By: Marianne Promentilla
What is it that we think of when someone says Japanese food? The first thing that would enter someone’s mind would most likely be sushi, ramen, or maybe the occasional thoughts of tempura. Although these food are indeed irresistible and a must-have whenever one visits Japan, there are other options that are uncommon but quite exquisite and scrumptious which could be bought without shedding too much Yen from your wallet. These are what the Japanese would address as “street food”. Here are the top 3 street foods that are worth trying that will surely give you a taste of Japan.
1.) Kare-pan
Kare in English means curry while Pan means Bread. Therefore Kare-Pan is curry bread. Curry is a type of okazu — a savory dish that you typically eat with rice. Kare-Pan is indeed a rebel snack for it breaks the tradition by putting the curry inside the bread instead of eating it with rice. The curry is generously stuffed in the middle of the deep-fried, golden bread. What you get is a crunchy outside and the savory aromatic curry on the inside.
2.) Yaki imo
A popular street food in Japan especially during winter season. The word yaki means “to bake” while imo is “sweet potato. The sweet potato is wrapped in an aluminum foil and “baked” under the pile of twigs and fallen leaves that were set on fire. This treat is simple, yet, it is sweet, tasty, and gives the kind of warmth that would comfort you even in the coldest days.
3.) Kakigori
Of course, if there is a popular food for winter, there is also one for summer. One of those is the Kakigori. Kakigori is shaved ice with syrup on top. Popular flavors are strawberry, cherry, lemon, green tea, grape, melon, “blue-Hawaii” sweet plum, and colorless syrup. This dessert is similar to the Filipino dessert called halo-halo.
To wrap things up, the next time you have thoughts of eating in Japan, opt for the streets instead of eating in the typical and/or famous restaurants, you’ll find yourself gaining both rewarding experiences because you managed to go on an adventure on the streets of Japan and finishing the night with a surprisingly happy tummy.