Merging the old ways and what’s trending now, the street food scene in Japan captivates with rich flavors and culinary creativity, making each bite unforgettable.
When you think of Japanese street food, you’ll speak about Tokyo’s classic Ameya Yokocho, Yanaka Ginza, and Harajuku. Or, you’ll yearn for Osaka’s sizzling takoyaki and Kyoto’s sweets.
But, travel to Hiroshima, and you’ll see a distinct side of the country’s street food culture. Curious about what street food you can try in this historic city? Here are our top 10 picks!
1. Hiroshima Okonomiyaki
Okay, you might have tried okonomiyaki elsewhere in Japan, but getting a taste of this savory pancake in Hiroshima is never a repeat. You’ll get the usual cake made with pork, cabbage, and yakisoba noodle layers prepared on a teppan grill and finished with a pleasurably sweet okonomiyaki sauce.
However, unlike the famous Osaka style, Hiroshima's style is more layered – starting with the batter, then the vegetables and pork, the noodles are in the middle, and the fried egg tops it off.
ALSO READ: BEST OKONOMIYAKI IN HIROSHIMA
2. Hiroshima-Style Tsukemen
Japan is known for cold noodles because of its climate, so if you’re not used to eating noodles served cold, you’re in for some adventure. Hiroshima’s tsukemen, a type of cold noodle, has a unique twist on the dish. On your plate are the thick noodles together with a hot, concentrated broth consisting of pork bones and what’s famous in Hiroshima: seafood. The best tsukemen are at Nagarekawa or the Hondori Shopping Street.
ALSO READ: BEST TONKATSU IN HIROSHIMA
3. Kaki (Oyster)
Never, ever leave Hiroshima without trying its oysters! Hiroshima is Japan’s number one kaki producer. “Kaki” is Japanese for “oysters.”
Oysters are harvested in the clean Hiroshima Bay waters and then cared for to perfection. The most popular way to enjoy oysters in Hiroshima is to eat them raw. Don’t forget the lemon for the true taste of the sea. Want it deep-fried or grilled? That’s possible, too.
ALSO READ: BEST UNAGI IN HIROSHIMA
4. Hiroshima’s Yakisoba
How do you have your beloved yakisoba? Maybe at home from a cup of instant noodles, right? Well, in Hiroshima, it is consumed as street food. This stir-fried noodle dish on a teppan grill topped with tasty cabbage, pork, and a special sauce takes it to the next level in Hiroshima. The changes are not quite major as Hiroshima-style yakisoba only adds green onions and fried egg, but still a must-try.
ALSO READ: BEST SOBA IN HIROSHIMA
5. Mitarashi Dango
Originally, yet allegedly, from the Kamo Mitarashi Tea House at the Shimogamo area in Kyoto, Mitarashi Dango looks similar to the Vietnamese fish balls you can order at 7-Eleven there, or to the famous curry balls of Hong Kong. Well, the Japanese version is a skewered rice dumplings set covered in sweet soy glaze. Sweet, not spicy or sour. Hiroshima’s very own are larger and fluffier.
6. Takoyaki
There’s no better place to get a taste of takoyaki than in Hiroshima since takoyaki is basically seafood, specifically octopus. Small, round balls of flour filled with octopus or squid come with a variety of sauces and garnishes, such as takoyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes.
ALSO READ: BEST SAKE IN HIROSHIMA
7. Yakitori
Another classic in Hiroshima’s street food scene is the yakitori. Also, the skewer-type, they’re made from chicken, beef, and pork, then with vegetables. Not on a teppan grill, yakitori is instead grilled over charcoal, giving them a delicious, smoky flavor. Make sure to try those made with chicken thighs and grilled green peppers.
8. Hiroshima-Style Ramen
Think eating ramen in Japan sounds a bit cliché? Not quite. Every ramen experience here is unique. Take Hiroshima’s ramen, for instance. Unlike the soup of other ramen, theirs is served with tonkotsu soy sauce, which is from boiling pork and chicken bones, and vegetables in a soy sauce-flavored soup.
A bowl of Hiroshima ramen may be cooked with pork bones, but still very light, thanks to the simple fin noodles. You’ll also find char siu pork, bamboo shoots, green onions, and boiled bean sprouts.
ALSO READ: BEST RAMEN IN HIROSHIMA
9. Korokke (Croquettes)
Croquettes are authentically French, first discovered by the chef of King Louis XIV in the 17th century. But, for some odd reason, they are in Japan, as Japanese food! More interestingly so, the name sounds almost similar, known here as korokke.
Korokke are breaded and deep-fried patties made with meat, mashed potatoes, or veggies. You start with a crispy exterior, and then to a soft and flavorful filling. Each vendor of korokke in Hiroshima may have their unique twists on this snack.
10. Momiji Manju
Feeling full? Not yet! It’s time for your dessert. Ditch the usual Japanese ice cream you buy on the street because you should try Momiji Manju, tiny, maple-leaf-shaped cakes filled with sweet red bean paste. If you don’t feel the red beans, you may try the chocolate, matcha, and custard variants. It’s also historic, as this confection was just created in 1907 to celebrate iconic autumn foliage. A true symbol of Hiroshima.
Hiroshima may be all about seafood, but it’s a paradise for street food, too. Many of the street foods here are what you’ll also find in Japan’s other trendy cities, but Hiroshima’s take on them will surely make magic to your palate.
ALSO READ: BEST KUSHIKATSU IN HIROSHIMA
Looking to dive deeper into Hiroshima’s rich culture and history? Join our local tour guides for our Hiroshima Free Walking Tour!
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