Kyoto, known for its stunning temples, serene gardens, and rich cultural heritage, is also a food lover’s paradise. This ancient city offers a unique culinary experience that blends tradition with exquisite presentation. Whether you’re seeking traditional kaiseki dining, street food, or something in between, this guide will help you navigate Kyoto’s gastronomic landscape.
1. Kaiseki Dining: The Art of Japanese Haute Cuisine
Kaiseki is Kyoto’s most celebrated culinary tradition, a multi-course meal that showcases seasonal ingredients with meticulous artistry. Each dish is a delicate balance of flavours, colours, and textures.
- Top Kaiseki Spots:
- Kikunoi: A Michelin-starred restaurant that offers an authentic kaiseki experience in a traditional setting.
- Gion Maruyama: Located in the historic Gion district, this restaurant provides a refined kaiseki meal that reflects the essence of Kyoto’s seasons.
2. Tofu Dishes: Celebrating Kyoto’s Staple
Kyoto is famous for its tofu, made with the city’s pure water and high-quality soybeans. Tofu here is elevated to an art form, appearing in various dishes from soups to desserts.
- Must-Try Tofu Restaurants:
- Yudofu Sagano: Located near Arashiyama, this restaurant specializes in yudofu, a simple yet satisfying dish of simmered tofu.
- Okutan: Established over 350 years ago, this traditional eatery near Kiyomizu Temple serves exquisite tofu dishes in a serene, tatami-matted room.
3. Yuba: Delicate Soy Milk Skin
Yuba, the thin layer that forms on top of heated soy milk, is another Kyoto specialty. It can be enjoyed fresh, dried, or as a part of various dishes.
- Where to Try Yuba:
- Kyoto Gontaro: Offers a variety of yuba dishes, including yuba sashimi and yuba donburi, in a classic Kyoto atmosphere.
- Yubasen: A popular spot in Nishiki Market, serving fresh yuba dishes that highlight the delicate flavour and texture of this local delicacy.
4. Shojin Ryori: Buddhist Vegetarian Cuisine
Shojin ryori is a traditional vegetarian cuisine rooted in Zen Buddhism. It emphasises simple, plant-based ingredients and is a reflection of Kyoto’s spiritual heritage.
- Best Shojin Ryori Experiences:
- Shigetsu: Located within Tenryu-ji Temple, this restaurant offers a tranquil dining experience with beautifully prepared vegetarian dishes.
- Ajiro: Near Myoshin-ji Temple, Ajiro serves exquisite shojin ryori that adheres to Buddhist principles, offering a meditative dining experience.
5. Obanzai: Kyoto’s Comfort Food
Obanzai is the term for traditional Kyoto home-cooked dishes. These small, seasonal plates are simple yet bursting with flavour, offering a taste of everyday Kyoto life.
- Obanzai Restaurants to Visit:
- Mimasuya: A cozy restaurant in Pontocho that serves a variety of obanzai dishes, perfect for sharing.
- Mumokuteki Cafe: A modern, vegan-friendly cafe that offers obanzai with a healthy twist, set in a stylish space.
6. Nishiki Market: Kyoto’s Kitchen
No food guide to Kyoto is complete without a visit to Nishiki Market. Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” this lively market offers a wide array of fresh produce, street food, and unique local products.
- Must-Try Treats at Nishiki Market:
- Taiyaki: A fish-shaped pastry filled with sweet red bean paste, perfect for a quick snack.
- Dashimaki Tamago: A savory Japanese omelet made with dashi (soup stock), offering a taste of Kyoto’s culinary tradition.
- Pickled Vegetables: Kyoto is famous for its tsukemono (pickled vegetables), and Nishiki Market is the ideal place to sample a variety.
7. Green Tea and Sweets: A Match Made in Kyoto
Kyoto is also famous for its green tea, particularly matcha, which is used in both tea ceremonies and as an ingredient in various sweets.
- Top Spots for Tea and Sweets:
- Tsujiri: A historic tea shop in Gion, renowned for its high-quality matcha and matcha-flavoured desserts.
- Nakamura Tokichi: In Uji, near Kyoto, this shop offers a serene setting to enjoy matcha parfaits, ice cream, and traditional tea ceremonies.
8. Yudofu in Arashiyama: A Hotpot Delight
Arashiyama, known for its bamboo grove, is also famous for yudofu, a hotpot dish featuring silky tofu simmered in a light broth, often enjoyed in a serene garden setting.
- Top Yudofu Restaurants in Arashiyama:
- Seiryoji: This peaceful restaurant offers a yudofu set meal, allowing you to savor this Kyoto specialty while overlooking a beautiful garden.
- Sagano Yudofu: Located near the Togetsukyo Bridge, this eatery provides a tranquil spot to enjoy yudofu with stunning views of Arashiyama.
9. Kyo-Kaiseki in Ryokan: The Ultimate Kyoto Experience
For an immersive experience, stay at a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) that offers kyo-kaiseki, a Kyoto-style kaiseki meal, typically served in your room.
- Notable Ryokan for Kyo-Kaiseki:
- Tawaraya: One of Kyoto’s most prestigious ryokan, offering an exceptional kyo-kaiseki experience in an elegant, historic setting.
- Hoshinoya Kyoto: A luxury ryokan by the Katsura River, blending traditional kaiseki with modern culinary techniques.
10. Street Food in Gion: An Evening Adventure
As night falls, the Gion district comes alive with street vendors offering a variety of Kyoto’s best-loved snacks.
- Street Food Favorites:
- Yaki Dango: Grilled rice dumplings served with a sweet soy sauce glaze, a classic Kyoto street food.
- Korokke: Japanese croquettes, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, often filled with mashed potatoes or minced meat.
Kyoto’s culinary scene is a journey through the heart of Japanese culture, which is best explored with my personal favourite Japanese food tour company, Ninja Food Tours.
As you stroll through the serene streets of this ancient city, my friendly and personable guide, Chica, led me to hidden gems and cherished local eateries, each offering a unique taste of Kyoto’s rich food culture. With her deep knowledge and infectious enthusiasm, she introduced me to an array of delicacies, all while sharing fascinating stories about Kyoto’s culinary history.
I love Ninja Food Tours, and Kyoto is, quite frankly, one of the best food scenes in the whole of Japan. I can’t wait to return.
