Kyoto is, of course, a top tourist destination, and there are many dishes unique to Kyoto, like yatsuhashi, matcha, and hamo. Matcha tea is well known overseas, but what other gourmet foods are popular amongst tourists? Here’s what a few non-Japanese had to say.
Yuba: What’s it made of?
A Mexican man in his 30s living in Osaka said he likes Japanese food and enjoys meals with his Japanese wife. His favorite is yuba.
“When I first ate it, my impression was ‘I don’t know what it’s made of, but it’s delicious.’” Yuba is a thin skin produced when processing soy milk. Because soy milk is sold in Mexican supermarkets and are many dishes that use beans, the flavor of yuba fits with his tastes.
Konpeito: Colorful and cute!
His wife mentioned that konpeito is a favorite souvenir in Mexico. “It's popular because it's colorful and beautiful. I like colors.” According to her, “Mexicans love sweets. Mexican sweets are so sweet that Japanese sweets that are not too sweet are popular.”
Kyoto has the only konpeito specialty store in Japan, selling seasonal varieties in cute sachets that are perfect for overseas souvenir-giving because they aren’t bulky and can stay fresh for a long time.
Kamo nasu: Is it eggplant?
For a 20-year-old Russian woman living in Kyoto, her attention was caught by Kamo nasu. “When I ordered eggplant, it came out and I was surprised by the size and roundness.” She added, “The texture and taste are completely different from the usual taste.”
Kamo nasu is a traditional Kyoto vegetable grown mainly in Kamigamo. About 12-15cm in diameter, it’s stubbier and rounder than typical eggplant.
Kyoto izakayas often serve Kamo eggplant, and those seeing it for the first time may be surprised by its appearance. Kamo nasu is good for boiling or grilling because it’s firm and won’t easily break down. Adding a bit of oil enhances the flavor, and it goes well with steak.
Basashi: A challenging dish
Our Russian interviewee was even more surprised by basashi. Horse sashimi is often featured on menus is Fushimi and Gion, and many foreigners may try raw horse for the first time in Kyoto.
She said, “Well, can you eat raw horse? I was surprised to eat it and a little conflicted...”. In Russia, horse meat is eaten in some areas, but is served in pies, smoked products, and sausages rather than raw.
The idea of raw horse meat takes some getting used to, but we applaud her stepping up to the challenge. She added, “I definitely thought it would have been better cooked!”
Omochi: There are so many kinds!
A 20-year-old German woman visiting a Japanese friend was surprised by omochi. “Soya bean powder is sweet! I was surprised that there are many types of rice cakes,” she said. “My favorite is yakimochi with peanut butter. I’m curious about the process of making it.”
“I thought it was made by machine, so I was surprised to see the mochitsuki (manual mochi production)!” There is a mochi specialty store in Nishiki Market in Kyoto, where you can watch the mochitsuki and even participate when the store isn’t busy.
Beautiful Japanese parfaits!
She was also surprised by the “matcha parfait.” “Matcha is very popular in Germany, but I wanted to try a matcha parfait when I went to Japan. It’s very beautiful!” Where she lives, most cafes serve cakes, but not parfaits like Japan. There are many beautiful parfaits in Japan to enjoy and share on social media.
In addition to the parfait, "I was impressed by how delicious hojicha is," she said. Matcha and other Japanese teas are booming worldwide, and it seems that Germans who drink a lot of herbal tea are very interested in Japanese tea.
Matcha sweets: Deep, authentic Kyoto
A Vietnamese woman in her 20s shared her impression matcha-flavored sweets: “It looks elegant. The taste was light and not too sweet and the green tea was fragrant. I was surprised by the variety of matcha parfaits and sweets.”
Certainly, there are many parfaits and sweets using matcha, from Japanese to Western confections. She mentions that she doesn’t care for bitter food, but likes matcha sweets, stating “I'm addicted to Japanese matcha sweets.”
She also said, “The matcha was thick and delicious.” The Mexican man we spoke to earlier commented that “Matcha in Kyoto is darker than what we have in Mexico and other parts of Japan.” Kyoto matcha is rich in flavor, and even when processed into sweets, the tea’s fragrance isn’t lost.
The Vietnamese woman also noted, “I feel like anything is made of Matcha in Kyoto.” “I was surprised when I saw a matcha face mask,” she laughed, when talking about a classic Kyoto souvenir. In Kyoto, you’ll find interesting matcha products you can't get anywhere else.
The foods you enjoy often depend on culture and customs, but Kyoto gourmets seem to be suitable for the tastes of various overseas visitors. Nishiki Market is a nice place to easily sample some of Kyoto’s delicacies, and many shops have photos and explanations in foreign languages, so you’ll have little difficulty finding something to catch your interest.
Text by: Shigemi Futaki
- Area
- Category
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
Recommended places for you
-
Menu
ISHIDAYA Hanare
Yakiniku
Kobe, Sannomiya, Kitano
-
Goods
Yoshida Gennojo-Roho Kyoto Buddhist Altars
Gift Shops
Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace
-
Kamesushi Sohonten
Sushi
Umeda, Osaka Station, Kitashinchi
-
Jukuseiniku-to Namamottsuarera Nikubaru Italian Nikutaria Sannomiya
Izakaya
Kobe, Sannomiya, Kitano
-
UDONNISHIMURA
Other Japanese Food
Shinsekai, Tennouji, Tsuruhashi
-
SUN Osakaten
Other Japanese Food
Umeda, Osaka Station, Kitashinchi
-
What to Do in Osaka & Kyoto in November: Top Events, Festivals, Fall Foliage & Illuminations
by: Kaori Kimura
-
Traveling from Osaka to Beppu? Enjoy a Comfortable, Relaxing Ferry Journey
-
Why 'OMO' Hotels by Hoshino Resorts Are The Ultimate Urban Getaway in Japan
by: WESTPLAN
-
Japan's Best Glamping & Camping Spots for Autumn Colors - #1 Has Unbeatable Views!
by: Nemi Lin
-
What to Do in Osaka & Kyoto in October: Events, Festivals, Halloween Fun & More
by: Kaori Kimura
-
OMO Kansai Airport Review: Great Stay for Food, Fun, and Relaxation
by: WESTPLAN
Inspiration for Accommodations
-
Charming Hotels to Enjoy the Spectacular Views of Arashiyama's Autumn Leaves from Your Room
-
Spacious Family Hotel in Namba: 20 Comfortable Stays for Family Fun
-
Experience Stunning Views of Osaka Castle from Private Spaces: Top Hotels Near Osaka Castle
-
Recommended by Visitors! Arashiyama's Best-Rated Hotels
-
Family-Friendly Universal Studios Japan Hotel with Excellent Access
-
Enjoy Night Views from Your Room! Recommended Hotels in Namba Area
-
Enjoy a Comfortable Stay in Osaka! 10 Hotels with Convenient Airport Shuttle Services
-
Top 10 Recommended Hotels Near Namba Station with Great Access
-
Fine Japanese Dining in Kyoto! Top 3 Japanese Restaurants in Kiyamachi and Pontocho Geisha Districts
-
Where to Eat in Kyoto: Best Kyoto Foods to Try & The Tastiest Shops to Check Out
-
5 Best Hotels Near Universal Studios Japan (Osaka): Top-Rated Places to Stay
by: WESTPLAN
-
'Hormone Dishes?!' 5 Weird Ways Americans Were Shocked by Osaka Cuisine!
-
What to Pack for Japan: 8 Essential Things for a Hassle-Free Trip
-
Where to Eat in Osaka: Best Osaka Foods to Try & The Tastiest Shops
- #best gourmet Osaka
- #things to do Osaka
- #what to do in kyoto
- #what to bring to japan
- #best gourmet Kyoto
- #new years in Osaka
- #what to buy in nanba
- #Visiting Osaka
- #onsen tattoo friendly arima
- #daiso
- #Visiting Kyoto
- #best japanese soft drinks
- #japanese fashion culture
- #japanese convenience store snacks
- #japanese nail trends