street food.
photo credit: jackwilson
Perfumes, colors and flavors mix on the streets of Japan. Whether it’s special events or an ordinary day, the traditional street food stalls, commonly called Yatai, offer culinary wonders. Sweet or savory, these delicacies are not normally found in restaurants or have a much more intense taste cooked by the street vendor.
All the tasty on-the-go dishes are particularly cheap, but always of the highest quality. The selection that the Yatai offer often varies between the seasons and also between the regions of Japan. Despite this, the list of delicacies is so vast that I prefer not to dwell on talk: let’s start this special sensory journey immediately!
Some of the most famous street food
photo credits: jmettraux
Okonomiyaki
Especially widespread in Osaka it is also known as “Pizza of Osaka”. The お好み焼き literally okonomi = what you want, yaki = grilled, is the Japanese version of a classic pancake. However this dish is not sweet but based on cabbage flakes, flour and eggs, with the addition of ingredients like meat and fish. Everything is cooked on a hot plate. There are variations in Hiroshima and Tokyo, but this sort of “omelette” has become famous also thanks to the anime “Ai shite Naito” (愛してナイト), known by us as “Kiss Me Licia”. Do you remember Yaeko’s father (Licia), Shige-San (for us Marrabbio)? In fact, he was the owner of the okonomiyaki-ya, the typical okonomiyaki restaurant!
photo credits: favy-jp.com
Wataame
Imagine being able to eat a soft cloud and you will have Wataame or Watagashi (綿あめ), the sweet Japanese cotton candy. This simple delicacy loved above all by children can be found everywhere. In fact we find them at the Yatai, where you can see their realization, or buy it ready-made and packaged in colorful packages and often decorated with manga characters.
photo credits: jpninfo.com
Yaki Imo
Yakiimo or Ishi Yaki Imo (焼き芋/石焼き芋) is a small authentic autumnal treasure of the Japanese tradition. Made with satsuma-imo, a Japanese sweet potato with a caramel flavor, it cooks in a wood-fired oven and is served wrapped in brown paper. It is easy to identify the yatai that offers this specialty. In fact, if you prick up your ears, you can hear songs that spread through the streets to attract customers!
Long ago, yaki imo ya san (焼き芋屋さん, as they are called roast potato vendors) crossed the city streets with carts. However, today it is easier to see them moving on small trucks.
photo credits: littlejapanmama.com
Crepes
The crepes, originating from France, soon spread also in the Rising Sun. in fact, towards the end of the 1970s, they became the sweet snack on the go, especially in the Harajuku district. The classic batter is cooked on the hot plate and filled with nama kurimu (delicately sweet whipped cream), chocolate, ice cream and fruit, variegated with various syrups, folded into the typical cone shape and served wrapped in paper for easy consumption.
photo credits: nonilo.com
Imagawayaki
Imagawayaki (今川焼き) is a dessert that is often found for sale at festival stalls. Based on the region its name varies in Ooban yaki (大判焼き) or Kaiten Yaki (転焼き). However, “wagashi” (和菓子) is the original name of this dessert that spread during the Edo period. The batter, made from flour, eggs and water, is poured into a special plate and filled with red beans (azuki). Over time, many variations have become widespread that provide a wide variety of fillings. In fact we can find vanilla cream, cream and fruit jams, curry, meat, vegetables and potatoes.
photo credits: italianfoodacademy.com
Nikuman
These irresistible round rolls stuffed with meat (niku) usually pork (buta) and steamed, are an institution in Yokohama! Their name however varies from Nikuman (肉まん) in the Kanto region to Butaman (豚まん) in the Kansai region. Savored alone or accompanied by soy sauce, they are a perfect snack, a must try!
photo credits: jetsettingfools.com
Ikayaki
Ikayaki (いか焼き, イカ焼き or 烏賊焼, baked or grilled squid) is one of the Japanese’s favorite street snacks! They are usually accompanied with soy sauce, teriyaki or a traditional sauce that typically includes rice wine, miso paste, ginger and soy sauce. What makes these squids tender and plump is their quick preparation and are served immediately off the grill.
Finding ikayaki is quite simple: local markets, shrines and festivals always offer this delicacy!
photo credits: zojirushi.com
Yaki Tomorokoshi
In Japan, Yaki Tomorokoshi (焼きうもろこし) is one of the seasonal street food that can be found at fairs and during festivals. It consists of a grilled panicle, covered with a mixture of sweet soy sauce and spicy pepper.
photo credits: favy-jp.com
Choco Banana
An extremely simple yet unique dessert: choco bananas are a must for Japanese festivals! Delicious frozen bananas covered with any kind of chocolate and decorated with sugar or hazelnut grains. Serve on a stick, the choco bananas can make us westerners smile thanks to their equivocal shape, but once you taste them you won’t be able to do without them!
photo credits: matcha-jp.com
Taiyaki
The paradisiacal scent of Taiyaki (たい焼き) is unique and it is impossible to resist it! Their shape is typical “a pesce” (“tai”, stuffed with cream of red beans or cream, but also many seasonal variations such as sweet potatoes and chestnuts!
photo credits: Hayley Casarotto
Takoyaki
Takoyaki (たこ焼き fried or grilled octopus) are fried balls of batter filled with octopus, green onions, ginger and pieces of tempura. They are then seasoned with an Otafuku sauce, minced aonori seaweed, mayonnaise and katsuobushi (dried and smoked striated tuna flakes). It is a specialty of Osaka cuisine, but the sellers of these delights can be found in almost every country.
photo credits: hubjapan.io
Yakisoba
Yakisoba (焼きそば, sautéed spaghetti) are one of the quintessential comfort-foods of Japanese cuisine and one of the best-selling snacks from stalls during festivals! The dish consists of stir-fried noodles with pieces of pork. Accompanied by various vegetables such as cabbage, carrots and onions and seasoned with a special sauce that gives them the typical spicy flavor. On the street you can even find them served in a hot-dog style inside a sandwich and seasoned with mayonnaise and pickled ginger!
photo credits: pellgen (@1179_jp)
Ayu No Shioyaki
The Ayu no Shioyaki (鮎の塩焼き) are pieces of typical Japanese fish grilled and seasoned only with salt. These are then impaled on the skewer and represent a summer must that recalls the peace and energy of the rivers.
photo credits: e-sumida.gr.jp
Kare Pan
Kare pan (カレーパン) is an unusual and tasty snack consisting of Japanese curry wrapped in a slightly sweet, breaded and fried dough. The curry used is very different from what we know here in the West. In fact, it is dark in color and has a more delicate flavor that is well suited to this particular recipe.
photo credits: e-sumida.gr.jp
Senbei
A charcoal grill, rice flour, water and a myriad of flavors are the foundations of Senbei (せんべい). Also known as Japanese rice crackers, nobody can resist. Sweet or savory, the crunchy senbei are of various shapes and sizes and for 300 yen. A must try snack!
photo credits: M’s photography
Dango
Outside the Shintoist temples, the dango vendors (団子) peep! These firm, round glutinous rice flour and water dumplings are typically served on a skewer and there are different types. An-Dango are the most popular in Japan based on sweetened anko. Instead, Bocchan Dango are the most famous and aesthetic. In fact, we are used to seeing them almost everywhere online and in Anime. They are available in 3 colors: the first is colored by red beans (red), the second by eggs (Yellow), and the third by green tea (green).
The Chichi dango instead are slightly sweet, while the Goma dango have sesame seeds and can be either savory or sweet. Then we pass to the Kinako dango based on toasted soy flour and to the Mitarashi dango covered with a glaze of sweet soy sauce.
photo credits: Justin C.
Kakigōri
It would be a heresy to define kakigōri (き氷) as a granita: it is something more special, with a soft consistency like snow! The chopped ice is flavored with a fruity syrup (strawberry, cherry, lemon, green tea, grapes, melon, sweet plum) and sweetened with condensed milk. There is an original version of Kagoshima, the shirokuma (白熊, literally “polar bear”), flavored with condensed milk, small colored mochi, fruit (mandarin, cherry, pineapple and raisins) and sweet bean paste (azuki).
photo credits: yutaka.london
Candy Fruits
Candied fruit is among the most widespread on the roads of the Rising Sun. Ichigo Ame (candied strawberries), Mikan Ame (candied Japanese mandarin), Ringo Ame (candied apples) and Anzu Ame (candied apricots) are irresistible. If you are a sweet lover you cannot miss it. Juicy fruits dipped in caramelized syrup and skewered by a skewer to be eaten on-the-go while your eyes are filled with the wonders of Japan!
These street foods are only a hint of all that Japan can offer. However, if you get hungry while you are walking down the street because a good smell has tempted you, then do not hesitate! Run to taste these specialties and let us know what you think![:ja]If you love Japan you surely love its culture for food and in particular Japanese street food.
photo credit: jackwilson
Perfumes, colors and flavors mix on the streets of Japan. Whether it’s special events or an ordinary day, the traditional street food stalls, commonly called Yatai, offer culinary wonders. Sweet or savory, these delicacies are not normally found in restaurants or have a much more intense taste cooked by the street vendor.
All the tasty on-the-go dishes are particularly cheap, but always of the highest quality. The selection that the Yatai offer often varies between the seasons and also between the regions of Japan. Despite this, the list of delicacies is so vast that I prefer not to dwell on talk: let’s start this special sensory journey immediately!
Some of the most famous street food
photo credits: jmettraux
Okonomiyaki
Especially widespread in Osaka it is also known as “Pizza of Osaka”. The お好み焼き literally okonomi = what you want, yaki = grilled, is the Japanese version of a classic pancake. However this dish is not sweet but based on cabbage flakes, flour and eggs, with the addition of ingredients like meat and fish. Everything is cooked on a hot plate. There are variations in Hiroshima and Tokyo, but this sort of “omelette” has become famous also thanks to the anime “Ai shite Naito” (愛してナイト), known by us as “Kiss Me Licia”. Do you remember Yaeko’s father (Licia), Shige-San (for us Marrabbio)? In fact, he was the owner of the okonomiyaki-ya, the typical okonomiyaki restaurant!
photo credits: favy-jp.com
Wataame
Imagine being able to eat a soft cloud and you will have Wataame or Watagashi (綿あめ), the sweet Japanese cotton candy. This simple delicacy loved above all by children can be found everywhere. In fact we find them at the Yatai, where you can see their realization, or buy it ready-made and packaged in colorful packages and often decorated with manga characters.
photo credits: jpninfo.com
Yaki Imo
Yakiimo or Ishi Yaki Imo (焼き芋/石焼き芋) is a small authentic autumnal treasure of the Japanese tradition. Made with satsuma-imo, a Japanese sweet potato with a caramel flavor, it cooks in a wood-fired oven and is served wrapped in brown paper. It is easy to identify the yatai that offers this specialty. In fact, if you prick up your ears, you can hear songs that spread through the streets to attract customers!
Long ago, yaki imo ya san (焼き芋屋さん, as they are called roast potato vendors) crossed the city streets with carts. However, today it is easier to see them moving on small trucks.
photo credits: littlejapanmama.com
Crepes
The crepes, originating from France, soon spread also in the Rising Sun. in fact, towards the end of the 1970s, they became the sweet snack on the go, especially in the Harajuku district. The classic batter is cooked on the hot plate and filled with nama kurimu (delicately sweet whipped cream), chocolate, ice cream and fruit, variegated with various syrups, folded into the typical cone shape and served wrapped in paper for easy consumption.
photo credits: nonilo.com
Imagawayaki
Imagawayaki (今川焼き) is a dessert that is often found for sale at festival stalls. Based on the region its name varies in Ooban yaki (大判焼き) or Kaiten Yaki (転焼き). However, “wagashi” (和菓子) is the original name of this dessert that spread during the Edo period. The batter, made from flour, eggs and water, is poured into a special plate and filled with red beans (azuki). Over time, many variations have become widespread that provide a wide variety of fillings. In fact we can find vanilla cream, cream and fruit jams, curry, meat, vegetables and potatoes.
photo credits: italianfoodacademy.com
Nikuman
These irresistible round rolls stuffed with meat (niku) usually pork (buta) and steamed, are an institution in Yokohama! Their name however varies from Nikuman (肉まん) in the Kanto region to Butaman (豚まん) in the Kansai region. Savored alone or accompanied by soy sauce, they are a perfect snack, a must try!
photo credits: jetsettingfools.com
Ikayaki
Ikayaki (いか焼き, イカ焼き or 烏賊焼, baked or grilled squid) is one of the Japanese’s favorite street snacks! They are usually accompanied with soy sauce, teriyaki or a traditional sauce that typically includes rice wine, miso paste, ginger and soy sauce. What makes these squids tender and plump is their quick preparation and are served immediately off the grill.
Finding ikayaki is quite simple: local markets, shrines and festivals always offer this delicacy!
photo credits: zojirushi.com
Yaki Tomorokoshi
In Japan, Yaki Tomorokoshi (焼きうもろこし) is one of the seasonal street food that can be found at fairs and during festivals. It consists of a grilled panicle, covered with a mixture of sweet soy sauce and spicy pepper.
photo credits: favy-jp.com
Choco Banana
An extremely simple yet unique dessert: choco bananas are a must for Japanese festivals! Delicious frozen bananas covered with any kind of chocolate and decorated with sugar or hazelnut grains. Serve on a stick, the choco bananas can make us westerners smile thanks to their equivocal shape, but once you taste them you won’t be able to do without them!
photo credits: matcha-jp.com
Taiyaki
The paradisiacal scent of Taiyaki (たい焼き) is unique and it is impossible to resist it! Their shape is typical “a pesce” (“tai”, stuffed with cream of red beans or cream, but also many seasonal variations such as sweet potatoes and chestnuts!
photo credits: Hayley Casarotto
Takoyaki
Takoyaki (たこ焼き fried or grilled octopus) are fried balls of batter filled with octopus, green onions, ginger and pieces of tempura. They are then seasoned with an Otafuku sauce, minced aonori seaweed, mayonnaise and katsuobushi (dried and smoked striated tuna flakes). It is a specialty of Osaka cuisine, but the sellers of these delights can be found in almost every country.
photo credits: hubjapan.io
Yakisoba
Yakisoba (焼きそば, sautéed spaghetti) are one of the quintessential comfort-foods of Japanese cuisine and one of the best-selling snacks from stalls during festivals! The dish consists of stir-fried noodles with pieces of pork. Accompanied by various vegetables such as cabbage, carrots and onions and seasoned with a special sauce that gives them the typical spicy flavor. On the street you can even find them served in a hot-dog style inside a sandwich and seasoned with mayonnaise and pickled ginger!
photo credits: pellgen (@1179_jp)
Ayu No Shioyaki
The Ayu no Shioyaki (鮎の塩焼き) are pieces of typical Japanese fish grilled and seasoned only with salt. These are then impaled on the skewer and represent a summer must that recalls the peace and energy of the rivers.
photo credits: e-sumida.gr.jp
Kare Pan
Kare pan (カレーパン) is an unusual and tasty snack consisting of Japanese curry wrapped in a slightly sweet, breaded and fried dough. The curry used is very different from what we know here in the West. In fact, it is dark in color and has a more delicate flavor that is well suited to this particular recipe.
photo credits: e-sumida.gr.jp
Senbei
A charcoal grill, rice flour, water and a myriad of flavors are the foundations of Senbei (せんべい). Also known as Japanese rice crackers, nobody can resist. Sweet or savory, the crunchy senbei are of various shapes and sizes and for 300 yen. A must try snack!
photo credits: M’s photography
Dango
Outside the Shintoist temples, the dango vendors (団子) peep! These firm, round glutinous rice flour and water dumplings are typically served on a skewer and there are different types. An-Dango are the most popular in Japan based on sweetened anko. Instead, Bocchan Dango are the most famous and aesthetic. In fact, we are used to seeing them almost everywhere online and in Anime. They are available in 3 colors: the first is colored by red beans (red), the second by eggs (Yellow), and the third by green tea (green).
The Chichi dango instead are slightly sweet, while the Goma dango have sesame seeds and can be either savory or sweet. Then we pass to the Kinako dango based on toasted soy flour and to the Mitarashi dango covered with a glaze of sweet soy sauce.
photo credits: Justin C.
Kakigōri
It would be a heresy to define kakigōri (き氷) as a granita: it is something more special, with a soft consistency like snow! The chopped ice is flavored with a fruity syrup (strawberry, cherry, lemon, green tea, grapes, melon, sweet plum) and sweetened with condensed milk. There is an original version of Kagoshima, the shirokuma (白熊, literally “polar bear”), flavored with condensed milk, small colored mochi, fruit (mandarin, cherry, pineapple and raisins) and sweet bean paste (azuki).
photo credits: yutaka.london
Candy Fruits
Candied fruit is among the most widespread on the roads of the Rising Sun. Ichigo Ame (candied strawberries), Mikan Ame (candied Japanese mandarin), Ringo Ame (candied apples) and Anzu Ame (candied apricots) are irresistible. If you are a sweet lover you cannot miss it. Juicy fruits dipped in caramelized syrup and skewered by a skewer to be eaten on-the-go while your eyes are filled with the wonders of Japan!
These street foods are only a hint of all that Japan can offer. However, if you get hungry while you are walking down the street because a good smell has tempted you, then do not hesitate! Run to taste these specialties and let us know what you think![:]