There are so many incredible locations in the world everyone should visit at least once, and Japan is definitely on that list. While there are many reasons to visit Japan, its food scene is near the top of the list for most people.
Japanese cuisine is considered one of the best, and people come from around the world to experience it. The key to exploring cuisine in a new place is not through expensive high-end restaurants but through the local food scene. But Japan is a big country, so it’s best to focus on one city.
And while you may think it is Tokyo, it is, in fact, Kyoto that is considered to be the cultural center of Japan with the best food scene in the entire country. So in this article, we will teach you how to eat like a local in Kyoto.
Don’t skip the research phase.
It may seem like an exciting idea to just travel to a country you have never visited before without any research beforehand. However, it’s the wrong approach if you want to experience the local food scene properly.
It would be best if you did some research before traveling to Kyoto. This way, you’ll be prepared and know how to wisely use your limited time there.
It’s even more important to research if you will be there permanently. Especially if you are doing international moving with kids. Moving to Japan from the US can be stressful, so it’s good to include your kids in the process to make it easier.
Do some research, include your kids, and ask them to help you pick out a restaurant you will visit together when you get there. Learn about the local markets and traditional dishes in Kyoto. Knowing these things is useful for learning to eat like a local and gets kids excited about moving to a new place.
Shop like a local so you can eat like a local in Kyoto.
If you want to eat like a local in Kyoto, you must first shop like a local. The markets are the best place to get a glimpse of locals eating habits. You see what ingredients they buy for everyday meals and what is the most sought-after delicacy. You can also ask vendors to give you a recommendation and help you a little.
Luckily in Kyoto, you won’t spend a lot of time searching for a market as there are many. The biggest market with the best offer of traditional foods and goods is Nishiki market, also called Kyoto’s Kitchen. Here you can truly experience the local food scene in all its glory.
The market takes up almost five blocks, so be prepared to spend a lot of time there. But that’s not the only market you can visit. The Tenjin-san flea market also offers a variety of traditional Japanese food. But unlike Nishiki, this is a monthly market that opens on the 25th of the month.
Ask the locals for advice.
The best way to learn about the eating habits of the locals is to ask them directly. They will be able to give you helpful guidelines and tell you where to buy the food and where to dine out.
Some information simply cannot be found online. Locals can tell you about the hidden gems in the city. Things like where to buy the best meat and where to get the best spices can be priceless when you are in a new city.
Try the street foods.
Sometimes the best meal you ever had won’t come from an expensive three-star Michelin restaurant but from a small street food vendor. There isn’t a better way to eat like a local than to hit the busy streets of Kyoto and try the food there.
The best thing to do is watch what other people are ordering and what vendor is the busiest. It’s best to try everything, but here are some Kyoto Street food you should try:
- Yatsuhashi (a sweet dish made from rice flour, sugar, and cinnamon)
- Wagashi (confectionery made from plant ingredients)
- Takoyaki (dough filled with octopus, onion, and Takoyaki sauce)
- Dango (sweet dumpling made of rice flour)
These are the main ones you have to try, but the street food scene in Kyoto is vibrant, and you will definitely spend a long time tasting all of these tasty dishes.
Do an evening food tour.
An excellent way of exploring the local food scene is doing an evening food tour in Kyoto. And if you have never done a food tour, let us explain what exactly that entails. You will have a local guide who will take you to some of the most important places for the Kyoto food scene. You will visit markets, shops, small restaurants, and everything essential to learning to eat like a local. There, you will try some tasty dishes and learn about their history and cultural significance.
These tours are affordable in Kyoto, so you can enjoy a fun evening eating delicious food at a very reasonable price. This is especially great for those who like visiting new places and eating new food but aren’t very good at doing it on their own.
In conclusion
Learning to eat like a local in Kyoto can be a little tricky. But with some effort and motivation, it can be done. Also, don’t look at it like a difficult task that you have to excel at. Look at it as an adventure. Simply enjoy exploring a new food scene and tasting delicious food.
Never hesitate to ask the locals for help and advice, as they know the city and its cuisine better than anyone. And if you want someone to guide you through it all, you can always book a fun evening food tour and learn about local cuisine.