Top 8 Japanese Foods for Picky Eaters

TOKYO: One of the world’s great food cities. Credit: Silver Spoon Anime — **TOKYO: One of the world’s great food cities.**
*Credit: Silver Spoon Anime*

Tokyo has all kinds of authentic multicultural delicacies from around the globe; Naples approved pizza, so many kinds of Indian cuisine, Hispanic food, Soul Food and more.

All of that in a bed of Japanese influence and you have an intense fusion of tradition, import, and cultural exchange. The result? Delicious food no matter where you go or what your budget is.

Enter me: A very picky eater. As someone who cringes at the texture of boiled leaves, or avoids skins in general, I had to find foods that I would try and love without wasting anything or being rude if I just couldn’t stomach it. So if you’re anything like me, whether you have food allergies, dietary restrictions, or you’re particular about what you like and don’t like to eat. I gotchu.

* i n t e r n a l s c r e a m i n g * Credit: Samurai Gourmet — * i n t e r n a l s c r e a m i n g *
Credit: Samurai Gourmet

I had to get past myself to write about this because let’s be honest: anyone can tell you to get over yourself. Try new things. Experiment. It’s not that hard…right?

That advice is valid and it’s okay to not want new flavors. In fact having lived in Tokyo since 2017, I can say I’ve never had better ramen. I love the variety of restaurants. Even my tastes have adjusted to living out here. That does come from putting my tastebuds out there.

It’s okay to want something familiar. That’s what makes living somewhere foreign manageable. I want things that remind me of home or something comfy. Especially when you move somewhere or you travel, everything is new and exciting. 8 foods I love, despite being a picky eater.

1. Tantanmen

A dish originating in China when it came over the bay to Japan became one of my favorite styles of Ramen. The broth is sesame based with chili oil and ground pork topping it. I love the velvety smoothness of the broth and the versatility of the dish. You can find “Shironashi” versions which is just a spicy noodle version without the ramen broth.

T’s Tan Tan does a great vegan version with gluten free options for noodles, you can find DIY versions at grocery stores, and cup versions at convenience stores.

This one to me, hits on several levels and is a must try if you’re not a ramen-head. It’s simple, spicy and delicious so it’s number one on the list.

2. Egg sandos

Egg Sandos - Your Lie in April Anime — Egg Sandos - *Your Lie in April Anime*

Be warned, if you’re not a fan of egg salad this is basically that between bread. BUT if you’re interested in trying Japanese style sandwiches, I think egg sandos are a perfect entryway. Sando is short for sandwich and you’ll see these everywhere from bakeries to markets to convenience stores. They’re basically a quick bite of protein.

They vary with additional fillings like bacon, veggies, etc. so you can find the perfect one for you! Or if you’re in the mood they’re not hard to make either. Great for breakfast, a quick snack, or just something to try out. Egg sandos can be unremarkable, but a reliable food for me.

3. Miso Ramen

Miso Ramen - Psycho Pass Anime — Miso Ramen - *Psycho Pass Anime*

Okay, okay, another ramen suggestion but this one was hard to have above egg sandos because well those are just more convenient. Miso Ramen is harder to ‘get right’ for your taste.

Which means finding the one that you like be can prove difficult. However, once you find the place, brand, or version that you like it will carry you throughout the cold winters in Japan.

With origins in Hokkaido, Miso ramen is a hearty bowl of soup that will cleanse your soul. You can find it anywhere nowadays, if you’re willing to make the trip up there, it will leave you with lifelong memories of this classic ramen dish. From what I’ve found, it doesn’t go wrong.

4. Steam Buns & Rice Balls

Pork Steam Bun - Idolmaster Anime — Pork Steam Bun - *Idolmaster Anime*

“Manju” or steam buns are clutch! Especially in the fall and winter season, most major convenience stores will have a hot case of fluffy goodness just waiting to warm your belly. The reason they’re tied with Rice Balls is solely of how delicious and versatile Onigiri are all year round.

Steam Buns only come out to warm my soul in the cold months which is not nearly enough. Onigiri however, will fill my snack time needs and are great with chips.

Onigiri - Tsukigakirei Anime — Onigiri - *Tsukigakirei Anime*

The two items are very comparable for the food and price. Steam buns are warm and have a variety of fillings, from the red and black bean paste to pizza or cheese. Onigiri are refrigerated, but some can be heated. Plus, once you eat a couple back to back, they’re quite filling.

As a picky eater, having a lot of options is something I value a lot. That being said they get place five because they’re not dependable meals for me. However, you might find these as your top options. Who knows?

5. Karaage: Japanese Fried Chicken

Karaage - Fate/Stay Night UBW — Karaage - *Fate/Stay Night UBW*

Growing up with Mickey D’s I still love a good chicken nugget. While the McDonalds Japan menu is very interesting and they’re always doing something new, the nuggets are the same.

That’s where Karaage Kun steps in. Lawson’s branded fried chicken bites are juicy, full meat nuggets. Plus, they carry regular, hot, extra hot, lemon chicken, black garlic and so many more varieties. The point is, they’re the best version of chicken bites I’ve found anywhere, period.

While you don’t get any ketchup to dip in, I feel like that’s something you don’t even miss. The chicken is well done, well breaded and fried in a way that’s not basic. The number 5 spot aside, if you’re in a pinch and need a quick bite of protein, look for a Lawson. You won’t be disappointed.

6. Gyozas

Gyoza Rice Soup Set - Shirokuma Cafe Anime — Gyoza Rice Soup Set - *Shirokuma Cafe Anime*

Dumplings, gyozas, whatever you wanna call ‘em. The little delicious bites are available anywhere from groceries, to ramen places, and sometimes even specialty stores.

They’re usually very affordable and light. I’ve found gyoza, rice, soup sets for a decent price. I can’t really say much else about them if you’re not already a fan.

Japanese gyozas also have a thin crispy flat bottom that contrasts beautifully with the soft steamed wrapping. Now I will say, I’ve had my fair share of wack gyozas. But this this is one thing I am willing to try again and again [Oldboy style] ‘til I find the perfect one.

7. Saizeriya

Saizeriya - Ore Ga Iru Anime — Saizeriya - *Ore Ga Iru Anime*

Saizeriya is like if Olive Garden had a baby sibling and they grew up in Japan. No matter where you go, you’ll find the same homey faux Italian paintings and decor. Don’t let that fool you though. The food at Saize is cheap, filling and easy to order if you’re looking for a break from cooking or Japanese food in general.

{Bonus: during the covid-19 pandemic they adjusted their pricing to end in .5 or .00 so you don’t have to deal with as much change when paying in cash. They reworked their whole menu and dedicated themselves to social distancing and slowly joining delivery apps as well.}

My fave things are the Doria’s: turmeric rice with a white sauce beschamel and a variety of toppings. Now, the serving size at family restaurants isn’t exactly what you’d expect from an Olive Garden or otherwise. Yet the variety and low price means you can try a whole bunch of things and not get bored.

This restaurant is a lifesaver if you need a quick meal or you want to have a feast on a dime. I will say, get the drink bar add on so you can get unlimited coffee and sodas. If anything that, and the table space to work, read or study is worth the price of admission.

8. Coco Ichibanya

Beef Curry - Silver Spoon Anime — Beef Curry - *Silver Spoon Anime*

I saved this one for last because this list isn’t in order of best to worst, it’s just my preference. If anything, Coco Ichi is a cultural staple, an iconic restaurant and must stop place if you’re in Japan. They make an effort to accommodate a large variety of people too.

Their menus are in several languages and the visuals on the menu match the actual plate you get perfectly. I always go spicy but you can pick your own levels and their winter soup curry is great…except the okra (shhh).

Duck Curry - Food Wars Anime — Duck Curry - *Food Wars Anime*

You can customize everything about your bowl and honestly it’s one of the safest places you can eat in Japan as a picky eater since you can literally spec out the perfect bowl of curry just for you. They even have a few vegetarian and vegan dishes.

Japanese curry is something very new to me as I’ve only ever eaten it in Japan, but this is one place I absolutely do not regret trying out. It’s been extremely reliable and curry is something you can even replicate in your own kitchen! All round dependable.