Japanese love the idea for sightseeing and nibbling on snacks while doing so! Known as “tabearuki,” literally walking while eating, it’s a great way to discover Japanese treats. This time, we introduce a few of our favorites in Asakusa, Tokyo. Most of you will have Sensoji in Asakusa on your list of places to visit in Tokyo, so how about trying some of the most famous snacks from here?
Asakusa Kibi Dango Atsuma (浅草きびだんご あづま)
As you walk through the Nakamise shopping street, this store falls on the left. Kibi Dango is basically a Japanese dumpling made using flour of the kibi grain. It is then covered with kinako (roasted soybean flour) and served on a stick. Green tea is sold for 110 yen.
Cost: 5 for 500 yen
Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/zNa3P4tDv872
Kimura Ningyo-yaki (木村人形焼本店)
Towards the end of Nakamise street, on the right hand side, you will see a man grilling these little pancakes in various shapes. Stuffed with red-bean paste, chocolate, green-bean paste among other choices, these are a perfect snack.
Cost: 7 for 500 yen
Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/iTHUgVnfqA42
Asakusa Kokonoe (浅草九重)
Agemanju are deep fried manju, which are made from flour, buckwheat, rice powder and a filled of red bean paste (anko). This is a specialty of Asakusa and Asakusa Kokonoe offers one of the best agemanju. Look how juicy it is!
Cost: about 120 yen each
Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/4JrsHJdFNKk
Asakusa Menchi (浅草メンチ)
A must-try for all meat lovers. The Asakusa menchi is stuffed with minced meat and deep fried. Since the meat is slightly sweet, it is recommended that you try it as is or with some mustard.
Cost: about 200 yen each
Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/nqe6LYtTpuS2
Asakusa Silk Pudding (浅草シルクプリン)
Known for its softness and as the name suggests, silkiness, you can try this pudding in various flavors at the Testa Rosa Cafe. Many enjoy the green tea one. You can even do a takeaway and enjoy it in bed!
Cost: about 580 yen
Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/5VDV3KzCydz
Asakusa Kagetsudo (浅草花月堂)
Melon Pan or melon-flavored bread has been a popular snack among Japanese. Kagetsudo in Asakusa sells an astounding 1,200 jumbo melon pan (bread) on weekends. Established just after WWII, this shop will make you feel like you've entered an eatery from the Showa era. The melon pan costs just about 200 yen and is crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. A must-try if you go to Sensoji!
Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/59RD3v1TsaH2
Did you enjoy this series? Have you tried Tabearuki?
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