Festival food is undoubtedly one of the many things to appreciate at Japanese matsuri (festivals). There are numerous food stands at several Japanese festivals, each offering something unique. Some of the food you encounter may be strange to you, but worry not: we've put up a valuable list of matsuri foods to help you navigate Japan's festival cuisine!
Taiyaki
The Japanese street snack taiyaki is well-known. They're fish-shaped cakes filled with red bean paste, although they can also have sweet potato, custard, or chocolate fillings. Taiyaki is made on a special pan that looks like a waffle maker but has a precise fish-shaped mould that gives it its distinctive look.
Okonomiyaki
Okonomiyaki is a delicious Japanese pancake with a unique sauce on the side. Bonito (fish) flakes, shredded cabbage, green onion, and pork are some of the most typical toppings. However, okonomiyaki illustrates that pancakes may be enjoyed in more ways than just maple syrup.
Dango
Dango is a sweet Japanese dumpling that resembles mochi but is composed of rice flour rather than rice. They're typically served on a skewer with a sweet soy sauce coating. Dango is an excellent Japanese celebration cuisine because of its simplicity, and it can be changed to meet different seasons and themes. Food colouring or natural colourants like matcha can be used to colour the dough, and different glazes can alter the flavour.
Wataame
Wataame is Japanese cotton candy, and it's just as popular with kids as it is in the United States (but you shouldn't let your age stop you from enjoying this delectable treat!). Wataame is often delivered on a stick straight from the machine or in a bag with popular manga characters.
Crepes
Japanese crepes are made the same way as typical French crepes but are thinner and more delicate. They're served in a cone in Japan, loaded with fruit, jam, custard, ice cream, and whipped cream. Although sweet crepes are the most popular, savoury crepes are also available.
Yakitori
Yakitori is skewered grilled chicken made from various chicken parts, including wings, thighs, breasts, skin, liver, and even cartilage. Don't worry if you're a little concerned about eating cartilage; you can choose which type of yakitori you want. Yakitori is a hearty and popular Japanese festival snack covered in either a salty sauce or a sweet and salty sauce.
Kakigori
Kakigori is a Japanese shaved ice delicacy similar to snow cones in the United States. They're sweetened and flavoured with various syrups, and they're the perfect way to chill off at a Japanese summer event.
Jaga Bata
A basic grilled or baked potato with butter is known as jaga bata. While Jaga bata's packaging isn't as appealing as other Japanese street cuisines, it demonstrates that appearances aren't everything. As a result, people keep coming back for Jaga bata, a traditional Japanese comfort meal.
There you have it, the best Japanese festive food that you will adore and savour throughout.