Kyoto is a foodie paradise and one of the top-rated tourist attractions in Japan. Once the seat of the Japanese government and culture, the deep history of Kyoto is expressed in its amazing and unique food options.
Whether you’re looking for a taste of the past, or want to try something new and creative, you can find the dish for you in this amazing city.
Dining in Kyoto is not just about great food, but great atmosphere and beautiful traditions. There is nowhere else like it in the world. Look for these famous and popular local foods to eat in Kyoto:
1. Kaiseki Ryori
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The quintessential Japanese haute cuisine, this unique set of dishes is a tasting menu with origins in Kyoto’s amazing history as a cultural crossroads.
Kaiseki was originally a set of small dishes meant to accompany a tea ceremony. Now, it is a collection of exquisite dishes that are beautiful in their taste and presentation. Kaiseki has a stark and elegant simplicity about it, avoiding strong sauces or complex arrangements.
Kaiseki is very expensive, so keep that in mind when planning to experience this uniquely Kyoto way of dining. For most first-time visitors to Japan interested in food, kaiseki is a must-try!
2. Shojin Ryori
Shojin Ryori is a traditional Buddhist monk cuisine. True to Buddhist philosophy, it does not make use of any animal products and consists solely of fresh fruits and herbs.
The ingredients vary with the season. This food is far from bland and the delight of its flavor is just as vivid as its colors.
Keep in mind that some restaurants use fish products to make Shojin Ryori, so if you are looking for a truly vegan experience, be sure to ask.
3. Obanzai Ryori
Obanzai is native to Kyoto and is so closely tied to the city that at least half the ingredients must be made or processed in Kyoto.
Obanzai integrates the concept of mottainai, which is a sense of regret regarding waste, so many of the ingredients would b considered garbage in other culinary disciplines.
Ingredients that are used to make this dish are seasonal. Obanzai consists of seafood and vegetables prepared simply.
4. Kyoto Style Sushi
Sushi is well-known and eaten the world over, but in Japan, you can find its original regional variations.
In Kyoto, sushi does not use raw fish and emphasizes rice more than many other variations. Mackerel caught in Kyoto used to need to be salted as it travelled inland, so sushi made using this salted fish made use of sweet vinegared rice to balance out the flavour.
The fish found in Kyoto sushi in the city is freshly caught, making it truly delicious.
5. Yatsuhashi
This famous sweet treat is one of the highlights of any trip to Kyoto. It is one of the most popular souvenirs from the city.
Rice flour is used to make a dough that is mixed with cinnamon and sugar, then baked. There are also two other kinds of yatsuhashi. One is steamed and then cut, while another is filled with various things including red bean paste, chocolate, matcha, and more.
Yatsuhashi comes in various shapes, including the popular and traditional triangular shape, sticks, and flowers. You really must try this traditional sweet if you are in Kyoto!
6. Yudofu
This tofu stew is a winter staple in Kyoto. It’s a simple dish, consisting of water, tofu, kelp, and a dipping sauce. The kelp is laid on the bottom of the stewpot and then tofu is added and boiled.
This allows diners to enjoy the taste of the tofu itself, as well as sample a variety of dipping sauces.
7. Matcha
High-quality matcha tea is a must in Kyoto. Kyoto is one of the centers for tea and its influence throughout Japan thanks to its cultural and political history.
Matcha tea is a green tea with a distinct taste. You can find in shops all throughout the city, including some specialized one. There are also many matcha-flavored treats to be found.
To get the full Kyoto experience, you simply must try matcha!
8. Tsukemono
Before refrigeration, the Japanese preserved food by pickling food. These could be done with a salted solution or brined vinegar.
Tsukemono includes all types of vegetables and even some fruit. Pickled foods include Japanese radish, cucumber, plums, eggplant, carrot, cabbage, water lily root, ginger, shallots, and much more.
Sometimes pickling methods are even used to flavour meat and seafood. Pickled foods are often served with other dishes to help bring out their flavour in a delicious compliment.
9. Nishin Soba
This wonderful noodle dish is usually served warm. Herring is served over buckwheat soba noodles in a hot tsuyu broth.
Shiitake mushrooms, sake, sugar, mirin, soy sauce, and dashi are also ingredients. While usually serve hot, in warmer weather, you can find nishin soba served cold to help beat the heat.
10. Kuzukiri
This traditional Japanese treat originated in Kyoto. The simple ingredients of this dish are water and kudzu powder.
These transparent noodles themselves have very little taste, so they’re usually served in black sugar syrup, but they do have a unique, smooth texture not quite like anything else.
Kuzukiri is a great way to cool down when enjoying the sights of Kyoto in summer.
