Ever been to Kyoto? It’s not just about the stunning temples or nostalgic streets. It’s also a foodie’s paradise, boasting flavors as rich as its history.
Let’s cover some of Kyoto’s must-try dishes and popular treats!
Kyoto Cuisine
Ever felt the seasons on your plate? In Kyoto, seasonal ingredients do just that! Kyo cuisine is all about the presentation – from precise cuts to the choice of dishware, it’s a visual treat.
But it’s not just looks; the flavors are simple, highlighting the ingredient’s true essence.
1. Yuba
Yuba is a unique Japanese treat made by skimming the surface of simmered soy milk and letting it dry. It boasts a silky texture that’s truly one-of-a-kind.
Made from soy milk, it’s packed with protein, rivaling meat and fish in nutritional value. You won’t find anything else quite like it!
| Restaurant | Information |
|---|---|
| Toyouke chaya | The most popular menu item is the fresh yuba donburi. It is only open for lunch from 11:00 to 14:00. It is a very popular restaurant and a wait is essential. |
| Restaurant | Information |
|---|---|
| Yubanzai Komameya Nishiki | Yuba is made using only premium soybeans and Kyoto’s famous water. Courses are available, but a single dish costs about 1,000 yen. In addition to yuba, there are other Japanese foods made from soybeans. |
2. Obanzai
Obanzai is Kyoto’s homey cuisine, offering simple yet nutrient-packed dishes. Much like Kyo Cuisine, it emphasizes the natural flavors of ingredients with minimal seasoning. A large variety of side dishes served in small portions!
There are plenty of cozy spots, from Izakaya (Japanese-style pub) to restaurants, where you can savor these traditional dishes in an authentic setting.
| Restaurant | Information |
|---|---|
| Ichiba coji Teramachi | As a chain, there are several stores in Kyoto City. Lunch is available for about 1,500 yen. All-you-can-eat tofu. |
3. Temari Sushi 🍣
These bite-sized sushi pieces are a visual delight, adorned with fish, seaweed, and vegetables. Their vibrant and charming appearance makes them especially popular among women and children. Traditionally, they were served as an elegant treat during tea ceremonies.
For a one day Kyoto itinerary with Temari Sushi included in the schedule please check this article here.
| Restaurant | Information |
|---|---|
| Gion Mametora | It is only available as a course, and in addition to the sushi in the photo above, it comes with fish dishes and traditional Kyoto obanzai. Lunch is priced at 5500 yen. |
Kyoto sweets
Kyoto, with its long history of tea ceremonies and festivals, boasts sweets that are deeply intertwined with these traditions.
Some ingredients are essential to these sweets, I will introduce some here. And for more delicious tips, take a look at my article about Japanese sweets and confectionery here.
Anko (red bean paste)
Many traditional confections contain anko, a traditional Japanese confectionary paste made by boiling azuki beans and mixing them with sugar.
Kinako (soybean flour)
A powder made by roasting and grinding soybeans, kinako is a traditional Japanese ingredient. Often used as a topping or ingredient in sweet and Japanese sweets, it is a savory and nutritious food.
4. Matcha 🍵
Ground from green tea leaves, matcha is deeply rooted in Japan’s tea culture. Its unique bitterness and rich aroma pair beautifully with sweet treats, giving them a vibrant green pop.
If you’re diving in, I’d totally recommend desserts made with Uji matcha from Kyoto – it’s the crème de la crème of matcha!
| Cafe | Information |
|---|---|
| Shimizu-ippoen Kyoto Main Branch | Particularly popular are sweets with mousse-like green tea on top of shaved ice. Priced at 1,000 yen. Made with high-grade, aromatic Uji green tea. |
| Cafe | Information |
|---|---|
| Salon de Muge | A coffee shop operated by a ryotei (Japanese-style restaurant) that received a three-star rating in the Michelin Guide Kyoto-Osaka 2023. Uses high-grade Uji green tea. The parfait is four times thicker than drinking matcha, making it extremely rich. There is also a store at Takashimaya in Shijo-Kawaramachi. |
| Cafe | Information |
|---|---|
| Nakamura Tokichi Honten | There is also a store in Kyoto Station. Popular fresh tea jelly is about 1,200 yen. Jelly can also be taken out. |
5. Yatsuhashi
It’s a Kyoto souvenir classic. You’ll typically find them in souvenir shops rather than cafes. They come in two styles: a soft, cinnamon-flavored wrap with fillings like anko, and a crunchy baked version.
Though sharing a name, they’ll feel like two totally different treats! The soft ones boast a variety of flavors like chocolate, matcha, and strawberry. Given their wallet-friendly prices, why not taste a few and find your favorite? Personally, I’m all about the chocolate-filled ones. Just sayin’!
6. Dango 🍡
Ever tried chewy kneaded rice, grilled or steamed to perfection? That’s dango for you! Simple yet versatile, they pair well with any topping. The classic? A sweet soy sauce glaze called “mitarashi”. But don’t stop there – try them with sweet bean paste or soybean flour.
They’re bite-sized, making it easy to sample various flavors. Perfect for when you’re feeling peckish!
| Cafe | Information |
|---|---|
| eX cafe Kyoto Arashiyama | The café was created by renovating an old private house. Sweets and lunch can be enjoyed with a view of the Japanese garden. You can bake your own dumplings, which come with two kinds of standard sauce and tea for about 1300 Yen. There is another store in Gion. |
7. Warabi Mochi
This treat offers a delightful blend of chewy and jiggly textures, almost like a jelly. Its translucent appearance makes it a perfect, refreshing treat for hot summer days.
Typically dusted with “kinako” and drizzled with dark syrup, its subtly sweet flavor can be so addicting that you might find it hard to stop at just one!
| Cafe | Information |
|---|---|
| Gion Komori | Every morning they knead warabi mochi and serve them freshly made. Formerly a tea house, the store has a traditional Japanese atmosphere. The price of a Warabi-mochi is 1100 yen. Matcha parfait is also popular. |
Conclusion
Kyoto offers a culinary journey as rich as its history, from elegant Kyo cuisine to vibrant Temari Sushi. Beyond its landmarks, every bite captures the city’s essence.
Explore Kyoto not just for its sights, but for unforgettable flavors!
