Join us on a delicious journey through Asakusa, Tokyo, as we explore viral street foods including curry breads, sweet potatoes, matcha crepes, and more. Discover what makes these treats worth the hype and where to find them.
Asakusa, one of Tokyo's most iconic and historic neighborhoods, is a treasure trove of culinary delights. In this blog post, we will embark on a food journey to sample some of Asakusa's most viral street foods, from crispy curry breads to delectable matcha crepes. Let’s dive into the flavors that have captured the hearts of locals and tourists alike.
Our first stop is Tokyo Kare Pan, a relatively new establishment that opened in 2022. This shop specializes in curry bread, a popular Japanese snack that features a crispy, deep-fried exterior filled with savory curry. What sets Tokyo Kare Pan apart is their two unique offerings:
Both breads are baked rather than deep-fried, making them a slightly healthier option. The cutlet curry bread resembles a hearty burger, with a fluffy bun and a satisfying crunch from the panko coating. The cheesy curry bread, while not delivering the expected cheese pull, offers a delightful flavor profile with its creamy cheese and truffle aroma.
Next, we visit Emoipi, a shop dedicated to sweet potatoes. Their standout item is the Baked Sweet Potato Brulee, which is caramelized with a blowtorch, creating a crispy sugar crust. The sweet potatoes are matured for three months before grilling, resulting in a naturally sweet and gooey texture.
We also tried the Honey Butter Sweet Potato, which is rich and dessert-like, and the Creme Brulee Sweet Potato, which combines the creamy texture of custard with sweet potato. The satisfying crack of the sugar crust adds an exciting element to this dish, making it a must-try for anyone visiting Asakusa.
Our next stop is Asaka Chaya Taba Ninoi, known for their Creme Brulee Matcha Crepe. This dessert features high-quality matcha sourced from an award-winning tea farm in Shizuoka Prefecture. The crepe is topped with a torched sugar layer, adding a delightful crunch.
The matcha flavor is distinct and slightly bitter, perfectly balanced with the sweetness of the custard and whipped cream. The addition of matcha ice cream and a surprising saltine cracker creates a unique flavor experience that is both refreshing and satisfying.
Located in a charming retro alley, Asaka Unagi Unana specializes in Yaki Oni, grilled rice balls topped with eel. The eel is sourced from Miyazaki Prefecture and is brushed with a savory teriyaki sauce. The rice ball is chewy and flavorful, though it could benefit from a crispier texture on the outside. The dish is a delightful combination of smoky eel and soft rice, making it a comforting choice.
No visit to Asakusa would be complete without trying the famous Melon Pan Ice Cream Sandwich from Kagitudo. This treat features a freshly baked melon bread, which is crispy on the outside and filled with creamy cookies and cream ice cream. The bread's unique shape and texture make it a beloved local snack, and the combination with ice cream is perfect for a hot day.
At Asaka Mincchi, we sampled their renowned minced meat cutlet made from a blend of Koa pork and Japanese black beef. The cutlet is juicy and crispy, with large chunks of onions adding sweetness. Priced affordably, this dish is a hearty snack that showcases the quality of the ingredients used.
Finally, we conclude our food adventure at Hatya Asaka, where we enjoyed a beautifully crafted matcha latte made with high-quality matcha from Kyoto. The latte is refreshing and not overly sweet, allowing the natural flavors of the matcha to shine through. The addition of optional ice cream and mochi balls enhances the experience, making it a delightful way to end our culinary journey.
Our day exploring Asakusa's viral foods has been a delicious success. From the crispy curry breads to the sweet potato brulee and the refreshing matcha latte, each dish offers a unique taste of Japanese street food culture. My personal favorites include the melon pan ice cream sandwich, the Tokyo curry bread, and the Asaka minced meat cutlet. If you're planning a visit to Asakusa, be sure to try these viral foods that truly live up to the hype. Whether you're a local or a traveler, Asakusa's culinary scene is not to be missed!
