The charm of Kyoto goes far beyond its historic temples and shrines. As one of Japan’s most iconic traditional cities, Kyoto is a treasure trove of culinary delights, offering a rich food culture and irresistible local specialities. In this article, we’ll introduce you to some must-try dishes and sweets to savour during your visit to Kyoto.
Features of Kyoto’s Local Cuisine
When it comes to Kyoto’s specialities, traditional dishes and wagashi (Japanese sweets) passed down through generations immediately come to mind. As you will expect, Kyoto is the perfect place to indulge in authentic Japanese flavours.
Kyoto’s traditional cuisine is known for its refined yet simple flavours. Many dishes highlight the natural taste of fresh ingredients such as local vegetables and tofu, with attention to beautiful presentation. Seasonal ingredients are a hallmark of Kyoto’s cooking, allowing you to experience the unique atmosphere of each season through your meal.
Kyoto’s Speciality Dishes
Obanzai
Obanzai refers to “Kyoto-style home cooking”, which includes an array of humble yet delicious side dishes made with seasonal vegetables, tofu, and dried foods. These dishes are lightly seasoned to highlight the natural taste of the ingredients, offering a healthy and never-boring dining experience. Obanzai is widely available at restaurants and izakayas, so visitors can easily find this local cuisine.
Yudofu
Yudofu is a simple yet elegant dish made by gently warming tofu in a kombu broth, served with condiments and a special dipping sauce. The area around Nanzen-ji Temple is especially famous for its yudofu establishments. This warming dish is perfect for the winter season, offering a delicate flavour and smooth texture.
Yuba
Yuba is made by skimming off the thin layer that forms on the surface of heated soy milk. Its unique texture and rich soybean flavour can be enjoyed in many forms, such as fresh sashimi-style, fried, or simmered dishes. You can find yuba in speciality shops, izakayas and as part of shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine).
Nishin Soba
Nishin soba is a Kyoto-originated dish that features warm soba noodles topped with sweet and savoury simmered herring fillet. This dish has been cherished for over a century and offers a perfect harmony of the herring’s rich flavour and the soba’s delicate taste. It’s a popular option at soba restaurants in Kyoto, making it an excellent choice for a quick yet satisfying meal during your trip.
Hamo (Pike Conger) Dishes
Hamo, a delicacy of Kyoto during summer, is a premium fish prepared with a unique bone-cutting technique. Popular dishes include hamo no otoshi (lightly boiled hamo served with plum sauce), tempura, and sushi. You’ll find these specialities in high-end restaurants and speciality eateries in areas like Gion and Pontocho, especially during hamo’s peak season.
Kyoto Pickles
Kyoto pickles, or kyotsukemono, are a must-try local treat. Popular varieties include senmaizuke (thinly sliced turnip pickled in sweet vinegar), shibazuke (eggplant and cucumber pickled with shiso), and sugukizuke (a type of lacto-fermented turnip). These pickles pair perfectly with rice or ochazuke (rice with tea) and are also popular as souvenirs.
Kyoto’s Speciality Sweets
Matcha Sweets
Kyoto, particularly Uji City, is renowned as a hub of high-quality matcha production. From matcha parfaits and ice cream to matcha roll cakes, you can enjoy the rich tea flavour and subtle bitterness of matcha. Visit traditional cafes in Kyoto or Uji to experience these authentic treats in their birthplace.
Yatsuhashi
Yatsuhashi is a cinnamon-flavoured Japanese confection made from rice flour. It comes in two types: nama yatsuhashi (soft and often with sweet fillings like sweet bean paste, matcha and fruit) and yaki yatsuhashi (crispy and baked). Both are beloved as souvenirs and delightful local snacks.
Warabi Mochi
Warabi mochi is a jelly-like dessert made from bracken starch, served with kinako (roasted soybean flour) and kuromitsu (black sugar syrup). At famous shops like Gion Tokuya, you can enjoy premium warabi mochi made with domestic bracken starch and wasanbon sugar. This refreshing treat is especially popular in the summer and is widely available in Kyoto’s sweets shops and Japanese-style cafes.
Kyoto is a culinary paradise filled with unique dishes and sweets you won’t find anywhere else. Be sure to taste these local specialities during your visit, whether it’s traditional flavours or modern desserts inspired by Japanese ingredients. Your journey will undoubtedly be a memorable gourmet adventure!
