The Top 10 Fast Foods You'll Find In Japan

What Americans think of when they hear the term "fast food," they think of common staples such as McDonald's, Wendy's, Burger King, or Kentucky Fried Chicken. But when you're overseas in Europe and Asia, the first thought goes to the street food markets.

In Japan, large street food markets feed millions of people and are the lifeblood of Japanese "fast food." These markets exist across the country and are lively in the evenings as commuters, students, and tourists are bustling about. While a visitor might not be accustomed to the textures and tastes, it's definitely an experience to explore Japanese "fast food" culture.

With this article, let's talk about ten of the most common Japanese fast foods. If your bucket list is to visit Japanese, hopefully this can be a guide for your food journey!

10. Yaki-imo

What is it? Roasted sweet potatoes

Typically served on customized carts, yaki-imo is a very popular food item sold around Japan by street vendors. These roasted sweet potatoes are literally translated to "baked potato." If you ever hear the vendors calling out "yaki-imo!" be sure to grab a warm delight!

9. Ikayaki

What is it? Grilled squid skewer

Ikayaki is a very popular street food, especially in Osaka. It's completely normal in Japan to have grilled squids on a stick sold by vendors. The squids are typically topped with soy sauce and turn out to be a charred, chewy delight.

8. Okonomiyaki

What is it? Savory fried pancake

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you tossed all of your favorite, savory ingredients into one pancake? Well, look no further than okonomiyaki! Complete with Japanese mayonnaise and a sweet sauce on top, these pancakes include anything from pork, beef, veggies, cabbage, seaweed, and more. According to experts, this is another delicacy that seems to thrive in Osaka.

7. Taiyaki

What is it? Fish-shaped fried pastry

These fish pastries are commonly sold around Asia, especially in South Korea, but they are one of the most common quick treats you can get in Japan. Taiyaki is a fried pastry typically filled with red bean paste, chocolate, cheese, or custard. Don't be fooled! These sweet fish pastries have nothing to do with seafood.

6. Kakigori

What is it? Japanese shaved ice

The Japanese managed to do something with shaved ice that just elevated it above a typical sno-cone. Kakigori takes the traditional shaved ice concept and mixes it with ingredients such as sweetened condensed milk, flavored syrups, and fruits and creates a sweet, pillowy cloud. This dessert has been around since the 11th century and even has its own celebratory day on July 25th every year.

5. Dango

What is it? Sweet rice dumpling

This type of wagashi (aka, Japanese sweets), Dango, are a very popular street food that give a burst of flavor and different textures. Dango is a form of glutinous rice flour made into round dumplings that are often coated in red bean paste or sweet syrups. This sticky, chewy treat is definitely a must if you're in Japan!

4. Takoyaki

What is it? Octopus ball

If you're a fan of seafood, takoyaki is the right snack for you! This Japanese treat is a staple at Summer festivals and street food markets, but can also be found in convenience stores. Takoyaki is basically a fluffy dough ball that is filled with a savory piece of octopus, and they are cooked in a special griddle. They are usually topped with various sauces, scallions, ginger, and more.

3. Senbei

What is it? Rice crackers

These palm-sized crackers are a common snack served with hot tea. Senbei crackers were first introduced during the Tang Dynasty and in modern day, they come in a variety of flavors - including nori, seaweed, mirin, soybean, and shrimp. They can be found both in street markets or packaged in stores.

2. Nikuman

What is it? Steamed pork bun

Steamed buns are a custom in a variety of Asian countries, but in Japan these are referred to as nikuman. These steamed buns are typically stuffed with some type of meat or red bean paste and can be served with a variety of different condiments. Nikuman were introduced to Japan in the 1920s and they've been a staple, especially during Winter months, ever since.

1. Bento

What is it? Single-serve box meal

Bento boxes have become popular in the United States, but they have been around in Japan for a very long time. These single-serve box meals are a great option for portion control or if you're on the go. Referred to as shidashi (aka, a little bit of everything), bento offers a typical spread of rice, dumpling, spring roll, and some form of protein or tempura. In Japan, bento comes in a variety of forms including kyraben (character bento), oekakiben (picture bento), aisai (sweet bento), shikaeshiben (cold bento).