The Ultimate Guide to the Best Food to Eat in Kyoto

If you’re a foodie, Kyoto is a city that should not be missed. Known for its traditional Japanese cuisine and innovative culinary scene, Kyoto has something for everyone. From savory dishes to sweet treats, the city is a gastronomic paradise. In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through Kyoto and introduce you to the best food the city has to offer.

The Best Food to Eat in Kyoto: A Culinary Journey

🍜 Ramen: Kyoto-style ramen is a must-try for any food lover. Unlike the thick and rich broth in other parts of Japan, Kyoto-style ramen has a clear and light broth that is infused with the flavors of dried fish and bonito. The noodles are thin and firm, with a slight chewiness that pairs perfectly with the broth.

🍚 Kaiseki: Kaiseki is a multi-course Japanese dining experience that is considered the pinnacle of Japanese cuisine. It is a feast for the senses that takes diners on a culinary journey through the seasons. Each course is thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented, making it a must-try when in Kyoto.

🍢 Yakitori: If you’re looking for a casual and tasty meal, head to a yakitori restaurant. These small, cozy spots serve up skewered chicken that is grilled to perfection. The crispy skin and juicy meat are served with a variety of dipping sauces, making it a fun and interactive dining experience.

🍵 Matcha: Kyoto is famous for its matcha, a finely ground green tea that is used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. You can find matcha in everything from ice cream to cakes, but the best way to experience it is in its purest form. Head to a tea house and savor a cup of matcha while taking in the serene surroundings.

🍛 Katsu Curry: Katsu curry is a hearty dish that is perfect for a chilly day. It consists of a breaded and fried cutlet of meat (usually pork or chicken) that is served with a rich and flavorful curry sauce and rice. It’s a filling and delicious meal that is sure to warm you up from the inside out.

🍡 Wagashi: Wagashi are traditional Japanese sweets that are often served with tea. They come in a variety of shapes and flavors, and are usually made with rice flour, sugar, and sweet bean paste. They are as beautiful as they are delicious, making them a must-try when in Kyoto.

Introduction

Kyoto is a city that is steeped in history and culture, and its food is no exception. The traditional Japanese cuisine in this city is an art form, with dishes that are beautifully presented and thoughtfully prepared. But Kyoto is also a hub for innovation, with young chefs creating exciting and modern dishes that are putting the city on the culinary map. In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through Kyoto and introduce you to the best food the city has to offer.

In this article, we’ll cover:

The history of Kyoto cuisine
The best restaurants to try in Kyoto
The must-try dishes in Kyoto
The best places to find street food in Kyoto
The best places to find traditional Japanese sweets in Kyoto
The top food festivals in Kyoto
And much more!

The History of Kyoto Cuisine

Kyoto has been the capital of Japan for over 1,000 years, and its cuisine reflects the city’s rich history and culture. The traditional Japanese cuisine in Kyoto is known as Kyo-ryori, and it is characterized by its elegance and simplicity. The dishes are often vegetarian, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Kyoto cuisine is all about honoring the ingredients and letting their natural flavors shine.

One of the most famous dishes in Kyoto cuisine is obanzai, which is a type of home-cooked meal that is made with local ingredients. Obanzai is often served at small, family-run restaurants and is a great way to experience the true flavors of Kyoto.

Another important aspect of Kyoto cuisine is the use of dashi, which is a type of broth made from dried fish and seaweed. Dashi is the foundation of many Kyoto dishes, and it is what gives them their distinct umami flavor.

The Best Restaurants to Try in Kyoto

🍴 Kikunoi: Kikunoi is one of the most famous restaurants in Kyoto, and it has been serving up traditional Japanese cuisine for over 200 years. The restaurant has three Michelin stars and is known for its multi-course kaiseki meals.

🍴 Gion Sasaki: Gion Sasaki is a small, family-run restaurant that serves up delicious obanzai dishes. The restaurant is located in the heart of Gion, Kyoto’s historic geisha district.

🍴 Nakamura: Nakamura is a Michelin-starred restaurant that is known for its innovative take on traditional Japanese cuisine. The chef, Motokazu Nakamura, is a master at combining traditional flavors with modern techniques.

🍴 Hyotei: Hyotei is one of the oldest restaurants in Kyoto, and it has been serving up kaiseki meals for over 400 years. The restaurant is housed in a beautiful traditional Japanese building and has a serene garden that is perfect for enjoying a meal.

🍴 Nishiki Market: Nishiki Market is a food lover’s paradise. It is a narrow, covered shopping street that is lined with food stalls selling everything from fresh seafood to traditional sweets. It’s a great place to grab a quick bite or to stock up on souvenirs.

The Must-Try Dishes in Kyoto

🍜 Ramen: Kyoto-style ramen is a must-try for any food lover. Unlike the thick and rich broth in other parts of Japan, Kyoto-style ramen has a clear and light broth that is infused with the flavors of dried fish and bonito. The noodles are thin and firm, with a slight chewiness that pairs perfectly with the broth.

🍚 Kaiseki: Kaiseki is a multi-course Japanese dining experience that is considered the pinnacle of Japanese cuisine. It is a feast for the senses that takes diners on a culinary journey through the seasons. Each course is thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented, making it a must-try when in Kyoto.

🍢 Yakitori: If you’re looking for a casual and tasty meal, head to a yakitori restaurant. These small, cozy spots serve up skewered chicken that is grilled to perfection. The crispy skin and juicy meat are served with a variety of dipping sauces, making it a fun and interactive dining experience.

🍵 Matcha: Kyoto is famous for its matcha, a finely ground green tea that is used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. You can find matcha in everything from ice cream to cakes, but the best way to experience it is in its purest form. Head to a tea house and savor a cup of matcha while taking in the serene surroundings.

🍛 Katsu Curry: Katsu curry is a hearty dish that is perfect for a chilly day. It consists of a breaded and fried cutlet of meat (usually pork or chicken) that is served with a rich and flavorful curry sauce and rice. It’s a filling and delicious meal that is sure to warm you up from the inside out.

🍡 Wagashi: Wagashi are traditional Japanese sweets that are often served with tea. They come in a variety of shapes and flavors, and are usually made with rice flour, sugar, and sweet bean paste. They are as beautiful as they are delicious, making them a must-try when in Kyoto.

The Best Places to Find Street Food in Kyoto

🍢 Nishiki Market: Nishiki Market is a great place to find street food in Kyoto. The narrow shopping street is lined with food stalls selling everything from grilled squid to takoyaki (octopus balls).

🍢 Pontocho Alley: Pontocho Alley is a narrow alleyway that is lined with traditional restaurants and food stalls. It’s a great place to try local specialties like yakitori and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes).

🍢 Yasaka Shrine: Yasaka Shrine is a popular tourist spot in Kyoto, and it’s also a great place to find street food. The area around the shrine is filled with food stalls selling everything from grilled mochi (sticky rice cakes) to sweet potato fries.

The Best Places to Find Traditional Japanese Sweets in Kyoto

🍡 Tsuruya Yoshinobu: Tsuruya Yoshinobu is a traditional Japanese sweet shop that has been in business for over 200 years. The shop is known for its beautiful and delicious wagashi, which are made with high-quality ingredients.

🍡 Tsujiri: Tsujiri is a famous matcha shop that has been in business for over 150 years. The shop is known for its high-quality matcha and matcha sweets, which are a must-try when in Kyoto.

🍡 Gion Kinana: Gion Kinana is a traditional Japanese sweet shop that specializes in ice cream made with high-quality ingredients. The shop is located in Gion, Kyoto’s historic geisha district.

The Top Food Festivals in Kyoto